That’s it, this summer you also gave in to the call of Birkenstock, “That horrible German tourist sandal” as you called it a few years ago. During your paid vacation, you didn’t take off your Arizona (the model with two wide straps with an adjustable buckle), your Madrid (the one-strap version that looks like old-fashioned nurse sandals), or your Gizeh (between your toes). thong style). But if your feet have finally married the “anatomical” shape of the famous cork sole, you’re wondering if it’s really wise to continue this holiday love affair.
So, it’s true that there is a dress code for leisure and the office, and although recently men have ditched the tie and women the skirts, we don’t show up at work in shorts or sarongs. But if manicures and threadbare espadrilles aren’t recommended, Birk (their nickname) deserves further investigation, as their status goes beyond weekend or remote tap dancing (their sales exploded during the lockdowns).
“Orthopedic shoes”
Let us make it clear in advance that the equality of women and men has not yet reached the field of open shoes. Historically, it is considered too exotic or beatnik to wear these gentlemen who do not want, especially in a professional context, to open their toes out of shame for poorly kept legs or, on the contrary, too well-groomed, which will harm their abundance. However, for those who dive, as for women in general, there is no other choice than to present a flawless pedicure, a sign of impeccable hygiene.
Another prerequisite for the open space, Birkenstocks do not tolerate any sign of neglect, they must be in perfect condition (soles in good condition, waxed leather and buckles shiny as a penny), even if it means buying a pair on the butt. to school inspections school.
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Last but not least, it’s useful to counterbalance their slightly austere aesthetic (which some find tacky) with a rather sophisticated urban outfit. Aside from a tan and a few cute bracelets bought on vacation, it’s best to limit holiday leftovers. Or even drown the fish with a school haircut, which shows that we have truly mourned the summer, ready to take on new professional challenges.
Despite these precautions, if a partner still dares to criticize or joke about you “orthopedic shoes”, explain to him why the Birkenstock is a seminal piece of 20th century designe century and an example of 21st century entrepreneurshipe century. Therefore, you should know that the origin of the brand dates back to 1896 and Konrad Birkenstock’s invention of a flexible insole that hugs the arch of the foot, the “Fussbett” (foot bed, in VF).
The company then experienced a turning point in 1964 when Karl Birkenstock created the first sandal with a sole, the Madrid. Many models will follow, but never lose the original formula: production in Germany, the use of mainly natural materials (cork, jute, leather, etc.), respect for the environment to the point of being fashionable (in the glue formula that changed in 1988) and a design to repair them easily for:
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Hippies from Bernard Arnault
Comfort, local production and durability (unlike these last two criteria, most sneakers) wouldn’t be enough if Birks didn’t have a fashionable aura. However, if they seduced hippies in the 1970s, Americans on the goget in the following decade, and health and outdoor activity professionals for a long time, it was not until 1990 that photographer Corinne Day made them a cult, immortalizing them at home. Kate Moss’ legs for a first appearance in the magazine (in this case: The face)
Since then, grunge-loving teenagers have fallen in love with these ‘androgynous’ sandals, aimed at both sexes; they were to shoes what Calvin Klein’s CK One was to perfume. Some of these young people would then become influential fashion designers like Phoebe Philo, Raf Simons and Hedi Slimane who would make themselves cool by wearing them or, better yet, taking inspiration from them (for the most part) in their collections.
This is how Birk became a fashion item. Even luxury products, because in 2021 Bernard Arnault bought the German company through his family holding, to everyone’s surprise. Yes, luxury doesn’t always mean stratospheric prices, as the leather Arizona costs €90. On the other hand, the limited edition models created in collaboration with designers and brands such as Rick Owens, Manolo Blahnik and currently Dior, with their more sophisticated designs and materials, are significantly higher.
Finally, the other question that may concern you when the thermometer drops is whether you can wear socks in your Birks. But this is another story.
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Source: Le Figaro
