Those cheesy sandals that seduce Hollywood.<

They're worn everywhere. In Montreal, Berlin, Paris, New York or Los Angeles, Birkenstock sandals have conquered the whole world. In Montreal, Berlin, Paris, New York or Los Angeles, Birkenstock sandals have conquered the whole world. In the city, at the swimming pool, at the beach, at fancy parties, and even at the Oscars ceremony!

The Birkenstock have been a lot of talk about them lately. This German symbol became French last month and is now part of the prestigious LVMH band (Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Fendi...). Who would have bet that these orthopaedic sandals long considered dorky would be associated with luxury?

The famous Sandal is recognized with its ergonomic, ultra-comfortable cork sole, designed to respect anatomy and reproduce natural walking. The story began in 1774, when Johann Birkenstock founded the family business. Then, in 1896, the first "flexible anatomical soles" were launched. It was finally in 1963 that an icon was born: the Sandal Madrid.

"the Birkenstock is in our DNA," says Astrid doil, fashion editor of Elle magazine in Germany. The Germans are very pragmatic, so a shoe must be practical and comfortable. "

"Birkenstock is a guarantee of quality and design, it also has an ecological side, which is important for us," she says.

Around 29 million pairs of Birkenstock are sold around the world every year.

Stars love it

More and more stars are adopting the Birkenstock. Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jessica Alba, Kate Moss, Reese Witherspoon, Julianne Moore and Gwyneth Paltrow appear proudly with their German sandals on their feet. Actress Frances McDormand even had the audacity to wear them at the Academy Award ceremony in 2019; bright yellow Birkenstock sandals, signed by Italian designer Valentino, as well as her dress.

"when Birkenstock comes on the feet of people who have a lot of taste, that's where it's very interesting," thinks Sophie Fontanel, a French journalist and writer who writes a fashion column in the French magazine L'OBS. Because this Sandal has long been associated with people who Don't give a damn about elegance [including German tourists who wore them with socks]. There was really a redneck side. "

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Wearing an evening dress, a nice blazer, fancy pants with Birkenstock, it's beautiful.

Sophie Fontanel

"one thing is certain, you Don't want to hurt your feet anymore! It's no longer an option. The French journalist believes that there was initially a rejection of comfortable sandals as well as basketball. "there are still misconceptions that these sandals are neither elegant nor feminine, when we are in a time when it's just getting free on the side of the feet and it feels good!"

According to fashion journalist Lolitta Dandoy, with the year we have just passed, comfort has never been more valued. "Birkenstock was very popular in the 1960s and 1970s among American hippie youth, but it went through the years because it never claimed to be a Sandal fashion. In fact, it hasn't changed in nearly 60 years, hence its strength, "she says.

"we Don't see ourselves as part of the fashion industry," he replied by email. We meet from time to time for collaborations, bringing new design perspectives to the brand. "

In fact, these collaborations with fashion designers are becoming more and more numerous. Among them were Valentino, Givenchy, Rick Owens, Proenza Schouler, and the alumni of London's prestigious Central Saint Martins School of design.

A unique shoe

Because of its success, many designers are inspired by Birkenstock and create sandals of the same kind, while lower-end brands have copied them outright. "it's part of the fact that this shoe really has something unique, there's a love that is passed on from one generation to the next," explains Lolitta Dandoy.

The fact remains that historical models are still the most popular of the brand. There is the Madrid model consisting of a leather flange, the Arizona with two flanges, and then the Giza, whose strap passes between the toes. Over the years, Birkenstock has launched collections of slippers, sneakers, ballerinas and boots. There is also the Kyoto (newer) model with Velcro fasteners that is very successful. Over the years, Birkenstock has launched collections of slippers, sneakers, ballerinas and boots.

Spring-summer collections for women, men and children are available in a variety of materials, including leather, Sweden, microfibre and eco-friendly plastic. The colors are many and varied, white is omnipresent for next summer, with pink, blue, black, beige, as well as metal colors.