Birkenstock celebrates 250 remarkable years of shoemaking tradition

Birkenstock, a global icon of purpose and craftsmanship, celebrates 250 years of shoemaking tradition. From its humble beginnings in a small workshop to becoming a worldwide phenomenon, Birkenstock's journey reflects a rich heritage and cultural significance. Over the decades, the brand has not only influenced subcultures but also inspired top designers and resonated with people globally.

 

 

Marking this milestone, Birkenstock hosted an event in Bengaluru India, highlighting the brand's dedication to quality and artistry. One of the highlights was the “WALK THIS WAY" exhibition by H. Leutwyler, which travelled from Germany and vividly conveyed the essence and milestones of Birkenstock's two-and-a-half-century legacy. Set to be displayed in more than 25 locations worldwide, including Tokyo, Paris, Bali, São Paulo, Melbourne, London, Shanghai, and Munich, the exhibition showcases the brand's influence over the years.

 

A special Hourglass Exhibition featured the brand’s earliest footwear models, archival tools, Birkenstock shoe lasts, which later led to the discovery of the Birkenstock footbed, designs, literature and documents from the brand’s inception days and collaborative designs with luxury brands—offering a glimpse into Birkenstock’s fascinating journey.

 

One particularly memorable exhibit was the display of Steve Jobs' original Arizona sandals, a testament to the brand’s enduring quality and timelessness. Presented for the first time in India, these sandals became a symbol of Birkenstock's global reach and influence. 

Adding to the visual feast was a Sand Art show, celebrating the brand’s 250 years of tradition in shoemaking. Through captivating storytelling, the art highlighted key moments in Birkenstock's history, leaving audiences in awe of the legacy the brand has built over the centuries.

 

 

The unveiling of the Fall-Winter 2024 collection, featuring new colours, buckles, materials, and designs, excited attendees, and demonstrated Birkenstock’s seamless blend of comfort and elegance. This collection is now available in stores and online across India.

Another celebration of the brand’s history is the highly-anticipated ‘The Book of Birkenstock’, a 688-page publication co-designed by the acclaimed Munich-based agency Bureau Borsche and co-published by Steidl Publishers from Göttingen, Germany. The book takes readers on a captivating visual journey through the brand's archives, featuring never-before-seen advertisements, original photographs, iconic campaigns, and fashion editorials from Japan, the USA, and France.

Complementing the book is ‘Old Mills Never Die’, an immersive digital encyclopedia designed for a mobile-friendly audience. This microsite, set to go live in India towards the end of the year, offers an engaging experience with over 600 archival images. From editorial content and VIP sightings to movie appearances and product shots, it’s a treasure trove of visual history.

All images: Birkenstock

Also read: Birkenstock’s show at Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI 2023, a remarkable statement of COMFORT & STYLE

Also read: New Take. Classic Design: BIRKENSTOCK launches the water-resistant BOSTON EVA

Also read: Birkenstock celebrates the anniversary of its most iconic silhouettes with a limited-edition collection