BIRKENSTOCK X CSM

Birkenstock has transformed the footwear industry for almost 2 and half centuries guided by the notion function and quality as the forefront for all its product in all categories. Making them one the leading global lifestyle brands in the world. The sixth-generation family-run business gave life to the term “footbed” back in the 1910’s which is a renown term used and understood by consumers to this very day — as synonym for outstanding comfort while walking and standing.

This season, they’ve launched a 2-year project that was in the making since 2018 in partnership with world-renowned arts and design college Central Saint Martins, as part of University of the Arts London (UAL). They provide the learnings and approach in various combinations across art, design, and performance, making this institute alive with different ways of thinking, making and doing. Not to mention, it’s been the foundation for many of today’s biggest fashion household names such as Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh, John Gallian, and Riccardo Tisci to name a few. The launch included 4 designs and Birkenstock’s first-ever Archive style with the BA Fashion History & Theory and MA fashion courses.

Initiated in 2018, the project saw the CSM BA Fashion History & Theory course research and enrich Birkenstock’s prolific archive. Enabling students to immerse into Birkenstock’s culture and legacy to finally extract and define the core elements of Birkenstock’s history spanning over 250 years. The result of this research translated into a second project with the MA Fashion course. Inviting students to give their interpretation of emblematic styles in their contemporary way, thus shaping the future of the iconic German brand. A year later, 12 industry leaders led by Birkenstock CEO Oliver Reichert, MA Fashion Course Director Fabio Piras and fashion critic Sarah Mower MBE, were invited by Birkenstock to review all student portfolios and chose 10 finalists. With over a year of product development, 4 of the student designs have qualified for serial production. Each design has the student’s name embossed in the iconic Birkenstock footbed. See the designs below!