JIL SANDER TEAMS UP WITH BIRKENSTOCK ON FOOTWEAR

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Jil Sander and Birkenstock are teaming up for their first collaborative project. In a collection conceived by Jil Sander creative directors Lucie and Luke Meier, the unisex shoes and sandals for Jil Sander+ blend the sense of luxury, comfort, and design of the fashion brand with the signature Birkenstock silhouette.

The result of the combined effort are four different models; three of them radical redesigns of classic Birkenstock styles and one, a completely new design development. Balancing construction with Birkenstock’s DNA and know-how, the Meiers have found a synthesis, an edge, between purpose and design, giving a different spirit to sandals that have become contemporary icons.

The three existing models, the Arizona, Milano, and the Berlin, are all reimagined, sporting an exaggerated silhouette with a rounded, wider, and higher profile and larger outsoles. The palette is clear, graphic, and natural: cream, olive and black. Enlarged and elongated, the straps, in pure, raw-edged calfskin or suede simultaneously add a rougher and softer feel to the sandals. The redesigned buckles are thinner, in precious satin nickel.

The new Velan model is a reinvention of the Berlin closed-toe sandal, with a soft Nappa strap to wrap around the ankles.

‘We chose to work with Jil Sander, believing in the new interpretation of Lucie and Luke Meier,” said Oliver Reichert, CEO of Birkenstock. “In our view, they have given this important brand relevance and authenticity. Together we achieved what we always strive for – real newness and product innovation.”

“We have worn Birkenstocks for as long as we can remember,” added Lucie and Luke Meier. “They are comfortable to wear, but also comforting. They have been with us in some remarkable places, from camping in the Canadian wilderness to sitting fireside in the Swiss Alps. However, the quality and integrity of Birkenstock is what convinced us to work with them.”

The collection will be available at jilsander.com, 1774.com, and mytheresa.com exclusively for one week from July 1st, then at select retailers and Jil Sander stores worldwide from July 8th.

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