Why to buy:Customisation is the ultimate expression of luxury and German born founder of Atelier Stefani believes that uniqueness still exists. To crystallise it we need to slow down and reconnect with our values. Living in a world where globalisation is fading cultures, Atelier Stefani aims to prosper individuality. From Italian luxury leathers to German precision, they unite quality, comfort and design in each and every pair of handcrafted shoes. Turning an old tradition into modern craftsmanship creates a new appreciation for the value of time and the love for the things Atelier Stefani does. In their Sydney studio they create style and durability, that are embodied in passionately handcrafted shoes for men and women. Leave an imprint of your personality with them and take them on your journey through life. “Fashion is a form of art and art is an outlet to express your personality, your emotions and the values you stand for. Wearing a pair of handcrafted shoes that is made only for you goes beyond the purpose itself”.
What we love: Shoemaking is the art to combine the beauty of the designs with the comfort we need to live our busy lifestyle. It is the exact balance of the melody and the lyrics. Shoes set the rhythm of your steps, making your inner music flow through your body. It’s the creative tension between structure and spontaneity. Atelier Stefani doesn’t choose between comfort and design. “We want to master the rules of shoemaking to then break them to create something unique and personal. We aim to make shoes of integrity for people of character, shoes that tell a story and help give you a sense of joy, but also confidence and authenticity.” Atelier Stefani is like an old symphony, remastered by our contemporary musicians. It has one foot in the past, following traditional rules of the craft, while also smoothly and gracefully stepping forward into the future. They strive for ‘the rebirth of the cool’, for exploring the world and also evolving in their own character. “We want to be true to ourselves and to you, do what we love doing and bring that little something to the world, that makes life a bit more enjoyable.”
Price: 1,280 to 3,420 | 1,500 to 4,000 | Shop it now: ATELIER STEFANI
Why to buy: Aqua & Rock Garden of Earthly Delights Art Trainers in wonderful white. The gold hooks and eyelets on the trainers are made from non-heavy metals such as chrome and are complimented by the gold stitching towards the back of the trainers. The Art Trainers are made in Italy keeping that luxury edge to Aqua & Rock’s sustainable pieces but also reducing c02 emissions in transit to the UK. They are available in a range of sizes from UK 4 – 8 and provide a comfortable, casual but chic pair of trainers for your winter wardrobe.
What we love: These luxury stylish sneakers are inspired by the Dutch painter, Hieronymus Bosch. The brightly coloured and detailed artwork is captured on the tongue and the sides of the trainers. These sections are made from a printed fabric that has been created from recycled plastic bottles. The body is made from high quality leather with Aloe Vera insoles that make the trainers extremely comfortable to wear. The leather of the trainer is produced using a “wet-white” tanning that gives the products a higher grade of purity that is delicate against sensitive skin. It also makes the colours more intense and natural.
Price: 279,29 € / 249.95 £ | Shop it now: AQUA & ROCK
Why to buy: Reebok's Forever Floatride GROW is the very first plant-based performance running shoe made from castor oil, BLOOM algae, eucalyptus fiber and rubber. The new plant-based running shoe is an updated version of Reebok's award winning Forever Floatride Energy 2 Each component has been carefully researched and tested to determine which natural raw materials are the most sustainable and meet the high performance standards required of a first-class running shoe. The greatest progress in terms of sustainability was made by the reactive and highly cushioning midsole of the shoe, made from sustainably cultivated castor beans and is as powerful and light as the original Forever Floatride Energy 2.Eucalyptus fiber face fabric is naturally biodegradable, sustainably grown, durable and breathable.
What we love: The Forever Floatride GROW is the latest example of Reebok's efforts to reduce the use of petroleum-based plastics in footwear through plant-based products. Reebok's sustainability strategy is based on two pillars: [REE]GROW, which focuses on the production of products made of natural materials; and [REE]CYCLED, whose focus is on the manufacture of products from recycled or converted materials. Reebok has set itself the goal of increasing the proportion of fresh polyester in its material mixes and eliminate it completely by 2024.
Price: 129,95 € / 150 $ | Shop it now: REEBOK
Why to buy: We believe in vegan, and circular fashion, so we are working on getting all materials used in our accessories highly resistant and of the highest quality; at the same time as being recycled without having to use any animal fabric/resources. We use high-quality, recycled polyester yarn made from recycled materials, including post-consumer plastic bottles and plastic captured from the sea. That’s why it contributes to preserving natural resources and reducing the waste in the planet’s water. Every product is ethically and carefully made in Spain.
What we love: The shoes have a biodegradable reinforcement, removable insoles with an anatomic design. The laces are made from recycled PET, as well as the exterior made from vegan alternative leather (70% PES recycled 20% corn polymer, 10% PU). The outsole is manufactured with recycled Fishing Nets and the midsole out of rubber, giving the soles flexibility and durability- thus, making the soles comfortable, resistant and biodegradable.
Price: 148 € / 175 $ | Shop it now: CANUSSA BY EL NATURALISTA
Why to buy: A common ground of global consciousness and personal styling – vintage Levis and well-loved boots – were catalysts for ushering in a new perspective on ethical luxury in their shoe brand, Taylor + Thomas. The female-founded line emerges in an industry as forward-thinking as it is old world – dominated by male makers and practices out of sync with shifting priorities of thoughtfulness, sustainability, and innovation. Taylor + Thomas bridges conscious consumption with elevated taste, a brand driven by a responsibility to the health of our planet and the people and animals who inhabit it, today and for generations to come.
What we love: A nod to the alluring Anita Pallenberg, the ANITA is the perfect 70s boot, with a sleek-fitting shape, a solid wood heel, and an ankle strap featuring our signature T+T wax stamp hardware. The boots have a recyclable rubber outsole and an FSC-certified sustainably harvested beech wood heel: naturally occurring variations in the wood are expected and make each pair unique. 100% vegan and cruelty-free, made in Italy.
Price: 492 € / 585 $ | Shop it now: TAYLOR AND THOMAS