Thursday, November 3, 2011

High fashion goes green

When you hear the name Manolo Blahnik you don’t instantly think eco-friendly; but times are a changing.  The luxury shoemaker has teamed up with award-winning designer Marcia Patmos to create a collection of sandals for spring. Made from discarded tilapia skins, cork, and raffia, the two styles—a double-strap flat and a very chic open-toed pump—will be available in a combination of electric blue, black, ecru, and neon yellow.

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This is the first eco-friendly endeavor for Blahnik — who worked with Patmos on two styles, a double strap, open-toe flat and a strappy, high-heeled sandal in color combinations of electric blue, black, nude and yellow. Each silhouette will retail for $895 at Manolo Blahnik stores.


“I am always researching sustainable materials and developments. I love the idea of tilapia skin because it is a by-product of the food industry that would otherwise be discarded, but it’s actually a beautiful material perfect for small leather goods,” Patmos said of her decision to incorporate the material into her offerings with the shoe designer. “I love bringing the idea of sustainability into the luxury market — it doesn’t have to be limited to T-shirts and grocery bags.”

 

*courtesy of WWD

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I have to say that the shoes are cute. And the idea of sustainable materials appeals to me. But tilapia skin just kind of creeps me out, and the $900 price tag for materials found in the garbage I think is kinda outrageous.

Tori said...

Jay-I have to agree with you. I think the price could be considerably lower for scraped fish skin and cork. lol