BIRKENSTOCK RELEASES COLLECTION, BED WITH TOOGOOD
Birkenstock’s first collaboration with British contemporary brand Toogood draws upon the shared values of the two distinct brands. Bringing together their core strengths of function and sculptural design to all aspects of daily life – walking, wearing, living, and sleeping.
The foundation of the collection sees a re-sculpting of classic Birkenstock footwear styles, lent an organic feel via a signature palette of materials including canvas, felt, and suede. The process of designing the sandals’ new cuts and puffy forms, saw Toogood’s team developing shapes from a series of handmade sculptures made in the studio.
The three sandal styles for men and women – the Forager, the Mudlark, and the Beachcomber – draw inspiration from the idea of “objets trouvés,” fragments of the past unearthed for collection and display.
To accompany the footwear there is a complementary capsule collection of workwear and accessories, characterized by sculptural forms and fluid silhouettes. The neutral palette of black, white, and grey, with a shot of yellow in the shoes, echoes the monochrome canvas coats of Toogood’s first collection, accentuating the focus on shape, cut, and texture. The act of re-cutting the Birkenstock sandal is highlighted throughout the capsule collection in prints which incorporate the pattern shapes of the sandals into bold, graphic designs.
“Birkenstock and Toogood is a combination of genuine craftmanship and uncompromising quality,” said Oliver Reichert, CEO of Birkenstock. “The unique take and talent of Faye Toogood creates a whole new version of our iconic designs. We look forward to seeing what is the next level of functional design.”
“To collaborate with such an iconic brand as Birkenstock has been an incredibly rewarding experience and one that marks an important moment in Toogood’s growth,” added Faye Toogood, founder of Toogood. “For me, Birkenstock represents comfort and timeless, recognisable, sculptural form – all qualities I admire and strive for. Talking with Mr. Reichert, I found we shared so many values from high quality materials to manufacture. The opportunity to extend our partnership beyond shoes to clothing and a bed, brought a truly holistic approach to the design of the collections, reflecting the way I think and work – without boundaries.”
Deepening the collaboration, Birkenstock and Toogood have created a new bed, combining Birkenstock’s expertly constructed sleep system and Toogood’s distinctive design approach.
Taking inspiration from the original Birkenstock footbed this unique bed design applies Birkenstock’s health-promoting principles for walking and standing to lying and sleeping. Bringing to the world of sleep the level of functionality that Birkenstock is famous for.
Puffy layers of canvas and leather upholstery create a soft form, which sits on a cork base with the signature Birkenstock natural mattress and slatted frame incorporated within. The headboard and top surround are upholstered in cream leather, embracing its natural texture. The bed will be available upon request, exclusively at 1774.com.
The shoe collection will launch on 1774.com and t-o-o-g-o-o-d.com this month, with worldwide distribution thereafter.
In addition, selected retailers worldwide including t-o-o-g-o-o-d.com and matchesfashion.com will launch with a complimentary clothing collection of workwear and accessories for men and women.
