BIRKENSTOCK, the cult German footwear company and the iconic New York fashion brand, Proenza Schouler, are pleased to announce an upcoming in-depth, unisex collaboration. Inspired by the BIRKENSTOCK core ingredients of quality and function, Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez add their uniquely New York point of view to two iconic Birkenstock styles.
The collaboration features the iconic Arizona and Milano styles, reinterpreted with Proenza Schouler’s unique brand codes. Inspired by utilitarian workwear and athletic footwear, the shoes feature Velcro closures in place of hardware buckles and are finished with industrial contrast topstitching to further refine the classic sandals while maintaining their traditional form and functionality. The collaboration features a timeless palette of black, white, ochre, and silver, and is rendered in polished, specchio calf leather derived from past and present Proenza Schouler collections.
“BIRKENSTOCK thrives on innovation and challenges that talents like Proenza Schouler bring to our products. Achieving the balance between respecting our core principles and values, whilst delivering new design propositions is what we look for in our partnerships.” – Oliver Reichert, CEO, Birkenstock.
For this special partnership, BIRKENSTOCK and Proenza Schouler have enlisted Juergen Teller and Peter Miles as creative collaborators. For the launch, a 3-dimensional visual concept will be designed that embodies both the artistic approach of the designers’ process as well as the timelessness and elevated craftmanship of the BIRKENSTOCK manufacturing heritage.
“We are excited to be partnering with BIRKENSTOCK as we have been longtime admirers and devotees of the brand. We are also thrilled to be working on this exciting venture alongside Juergen and Peter. BIRKENSTOCK and Proenza Schouler both share a common respect and admiration for the craftsmanship and detailed work that goes into all of our products, and we are excited to celebrate these all-important qualities in our collaboration.” – Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, Designers and Founders, Proenza Schouler.
The collection will be available at select retailers worldwide in February 2020.
Preview Image: Photography Juergen Teller - Art direction Peter Miles