Rick Owens, aka “the Godfather of brutal chic,” is teaming up with German footwear company Birkenstock for an upcoming collaboration set to drop in March.
The designer, whose made a name for himself creating stylish, rather industrial-like wares and furniture that straddle the line between goth and medieval, has apparently brought that kind of inspiration to the once-popular German sandal company, reinterpreting three classic styles from Birkenstock’s lately dated roster with unique materials like full-grain leather, felt, and even pony hair. And if the teaser images are any indication, you can expect to see plenty of dark, monochromatic shades and colors typical of the designer’s favorite color palette.
Speaking of the unlikely collaboration, Owens said: “I agree with the values Birkenstock has promoted all along—steady longevity and personal well being. And being able to combine our aesthetics with this project together in LA feels really satisfying.”
The LA mention is in reference to the collaboration’s debut, which will take place as part of a traveling mobile pop-up space in front of Owens’ La Brea store beginning with a private launch even on April 17th, followed by a public opening from April 18th to the 21st. Dubbed “The Birkenstock Box,” the pop-up shop will feature additional sandals and shoes from Birkenstock’s main line alongside select Rick Owens clothing and accessories. For those who can’t wait until then, you can start pre-ordering items from the collaboration on April 2nd and begin purchasing them April 17th via both Rick Owens and Birkenstock.
