On the night of the 2019 Academy Awards in Los Angeles, the Oscar winning actress Frances McDormand wore a Valentino Haute Couture creation with an exclusive, one of a kind, Arizona sandal, designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli and Frances McDormand and produced by BIRKENSTOCK.

"My aesthetic perception has always allowed gentle contrasts, as the one between a Haute Couture gown and a casual sandal may appear to be. I see no contradiction in this, no contrast nor oxymoron. Beauty reflects the complexity of life and what makes it interesting is its ability to mix comedy and drama, night and day, silk and leather. I see no better muse than Frances to interpret this idea, she is intelligent and brave, her image is full of substance. Birkenstock, with whom I share this experience, is a synonym for universality, a symbol of freedom and an unrivaled inclusivity testimonial. I could not be luckier to have such great traveling companions with me," explains Pierpaolo Piccioli, Creative Director Maison Valentino.

"Last year, while swanning on the grand staircase at the Met Gala, by invitation of Pier Paolo Piccioli of the House of Valentino, a spark ignited in me. I have always followed fashion and had a secret desire to find a way to express my knowledge and appreciation for it. When given the chance to lend my enthusiasm and experience to the collaboration of a particular item of fashion there was only one answer for me: Birkenstock’s Arizona two strap sandal. I have worn these sandals for most of my adult life. They have literally formed me physically and philosophically. All that I desired was to have a pair in my favorite color: acid yellow. And now they exist! The spark caught fire and there’s no going back," says Frances McDormand.

"Few others stand for the independent spirit like Frances McDormand – we are honored to count her among the Birkenstock global family and have the utmost respect for the genuine integrity of her work," states BIRKENSTOCK CEO Oliver Reichert.

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Photos: © Joel Cohen