Brooklyn-based design collection MSCHF have announced plans to release a Birkinstock (that’s Birkenstock with an “i”) sandal made from repurposed Hermès Birkin bags. Taking inspiration from Birk’s Arizona silhouette, the shoes are priced at $34,000-$76,000, a range dependent on the size of the shoe and the leather used.
MSCHF bought four Birkin bags using four different leathers: porosus crocodile in burgundy or white plus taurillon clemence and ostrich in black. In addition to gold vermeil buckles, the shoes are co-branded with Birkinstock (using the Birkenstock font) and the Hermès horse and carriage motif.
The bags used to create the comfy sandals were purchased via a resale sites for about $122,500. MSCHF also purchased some cheaper copies to practice with. According to the NY Times, two leather workshops in Brooklyn chose not to assist with the project because they were put off by the idea of cutting up a perfectly good Birkin bag.
Three pairs of the shoes have already been sold. Future (real name Nayvadius Cash) bought a pair (below), as did Kehlani (real name Kehlani Parrish) along with an anonymous art collector. MSCHF plans to keep one of the shoes, leaving just four-to-six available to buy.
Founded in 2016, MSCHF release something, whether a concept or an item, every second and fourth Monday of the month. Drops have ranged from performative pieces like paying people to criticize companies like Amazon, Facebook, Tesla, to releasing actual merchandise like the Birkin Birkenstock.
MSCHF first turned heads with its “Jesus Shoe,” a Nike Air Max 97 sneaker released in October 2019 whose soles were filled with holy water. In spring of last year, MSCHF released 88 Holes,” a Damien Hirst spot-filled painting with all the spots cut out and sold separately.
If you’re interested in purchasing one of the remaining Birken Birkenstock sandals, you can send an inquiry on birkenstock.shoes. All purchases are final.
