Shoes, what a concept, after a year of barefoot work from
home! They come in a wide variety of shapes and even heels. Who will say that?
Jokes aside, the world seems to be ready to put on shoes again, or, as the
legendary words of Paolo Nutini say: "Hey, I put on new shoes, and
suddenly everything is fine." At FashionUnited, we've rounded up a number
of shoe brands to prepare for an apparel renaissance that is sure to make
everything - or at least some things - right.
Alessandra
Balbi
Alessandra Balbi is an independent luxury footwear brand
based in Milan, founded in 2017 by designer Alessandra Balbi, architect of the
Polytechnic Institute of Milan and economist at the University of Siena. She
studied shoe design at London College of Fashion and worked for several years
as an interior designer and architect for Giorgio Armani. Alessandra Balbi
decided to launch her eponymous indulgence footwear brand and channel her
experience into a product that reflects the most feminine and authentic sides
of her personality. The shoes are based on your previous experience and are
handcrafted in the Veneto region. In addition, sustainability plays a very
important role in the company's values: "
Marcell
Marsèll was founded in 2001. Each piece is handcrafted by
experienced men and women at the Marcella workshop in the Riviera del Brenta
area near Venice, Italy. Knowledge and creativity are fundamental to brand
values, and Marsèll has actively supported young artists since its inception
through Marsèlleria, an interdisciplinary exhibition space that plays a
fundamental role in the brand's communication strategy. For over ten years, the
non-profit project has held exhibitions, performances and various art projects,
paying tribute to the maximum freedom of expression in its authenticity.
Marcella Shoes is the focus of research on transcending tradition within the
counterculture deconstruction movement.
The
university
American shoe brand College Moccasin was started in the
1940s and is celebrating a resurgence in 2020 with Luca Baldan bringing a new
street style to the iconic brand. The famous X on the top of the shoe makes it
recognizable. Totally “Made in Italy”, College moccasins are handcrafted items
that go through many stages of hand-crafting, such as patient hand-sewing and
knotting. When the shoe is finished, the upper is hand-painted, each X is
unique with few differences from the others. The outsole is made of leather
with an exclusive "X" embedded in the rubber for better traction and
a stitched Blake dot. “We think of them more than classics, as things that
never go out of style.
Birkenstock and Proenza Schouler present the second
edition of their collaboration with a new unisex capsule collection that
focuses on original designs through experimentation with color.
With a common passion for form and function, the collection
is inspired by the mix of utilitarian workwear and athletic footwear. Made
from polished specchio calfskin, the models feature velcro closures instead of
metal buckles and are finished with contrasting industrial stitching that
revamps Birkenstock's classic Arizona and Milano sandals.
The collaboration features iconic Proenza Schouler sandals in
vibrant cobalt blue, rustic burgundy, and neutral tones like black and beige. A
range of transition colors intended to be used from late summer to early fall.
“We are charmed to expand our partnership with Birkenstock. Birkenstock
and Proenza Schouler share a common respect and admiration for the
craftsmanship and attention to detail that are integral to all of our products. We
are happy to continue where we left off and expand the collection with these
color combinations so fresh, current and faithful to our brand, "said Jack
McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, creators of Proenza Schouler, in an official
statement.
The campaign for this reissue of Birkenstock and Proenza
Schouler has been carried out by photographer Collier Schorr and starring New
York singer-songwriter King Princess.
The assembly is now available at 1774.com,
proenzaschouler.com and select Birkenstock, Proenza Schouler and multi-brand
stores around the world.