In the world of fashion, where style often trumps comfort, BIRKENSTOCK stands as a beacon of unique and purposeful design. Renowned for its exceptional footbed, which offers the experience of “Naturgewolltes Gehen” or “Walking as Intended by Nature,” BIRKENSTOCK made a creative and memorable appearance at Lakmé Fashion Week, partnering with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and the acclaimed designers Shivan & Narresh. The presentation, aptly named “GROUND IN NATURE,” was a harmonious blend of comfort and style that left a lasting impression.

Nature-Inspired Immersion

The heart of the presentation was an artistic representation of a Finnish Sauna, capturing the essence of serenity and natural beauty. The autumn hues of BIRKENSTOCK’s Fall/Winter 2023 colorways set the perfect backdrop. What made this sauna so unique was its creative shape, mirroring the BIRKENSTOCK footbed. The elevated seating arrangement, inspired by geological stratum, not only allowed the footwear to take center stage but also underscored the importance of nature and its layers in the brand’s philosophy. In its entirety, the concept offered a serene experience, akin to being in a sauna, in nature, in life.

Corduroy Collection and Fall/Winter Styles

BIRKENSTOCK unveiled its all-new Corduroy collection on the runway. This collection reinterprets the brand’s classic designs, combining the timeless charm of corduroy with the exceptional comfort of suede. The range includes popular styles like Arizona, Boston, Naples, and Kyoto, all designed to provide the utmost comfort and style.

In addition to the Corduroy collection, BIRKENSTOCK showcased a curated assortment of its most beloved styles, reimagined in fresh materials, colors, and textures exclusively for Fall/Winter 2023. The iconic Arizona, Madrid, and Gizeh silhouettes made a striking appearance, boasting metallic finishes and glossy textures that catch the light with every step. The Papillio collection, known for offering support, comfort, and quality with a lift, also left a mark on the runway with new seasonal colorways.

SHIVAN & NARRESH’s ‘Suomi Series’

BIRKENSTOCK’s latest styles were seamlessly paired with SHIVAN & NARRESH’s ready-to-wear collection – the ‘Suomi Series,’ inspired by the designers’ recent sojourn to Finland. During their travels, SHIVAN & NARRESH immersed themselves in Suomi culture, which sparked the genesis of three iconic prints: Saun, Leviland, and Aurorays. These prints encapsulate the soul of Finland, drawing from its natural beauty and surroundings, including the unique topography of the land, the mesmerizing northern lights, and the cultural significance of the Finnish sauna tradition.

Life in Finland is intricately woven with outdoor living, grounded in nature. This connection found a unique expression highlighted by the pioneering introduction of knitted socks by the brand, exemplifying the special emphasis on feet in Finnish culture. The ready-to-wear collection offers a diverse range of silhouettes, from shackets to knitted co-ord sets, jumpers to lurex maxi dresses, skirts, and trousers, catering to varying tastes and preferences for both men and women.

The Grand Finale

The Finland-inspired runway presentation opened with an effortlessly glamorous entry by Athiya Shetty, who stunned in a lustrous earthy ombré draped dress featuring a sculpted neckline complemented with silver grey colorway of the classic BIRKENSTOCK ARIZONA. The show was beautifully concluded by Rana Daggubati, exuding natural charm and poise, wearing a sheer jacket over a graphic Aurorays jumper and waved trousers with green BIRKENSTOCK ARIZONA sandals.

A Fusion of Elegance and Comfort

BIRKENSTOCK’s remarkable ability to blend function-first ethos with high fashion is unparalleled. On the other hand, SHIVAN & NARRESH, India’s first luxury holiday brand, possesses a unique signature style that is bold, confident, and sophisticated. Together, they presented a fusion of elegance and ease with an artistically curated mood board that marked the ideal holiday and resort-wear fashion statement.

Jens Hattab, Regional Managing Director (Middle East, Africa, and India), BIRKENSTOCK, emphasized the timelessness of the brand and its commitment to nature. Vinay Bansal, Managing Director, BIRKENSTOCK India Private Limited, echoed the sentiments, highlighting the common admiration for craftsmanship and excellence shared by both brands.

Shivan Bhatiya, Head Designer, and Narresh Kukreja, Creative Director of SHIVAN & NARRESH, shared their inspiration for the ‘Suomi Series’ and how the collaboration seamlessly blended holiday allure with urban versatility. They expressed their excitement to immerse the audience in the sensory richness of Nordic culture, fusing opulent comfort and functionality with their visually-immersive, maximalist design universe.

In conclusion, BIRKENSTOCK’s creative appearance at Lakmé Fashion Week, in partnership with SHIVAN & NARRESH, was a testament to the brand’s timeless appeal and its commitment to nature-inspired design. It showcased how the fusion of comfort and style can result in a truly immersive and unique experience. This collaboration is not just about fashion; it’s about a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, excellence, and the beauty of the natural world.