German-based comfort brand Birkenstock has linked with Jil Sander creative directors and married couple Lucie and Luke Meier on a collection of sandals reinterpreting the Arizona, Milano and the Berlin styles and a new silhouette called the Velan. Built on the existing Berlin clog silhouette, the Velan features soft nappa leather ankle straps.
Commenting on the collaboration, Birkenstock CEO Oliver Reichert said, “We chose to work with Jil Sander, believing in the new interpretation of Lucie and Luke Meier. In our view, they have given this important brand relevance and authenticity. Together we achieved what we always strive for, real newness and product innovation.”
Prior to Jil Sander, Luke was a lead designer at Supreme and a co-founder of OAMC, a menswear label. Lucie’s design resume is stacked with luxury labels including Dior, Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton.
Jil Sander was purchased by Only the Brave from the Japanese company Onward in March 2021 and is part of a roster of labels including Maison Margiela, Marni, Viktor & Rolf, Amiri, and Diesel. The Meiers were appointed creative directors of the label in 2017, not long after founder Jil Sander had departed the label for a third time.
Priced from $475-$740, Birkenstock and Jil Sander’s collaborative capsule will launch on July 1, 2021 at jilsander.com, 1774.com and mytheresa.com. The collection will launch at Jil Sander stores and select stores globally on July 8th.
