Barneys takes up sustainable footwear
15/06/2009
Footwear brand Keds has joined forces with Loomstate, a design house dedicated to using organic cotton in its products, to produce a new green shoe collection for Barneys New York.
The collection includes five prints based on the Keds Champion, priced at $75 a pair, each made from 100% certified organic uppers and linings, nickel free eyelets and 100% recycled insole boards.
“It could not be more perfect timing to bring into the fashion forefront the rich, classic, American heritage that Keds initiated in 1916,” said Julie Gilhart, senior vice president and fashion director of Barneys New York. “Mixing the tradition of Keds with the new stylish, organic culture of Loomstate makes for an amazing project and a perfect collaboration."
The new footwear collection is also philanthropic with a percentage of proceeds donated to The Organic Exchange through 1% For The Planet. The mission of The Organic Exchange is to deliver sustained environmental, economic and social benefits through expansion of organic agriculture.
“The Keds Champion epitomises timeless function and was born out of smart industrial minds; it’s an honour to apply our nature-inspired prints and organic cotton commitment to this cool, iconic American classic,” said Scott Mackinlay Hahn of Loomstate at the launch of the new collection.
The Keds Champion is recognised in the casual and sports footwear sector as being the first sneaker.
Share this story:
