Birkenstock Collaborations: Manolo Blahnik, Rick Owens and Other Reimagined Classics
Birkenstock, the German shoe manufacturer known for its sandals and other popular shoes, has had several successful collaborations with other brands that challenged their ingenuity and stretched their imagination.
Partnering with educational facilities like Central Saint Martins and contemporary brands like Toogood, Birkenstock has allowed their most popular silhouettes to be reimagined using the aesthetics, brand identities and creative visions of other influential names in the fashion space. These collaborations have led to some of the brand’s most iconic footwear products and fan-favorite releases.
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Ahead, FN recaps some of Birkenstock’s most innovative collaborations to date.
Birkenstock x BAPE, 2008
Birkenstock collaborated with Japanese label A Bathing Ape (BAPE) on four new printed pairs of Arizona sandals in 2008. The classic silhouette was printed in a traditional camouflage pattern in black, blue, green and gray colorways. The print and colors chosen were an intentional choice as they are synonymous with A Bathing Ape’s brand identity.
Birkenstock x Rick Owens, 2019
For his second collaboration with Birkenstock in 2019, American designer Rick Owens designed a collection of shoes that, in his own words, “explores ambiguity.” Birkenstock’s Rotterdam sandal was reimagined with a hook and loop fastener while the Rotterhiker slip boot was refinished with a shorter tongue. Additionally, other textural, colorful and silhouette changes were made to amplify the designer’s voice through the brand’s classic collection.
Birkenstock x Central Saint Martins, 2020
Birkenstock collaborated with the London art school Central Saint Martins in 2018 on some student-designed iterations of the brand’s best-selling silhouettes. After Birkenstock invited the students of the CSM BA Fashion History & Theory course to visit the brand’s archive in the US, Italy, Japan and Germany, each student produced a contemporary interpretation of an iconic style.
Birkenstock x Proenza Schouler, 2020
Birkenstock collaborated with luxury fashion brand Proenza Schouler on a new leather iteration of their classic Arizona sandal in 2020. The shoe, which features polished calf leather along with a hook and loop closure, was inspired by utilitarian workwear and athletic footwear. According to Birkenstock, “Proenza Schouler kept the integrity of Birkenstock’s iconic design while injecting urbanism and luxe.”
Birkenstock x Valentino Garavani, 2020
Following their first collaboration, which was unveiled at Valentino’s Paris runway show in January 2019, Birkenstock partnered with the luxury brand in 2020 for a new take on the fan-favorite Arizona sandal. The sandal was redesigned to feature a large-scale camouflage print and branded text detail. The newly imagined sandals were released in three contrasting tones including military green, vibrant yellow and gray.
Birkenstock x Toogood, 2021
Birkenstock collaborated with contemporary British brand Toogood in 2021 on three new sandal styles. According to Birkenstock, “With their refined shapes and organic feel the collection brings together the core brand strengths of function and sculptural design to all aspects of daily life.” The new silhouettes, the Forager, the Mudlark and the Beachcomber, were released in natural and tactile materials which include felt, canvas and leather in shades of cream, gray, black and yellow.
Birkenstock x Jill Sander
Birkenstock collaborated with minimalist designer brand Jill Sander in 2021 on three existing silhouettes. The redesigned Arizona, Milano and Berlin sandals feature a wider, rounded and higher profile in black, thinner buckles in precious satin nickel and straps in raw-edged calfskin and suede. Additionally, a newly designed model, the Velan, was released as a reinvention of the Berlin closed-toe sandal with a soft nappa strap to wrap around the ankles.
Birkenstock x Manolo Blahnik, 2022
Birkenstock collaborated with upscale women’s footwear designer Manolo Blahnik in 2022 to transform several classic styles from the core collection. According to Birkenstock, the brand invited Manolo Blahnik to bring “his vivid energy and refined approach to a new audience.” Designed with rich detail and elegant adornments, Manolo Blahnik made their mark on the Birkenstock Arizona sandals and Boston clogs.
Birkenstock x Dior, 2022
Birkenstock collaborated with French fashion house Dior on new iterations of the Toki mules and Milano sandals for their fall 2022 runway show. Redesigned with soft suede and felt, rubber soles and industrial buckles, the shoes emulated accents typically found on the Dior Saddle bag. One pair even featured floral embroidery stitched across the shoe’s front.
Birkenstock x Stussy, 2023
Birkenstock collaborated with American fashion house Stüssy in 2023 on a newly designed Solana sandal silhouette. According to Birkenstock, “The new Solana is a harmonious marrying of the two brands’ distinctive aesthetics and style.” The sandal was crafted with soft suede, available in caramel brown and lime green, and lined inside with a fuzzy shearling.
Birkenstock x The Great, 2023
Birkenstock collaborated with L.A.-based casual Americana brand The Great in 2023 on hand-painted iterations of two classic silluettes. Neutral colors of Birkenstock’s suede Boston clogs and Arizona sandals were adorned with colorful paint splatters in red, blue, yellow, green and white. The resulting print is replicated across other The Great items including their Slouchy Sweatshirt, allowing consumers to match their pieces to each other.
Birkenstock x Tekla, 2023
Birkenstock collaborated with Tekla Fabrics in 2023 on a new collection of, according to Birkenstock, “thoughtful footwear and sleepwear, made for moments of comfort.” The shoes, released in a range of exciting and saturated new colors, were designed to embody the intimacy and familiarity of home. The collaborated Birkenstock Nagoya and Uji mules feature elongated straps and a plush shearling-wrapped footbed.
Birkenstock x Fear of God, 2023
Birkenstock collaborated with independent American luxury fashion label Fear of God in 2023 on an exclusive pair of Los Feliz sandals. According to Birkenstock, the shoe’s design “fuses Fear of God’s sophisticated aesthetic with Birkenstock’s orthopedic craftsmanship.” Released in a neutral palette, the collection is the first of its kind to be released for both adults and kids.
Birkenstock Collaborations Through the Years
Launch Gallery: Birkenstock Collaborations Through the Years
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