A LONG-TERM EDUCATION PROJECT WITH CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS ENCOMPASSING RESEARCH AND DESIGN.

In 2018 Birkenstock invited the students of the CSM BA Fashion History Theory course to visit its archive in the US, Italy, Japan and Germany. Each research trip enabled students to extract and define the core elements of Birkenstocks history spanning over 250 years.

The one-year long research resulted in a second project, where the CSM MA Fashion course was invited to produce their contemporary interpretation of an iconic style of the heritage German brand.

Zhangs pillowlike version of the Arizona sandal takes inspiration from futuristic outerwear and oversized puffers. As an homage to comfort, this cosy style transforms the Arizona into a supportive, timeless classic. Its monochrome, contrasting color choice of snow-white straps and black sole and vice versa fortifies the long-lasting design approach.

• Anatomically shaped BIRKENSTOCK cork-latex footbed, fully covered with smooth premium nappa leather
• Upper padded smooth leather
• Footbed lining nappa leather
• Sole EVA
• Details individually adjustable hook-and-loop fasteners
• Special silver branded heelcup of the footbed