Valentino Launches First Conscious-Driven Sneaker
Italian luxury fashion house, Valentino, is amping up its sustainability efforts with its new Open for a Change project.
As part of the initiative, two of the brand’s signature sneakers, the Open and the Rockstud Untitled, have been re-designed with one key element in mind: the environment.
“Two of the iconic Valentino sneakers — Open and Rockstud Untitled — are re-designed and re-dedicated in a spirit of open innovation with a more conscious-driven ethos,” said Valentino on its company website.
“Created from the Maison’s desire to explore innovative materials and techniques for the future, the latest footwear versions of the Open and Rockstud Untitled for the first time partially involve recycled and bio-based materials while continuing to reflect the aesthetic and trademark motifs of the Maison, representing a conscious, firm step on the path to a sustainable ethos.”
The two sneakers feature the use of recycled and bio-based materials, including an alternative to leather produced from viscose and polyurethane of corn-derived polyols and recycled polyester, which make up the sneakers’ strings. In addition, Valentino’s signature studs are made of recycled nylon.
The designer has also looked to take an eco-friendly approach with its sneakers’ shoe case and packaging, both of which are now made of entirely recycled cotton and paper sourced from sustainably-managed forests.
The launch of Open for a Change follows Valentino’s commitment to go fur-free starting in 2022 and alpaca-free beginning in the spring of 2022. Furthermore, Valentino is also committed to working with environmentally-friendly viscose suppliers for 70% of its production.
To celebrate the initiative, Valentino has launched an augmented reality experience on its app where users can explore the Open for a Change virtual pop-up and learn about the sneakers. In addition, on Instagram, an AR filter has been made available, which looks to amplify natural elements. The Italian luxury fashion house is also reportedly working with TikTok talent to bring Open for a Change to life.
Both the Open sneakers and the Rockstud Untitled are part of Valentino’s spring 2022 collection and retail for $690 and $850, respectively.
Additionally, the sneakers are available for purchase at Valentino boutiques worldwide as well as Harrods, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Galeries Lafayette. The sneakers are also available online on the brand’s online store, SSENSE, LuisaViaRoma, Mytheresa and Net-a-porter.
