— JOUR NAL — I N N AT U R A L M O T I O N S I N C E 1 9 6 3
S PRING / SU MMER 2018
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
E C C O
B Y F O L D
SUPER SOFT PREMIUM PACK ABLE LEATHER P E R P E T U A L
N A T U R A L
M O T I O N
SPRING / SUMMER 2018 —
ECCO JOURNAL E C C O I N N AT U R A L M O T I O N S I N C E 1 9 6 3
04
PERPETUAL NATURAL MOTION — IN NATURAL MOTION SINCE 1963
10
EXCELLENCE — MICHELIN IN THE WILD / PAUL CUNNINGHAM
28
INNOVATION — KROMATAFOR™ / COLOUR CHANGING LEATHER
40
PASSION — PIET HEIN EEK / TRUTH TO MATERIALS
46
HERITAGE — IN SHOES AND LIFE / NIKI & CÆCILIE
50
CARE — A SNEAKER'S BEST FRIEND / THE MIDSOLE CLEANING KIT
ECCO BYFOLD — FROM THE BEACH TO THE BISTRO A travel-inspired boat shoe that features ECCO’s innovative and super-soft BYFOLD Leather — inside and out — on top of a sleek FLUIDFORM ™ Technology platform. With no heel or toe stiffeners added to the leather, and minimal finishing, the natural variations of the double layer of topgrain calf become a fresh feature. Its relaxed, luxurious touch that can be folded down for easy carriage, in a complementary drawstring bag that is ready for city and sea adventures. Flexible barefoot luxury.
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
E C C O
I N
N A T U R A L
M O T I O N
S I N C E
1 9 6 3
IN NATURAL MOTION SINCE 1963 P E R P E T U A L
N A T U R A L
M O T I O N
It's no secret that in a world of increa
taking the brave step to own and run
The natural world — our everyday
sing marketing noise and media-driven
our own tanneries, so that together with
inspiration — shot entirely along the
hyper stimulation, it can be hard to
our own production facilities, we would
landscapes of ECCO's back yard
find your own voice. Moments of
have end-to-end control.
on the south coast of Denmark; the brand's actual tanneries and produc
stillness and connection are rare, and authenticity has too easily become a
For years we have been innovating
tion facilities provide the locations for
catchphrase ideal that brands aspire
in all areas, bringing traditional, time-
scenes of leather development and
towards, but in doing so, can some
honoured leather making techniques
high-tech shoe assembly, and ECCO
times fall short of.
together with next generation techno
team members are also featured.
logy, to create a unique, expressive But when you have been shoemakers
fusion of the present and the past in
Finally, an original score by Danish
for over 50 years, and have tanneries,
quality shoes that are built to last. And
composer Martin Dirkov is brought
production, R&D and Design facilities,
it seems the world has caught up. In a
to life on-camera by Scandinavian
and about 20,000 passionate staff
desire for connectivity, people want
musicians Frederik Thybo, playing violin,
communicating in over 60 languages
to know where their shoes come from,
and Maria Nadia Schmidt Nielsen,
spread across 88 countries — there
how they are made, and why … so we
producing electronic elements that
is little room for marketing hype, but
thought it was time to tell our story.
speak to ECCO's love of collaboration and perpetual natural motion.
many interesting stories to tell. Picking up where our anniversary video Since 1963, the folks at ECCO have
left off in 2013, we have collaborated
We hope that the film will give insight
been dedicated shoemakers,
with renowned Scandinavian director
into our commitment to our tanning
drawing upon decades of expertise,
Per-Hampus Stålhandske, to create a
roots and history, but also our passion
knowledge, and heritage, and using
short film that celebrates our brand, our
for technology and hunger for the
only the best raw materials and
inspiration, our ideals, our motivations,
future; that it will inspire our customers,
innovative technology to continually
and our innovations. Using music as
new and old, to step up into the future
refine our designs. From the beginning
the main metaphor for creativity,
with us, without letting go of the past.
we have been defying convention
the film presents the poetic collision
in shoe engineering, using our own
of old world craftsmanship with next
Because at ECCO, the one place we're never comfortable is standing still.
FLUIDFORM Technology to direct-inject
generation technology, and the
a resilient, shock-absorbent material
inherent dynamism that comes from
directly into the shoe mould, then
the harmonizing of two opposites.
™
—4—
—5—
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
A
C I N E M A T I C
R I D E
F R O M
T H E
S N O W
T O
S H O E S
MOVEMENT IN FILM & N A T U R E F E A T .
P E R - H A M P U S
A CINEMATIC RIDE FROM THE SNOW TO SHOES Nature has always been a canvas and guiding force for Swedish director Per-Hampus Stålhandske, who created ECCO’s new brand campaign film, ‘Perpetual Natural Motion’. He tells us about his approach to filmmaking and excitement about the project. From the jagged, snow-covered mountains of Europe and North America, to the flat, simple beauty of the
S T Å L H A N D S K E
countryside around ECCO's Danish headquarters in Jutland, Per-Hampus Stålhandske's work has often
F I L M
D I R E C T O R
&
E D I T O R
been shaped by the landscape. Growing up in a village in northern Sweden, nature was already an integral part of his life, taking on even greater importance after he discovered filmmaking through snowboarding when videoing his friends performing their flips and spins. "I love that filmmaking blends various forms of art into one cohesive piece. Photography, writing, music and fashion are all impor tant for telling the story. A story can look completely different depending on how you perceive it, and what creative decisions you take along the way, and that’s exciting to me," says Per-Hampus, who for years directed snowboarding films, travelling the world with the athletes in search of untouched powder and the perfect ride. While he no longer works in the snowboarding industry, his experiences in the mountains have left him with a deep and lasting connection to nature, which comes across in his collaboration with ECCO, a new brand film called 'Perpetual Natural Motion'.
—6—
—7—
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
A
C I N E M A T I C
R I D E
F R O M
T H E
S N O W
T O
S H O E S
"When you're filming snowboarders,
to understand what ECCO is, and what
The score only accentuated the bold
you're out in the wild and you're
inspires them as shoemakers," says
feeling of the film. "It's amazing how
trying to find a way of capturing that
Per-Hampus, who lives in Stockholm.
much trust and support ECCO gave
environment. In all the work I've done,
"I wanted to learn what they do and
us for this film, and I'm very grateful for
including the snowboarding films, I
how they do it, and who they are as
that," says Per-Hampus. "In a way, it's
think of the landscape as the canvas,"
people and what they are as a brand.
quite a bold film about a shoemaker
says Per-Hampus, whose body of work
And also to know what inspires them,
and it's rare to see a brand be this
includes a snowboarding documentary
and that's obviously nature."
untraditional."
charts worldwide, and who has spoken
Authenticity is also a theme running
A horse features in the film, as do
in the past of having "a beautiful vision
through his films. Even if Per-Hampus'
thousands of starlings performing their
for the world." "I always strive to find
work is about elevating reality, he says
'Black Sun' or 'Sort Sol' formations in the
locations that bring a lot to the table,
it is still about real people and real
skies above the local marshlands — a
but often you don't know what you're
places and real stories. "The film that
name given because they sometimes
going to get until you arrive, and that
I made for ECCO, it's a commercial,
almost block out the sun. There are also
makes it interesting."
but it's real — it's very much rooted in
sweeping shots of the landscape.
that reached the top of the iTunes
"In a way, it's quite a bold film about a shoemaker — it's rare to see a brand be this untraditional." PER-HAMPUS STÅLHANDSKE, FILM DIRECTOR & EDITOR
reality and what Denmark, the people Nature is also at the core of 'Perpetual
and the landscape are really like."
"To me, this was a good representation of what Denmark, and what nature,
Natural Motion', which he says also fulfils the brief of finding a new way of
Every time he makes a film, Per-Hampus
has to offer. Nature in Denmark is very
showcasing ECCO's fusion of innova
tells a story, but also attempts to create
simple, but I think it's that s implicity that
tion with tradition and craftsmanship.
an atmosphere. "I suppose it's kind of
makes it so beautiful," says Per-Hampus.
After being approached by Danish
an abstract thing, but I try to produce
"Apart from one section showing
creative agency &Co, Per-Hampus
a sensation or a feeling that hits the
sand dunes, which are in northern
says he fell in love with the script
viewer on a level that's maybe not
Denmark, all of the outside shots in the
straight away — "It was multi-faceted,
apparent from the first watch," says
film are from just around the corner
original and on top of that a true story
Per-Hampus. For 'Perpetual Natural
from ECCO. I wanted to show where
that was very cinematic". His research
Motion' this led to a collaboration with
the company is rooted, and what
took him to ECCO's development
Danish composer Martin Dirkov, whose
they stand for, and I tried to use those
facilities in Denmark, a tannery in the
score blended a violin with electronica
elements to make a compelling film."
Netherlands, and a factory in Portugal,
and symbolised the fusions in ECCO's
but it was just as important for him to
approach to shoemaking. "Music is a
get in his car and drive around Jutland.
huge part of my work, and I especially liked collaborating with Martin on
"I was going through farm areas,
this one, as music is so important for
looking at the countryside, and trying
creating atmosphere."
—8—
perhampus.com
PHOTO: PER-HAMPUS STÅLHANDSKE
—9—
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
O N
D E N M A R K ' S
W I L D
W E S T
C O A S T
MICHELIN IN THE WILD F E A T . T H E
P A U L H E A D
C H E F
C U N N I N G H A M O F
H E N N E
K I R K E B Y
K R O
In a somewhat unlikely spot, in the wilds of Jutland, lives Denmark's hotdog-making champion, who also happens to run a restaurant with two Michelin stars. Paul Cunningham, the head chef of Henne Kirkeby Kro, tells us how he and his team are connected to their e nvironment and the rhythms of the seasons, including gathering vegetables and herbs from the kitchen garden twice a day.
— 10 —
"A gastronome's Russian roulette …" with two Michelin stars in Jutland PAUL CUNNINGHAM, THE HEAD CHEF OF HENNE KIRKEBY KRO
— 11 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
O N
D E N M A R K ' S
W I L D
W E S T
C O A S T
HENNE KIRKEBY KRO, STRANDVEJEN 234, DK-6854 HENNE
TRADITIONAL SNACK SYMPHONY AT HENNE KIRKEBY KRO
MASTER OF THE MODERN HOTDOG
PHOTO: ANDERS SCHOENNEMANN
PHOTO: ANDERS SCHOENNEMANN
PHOTO: PAUL CUNNINGHAM
DRAWINGS BY PAUL CUNNINGHAM
On Denmark's wild west coast, in the
— his legs almost gave way when
into it — it's about cooking really nice,
got three enormous deer hanging in
Luckily we don't get too many people
element and a cream one; you need
village of Henne Kirkeby in Jutland, is a
he was asked up on stage at a
basic food, though the preparation is
my ageing room — that's almost half a
sending the food back!" says Paul, who
some salt to lift the flavours, and some
small, 18th-century inn with a thatched
ceremony in 2017 to receive another
a bit technical and the sauces take
ton. We produce everything ourselves,
has written s everal cookbooks.
sourness, so we made a green jala
roof. It's a short walk to the beach, with
star, having been given a first in 2016.
a long time. But if you've got a lovely
including churning butter every day."
heather and pine trees all around, and
"People talk about Michelin stars being
piece of meat or a lovely cauliflower,
Alongside the Michelin stars, Paul also
the whole lot with grated Manchego
every evening almost 200 deer prom
the Oscars for chefs and they really
you don't really need to do that much
Henne Kirkeby Kro, which has 12
has four or five trophies for creating
cheese, which went on top."
enade past the front door of Henne
are — it means an incredible amount
with it," says Paul.
bedrooms, has a history dating back
Denmark's best 'modern' hot dog. His
Kirkeby Kro.
to everyone at the restaurant," says
peño and pepper dressing. We finished
to 1790 — in those early years, trav
last victory came through a Mexican-
Happiness might just be the secret to
Paul, who moved to Denmark 25 years
Going out into the kitchen garden
ellers would stop for dishes cooked
inspired hot dog. "It was a corn bun,
good food. "There's a good rapport in
"Try to imagine Scotland without the
ago after meeting "a beautiful Danish
keeps them grounded. "We're in the
with produce from the nearby farms,
which was lovely and fluffy, almost
the kitchen at Henne Kirkeby Kro. It's
mountains or hills — that's what the
girl", Lene, who would become his
garden twice a day, the first time to
washed down with locally-brewed
like a brioche with pieces of buttered
not a kitchen with lots of screaming
landscape's like," says British head
wife. "Our dishwasher now says he is a
get just enough vegetables, herbs and
beer and schnapps. These days, the
sweet corn through it. And a chilli bean
and shouting," says Paul. "Hopefully it's
chef, Paul Cunningham, who cooks
two-star dishwasher, and it also means
flowers for the table for lunch, and
food is still as local as ever, though, to
hot dog with a corn puree on top,
an inspirational kitchen. We listen to the
"down-to-earth", locally-sourced food
a lot to our gardener. Ever since we got
then we go back in the afternoon for
borrow Paul's phrase, the menu offers
and crushed Doritos crisps," says Paul.
radio all day and we put some music
with "basic flavours" and a dash of
a second star, the restaurant has been
the evening service. And that really
"a gastronome's Russian roulette," with
eccentricity. From that description,
manic — it's packed for breakfast,
grounds you," says Paul. "It's a very
its classic, seasonal dishes.
the inn might strike you as an unlikely
lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner."
local kitchen. Everything is sourced
restaurant to have recently been
on at night when we're cooking. As a "When you make a dish, you don't
guest, you can feel it if you are walking
want it to be flat. You don't want the
into a happy place, and there's a nice karma about our restaurant."
locally. The game even comes from our
"When you go out and eat in a restau
first mouthful to be the same as the
awarded a second Michelin star.
There is no chance whatsoever of that
own island — the owner of the business
rant, you don't know how the chef is
second. That's what I've tried to do
Paul, who has been the head chef
second star going to Paul’s head. "In
also has his own private island, which is
going to interpret something. You're
with these hot dogs. The bun has to
since 2012, shares your astonishment
the kitchen, Michelin stars don't come
phenomenal. And at the moment I've
taking a chance you're going to like it.
be really good. There has to be a crisp
— 12 —
— 13 —
hennekirkebykro.dk
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
E C C O
E X O S T R I K E
—
S H I E L D E D
S T R E N G T H
SHIELDED STRENGTH T H E A N D
C O L L I S I O N
S T Y L I S T I C
B E E N
S O
O F
O U T D O O R
S O P H I S T I C A T I O N
S U C C E S S F U L L Y
T E C H H A S
N E V E R
H A R M O N I Z E D
When man's first shoes can be traced
The new material he is referring to is a
create the technical drawings — to
back to 15,000 year old cave drawings,
revolutionary midsole P.U — PHORENE™
change the proportions, change some
it is easy to understand how hard it is to
— which has sparked a giant leap in
details, or a lot of details! It is a very
come up with new footwear designs.
ECCO's FLUIDFORM™ process. Offering
back and forward process, talking with
And to be honest, when you break
unparalleled softness, increased shock
the designers, and suggesting some
down those early, primitive versions and
absorption and rebound, when paired
technical solutions."
compare them with today's, it appears
with an Outdoor platform, it gives
that not much has changed. But when
lightweight, dynamic power, and
"With the ECCO EXOSTRIKE, there were
the Design Director of Shoes at ECCO,
trail-grabbing torque.
a lot of challenges because we were going to use this T.PU heel piece, which
Niki Tæstensen, tells you that they have But 3D Industrial Designer Apostolos
is also something new, and means that
Smaropoulos, who was tasked with
you can avoid using a stiffener in the
"The EXOSTRIKE actually started out as
realising the design of ECCO EXOSTRIKE,
upper, so it is more stable. For me, it
a sneaker," Niki Tæstensen comments,
says that there were a lot of challenges
is a great combination of three base
with a slight smile, "But somewhere
with this, with the further introduction
materials that we use — rubber, P.U,
during the process, it got twisted into
of the external T.PU 'PROSOMA' heel
and T.PU — all together, coming into
an urban outdoor boot."
guard. Wrapping the heel in, and
one shoe. It was a really interesting
offering protective support, the heel
project," Apostolos continues.
something new, you have to listen.
The process was actually a 12-month-
guard gives the wearer a snug fit and
long development, that resulted in
added propulsion.
Which is something that instantly caught the attention of Tarek Hassan,
ECCO EXOSTRIKE being the first of its kind in the ECCO Outdoor range.
"It was a very technical construction.
Founder of Beyond and Concepts
"The new ECCO EXOSTRIKE perfectly answers a much demanded
Mixing high-end modern aesthetics
3D modelling-wise, we can do what
stores in Boston, New York and Dubai,
need for hybrid footwear that performs well in any condition in urban
with fully functional design, it is a light
ever, we can make crazy shapes;
who says: "Honestly, the EXOSTRIKE story
life. Perfect for the mixed weather that you get in the Fall and Winter
weight, 'fast hiking' boot that holds its
but the design also has to work in the
is the next generation, in my opinion.
seasons around the globe, its contemporary metropolitan styling still
own on the trail, and the street.
FLUIDFORM™ direct-injection process
ECCO’s long tradition of progressive
and on moulds, and offer something
shoemaking, including bold recent
new to our customers," he says.
experiments like W21, continues
ensures that you look good all the way too." "Comfort and performance have
DAVID FISCHER FROM HIGHSNOBIETY
always been at the heart of ECCO
ECCO EXOSTRIKE / 832314-02539
— 14 —
through the line representing an
design and technology," Niki says,
"With FLUIDFORM we have to be quite
amazing revolution in design thinking,
"But PHORENE™ has pushed this to
precise. We make a series of 3D prints
innovation and pure love of leather
an all-new level for us."
for the designer to see, but we also
craftsmanship."
™
— 15 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
E C C O
E X O S T R I K E
BREAKING THE MOULD Challenged to create an even softer,
is twice as effective. PHORENE™ also
lighter midsole, that can still perform in
returns 50 percent more energy than
cold weather, ECCO's Danish R&D unit
the current MS.PU being used, but it
spent years developing and testing
is its results in cold conditions that are
materials, moulds, and methods. The
most impressive. Pushed to extreme
process involved many different func
sub-temperatures of -40C, PHORENE™
tional and design considerations, as
still maintains its softness and pliability,
well as rethinking the whole production
as well as 'step-in' comfort — making it
cycle. But the result has been definitely
ideal for rugged, outdoor activities.
worth the wait, with PHORENE™ — a revolutionary innovation for ECCO
Waiting for the perfect moment to
— offering lightweight dynamic power
launch it, ECCO saw an opportunity
and trail-grabbing torque that has
with the market release of the ECCO
surpassed all hopes and expectations.
EXOSTRIKE in 2018. A fast hiking boot made for serious adventurers, ECCO
PHORENE's ™ game-changing break
EXOSTRIKE combines fully functional out
throughs are revealed by looking at
door requirements with a lighter, street-
its performance in key laboratory
style sneaker. In this way, PHORENE™
scores. When comparing its 'weight-
excels, offering unparalleled softness,
to-volume' with midsole P.U (MS.PU),
increased shock absorption, and com
PHORENE™ is 33 percent lighter at the
fort, while reducing the overall weight of
same volume, and its 'shock absorption'
the shoe to give trail-grabbing torque.
— 16 —
S H I E L D E D
S T R E N G T H
ECCO EXOSTRIKE — THE COLLISON OF OUTDOOR & LIFESTYLE FLUIDFORM ™ Technology ensures a finely tuned balance of cushioning and rebound. ‘PROSOMA’ T.PU heel cup wraps the heel to provide protective support and a snug fit. Crafted from a diverse range of unique and premium ECCO leathers, made in ECCO’s own tanneries.
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
D Y N E E M A
®
B O N D E D
L E A T H E R
B Y
E C C O
STRONGER THAN STEEL D Y N E E M A
®
B O N D E D B Y
L E A T H E R
E C C O
What happens when you
why the Dyneema® fabric was so
introduce the strongest fibre in
attractive, but also why it posed such
the world to the R&D team at ECCO Leather tannery? DYNEEMA
obvious c hallenges. "Our tanning ®
ethos is that leather must behave, feel,
BONDED LEATHER by ECCO is a
and look like leather. We are not big
lightweight, super-strong material
believers in gluing stuff on the surface,
that is tear resistant, and yet still
over-spraying, or any other process
looks and feels luxurious.
that compromises leather's natural character," Panos says.
In an apparent union of opposites, ECCO Leather crossed paths with
So how do you combine two materials
The Dyneema Project — makers of a
that lack a single similarity? He says the
paper-thin, stronger-than-steel material
secret is in a multi-phase development
— by chance, after an attendee at
sequence that involves pre-tanning,
their creative, open-development HOT-
bonding and finishing — blending the
SHOP workshop suggested a match.
characteristics of each material.
"At ECCO Leather we absolutely love a
It is not a quick process, but he says the
challenge," says Panos Mytaros, ECCO
result is definitely worth the wait, with a
Leather CEO. "We work in an improvisa
world-first, super strong, tumble-dried
tional style removing the word 'no' from
performance leather, that still has a
our development vocabulary. We don't
luxurious handle.
®
ECCO LEATHER | EST. 2001 THE NETHERLANDS
even say; 'yes, but …'. We say 'yes', and leather.ecco.com
then work diligently to figure out how."
thedyneemaproject.com
It's not hard to understand then,
— 18 —
DYNEEMA BONDED LEATHER BY ECCO DESIGNED, DEVELOPED AND PRODUCED IN OUR OWN TANNERIES
— 19 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
P L A Y I N G
W I T H
C O L O U R
P L AY I N G WITH COLOUR F E A T . L E A D E R
O F
S A R A S T Y L I N G
A T
R O S I N A
E C C O
A C C E S S O R I E S
Heading up the styling effort within
that is inspired by the richly saturated
beautiful, natural, fading colour that
ECCO Accessories, Sara Rosina has a
and faded attitude of indigo jeans
is characteristic of the TRUE INDIGO
crucial role to play in identifying which
— that we decided to give it a try."
range," Sara comments.
in each collection, researching many
Sara says their trials started with their
This idea of personalisation and
different concepts and ideas to inspire
most iconic bag — the ECCO SP2
an artisanal approach to making
her team. Each season she works with
Doctor Bag — to see how it worked,
products is something that Sara says
ECCO Leather selecting complements
and that when it was an instant suc
she has noticed all around the world,
to their designs. So what did she think
cess, they continued playing with more
as a trend at recent art and design
when she encountered TRUE INDIGO
and more styles, throughout the entire
exhibitions, but truth-to-materials is
leather for the first time?
collection, including designs like the
has always been an essential aspect
ECCO CASPER backpack for guys.
of ECCO's design DNA, and of Danish
colours and materials will be featured
"It is really like the colour lives with you." SARA ROSINA, LEADER OF STYLING AT ECCO ACCESSORIES ECCO SOFT 8 / HACK FROM W-21 IN AMSTERDAM
design in general.
"When we first saw this concept at ECCO Leather, we thought 'whoa,
They were also excited to hear that
this is so cool!', but we were a little
their colleagues within the ECCO Shoe
"There are a lot of designers experi
bit afraid that some consumers might
Design Studio were planning several
menting with new materials and new
not fully understand it, because it is
casual and formal collections using the
ways of making products," she says.
so unique and different," she says.
TRUE INDIGO leather, including ECCO
"At ECCO, what we really try to do in
BIOM STREET and ECCO SOFT 8, so they
our products is stick to the material
"For SS18, I was looking back at the
could work together to create a con
itself, allowing the design to highlight
ECCO roots, the heritage, the history,
cept that showcases the uniqueness of
its beauty. And in this case — with the
and what is important for us — the
each product and leather.
TRUE INDIGO — it is a leather that is living with you, being carried with you
Scandinavian landscape," she says. "A very good example is of the Skagen
"You can see the beauty of the TRUE
everywhere, telling the stories of where
painters, who lived in a small, remote
INDIGO especially if you have a bag,
you have been."
place, far up in the north of Denmark.
because bags have big panels — even
They were inspired by a special light,
more than on the shoe. So that's why
Wearing a pair of TRUE INDIGO sneakers
during the day — 'the blue hour' they
we really wanted to go for it, and
while she speaks, Sara says she has also
called it, because at that time, the sky
create a whole capsule within the
tested many of the bags and loves
and ocean became the same colour."
seasonal collection," she says.
the way you can really see that colour
"Seeing TRUE INDIGO leather was like
"With this leather, each bag is com
material looks more used and alive, like
seeing these paintings," Sara says. "We
pletely unique: for example, with the
a pair of jeans, the more you use it. It
were so attracted to the whole con
natural marks of the camel we use
becomes, somehow, part of yourself
cept — the authenticity of the material
in the Doctor's Bags, it really absorbs
— the colour really lives with you."
itself, its colour depth, and a material
the indigo colour. So it creates this
change, as you wear the bag. "The
— 20 —
— 21 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
E C C O
T R U E
I N D I G O
L E A T H E R
—
F A D E D
T O
P E R F E C T I O N
"It's about proportions of dye and water, time, movement and oxidation" MAKIS SACHPEROGLOU / INNOVATION TECHNICIAN ECCO LEATHER — THE NETHERLANDS
INDIGO
A vibrant blue dye extracted from the leaves of particular plants, offering an explosion of colour and possibility
— 22 —
— 23 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
E C C O
T R U E
I N D I G O
L E A T H E R
ECCO SOFT 8 / 440504-51043
D E N I M - I N S P I R E D E C C O
T R U E
I N D I G O
Over many centuries, indigo dye has built up a rich history
Embracing the true potential of each hide, and mixing
with almost every civilisation on earth. From a coveted
artisanal tanning processes with cutting-edge technology,
natural dye used as currency or 'blue gold', to the production
the team at the ECCO Leather Studio have created a
of silk and cotton textiles for aristocracy, and more recent
collection of different denim-inspired finishes that record
incarnations as the working man’s staple, and casual fashion
'moments' in the natural transformation of the indigo dye.
icon: blue denim jeans. Based south of Amsterdam, the ECCO Leather Studio is
ECCO SOFT 8 / 440554-51143 ECCO CASPER BACKPACK / 9105256-90676
— 24 —
Defined by its ability to produce deep, gradient hues — to
regarded across the industry as the world's leading research
play with light and shade — indigo's distinctive colour depth
and development facility for leather tanning technologies,
and malleability has now created an explosion of colour
and the creation of the ECCO TRUE INDIGO range is the
and possibility for ECCO's premium raw leather.
type of innovation that has helped earned that reputation.
— 25 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
E C C O
T R U E
I N D I G O
L E A T H E R
E C C O
F A D E D
T O
P E R P E T U A L ECCO SHAPE WEDGE PLATEAU / 272613-01037 ECCO SP2 SMALL DOCTORS BAG / 9105254-90677
Using the many characteristics of denim — from super soft and drapey, to heavy and robust — they have been among the world's first to create different genuine indigo finishes for leather, using bovine and camel hides. Out of each drum, many gradations of blue emerge — hues that age and transform themselves during production, and with use, offering unlimited interpretations for high-end rugged lifestyle originals. And just like your favourite pair of jeans, ECCO TRUE INDIGO leather will age with you, adding your own layers of history and significance in the ultimate personal expression of style.
— 26 —
T R U E
I N D I G O
P E R F E C T I O N N A T U R A L
M O T I O N
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
L E A T H E R
I N N O V A T I O N
—
A
H E A T
S E N S I T I V E
C H A N G A N T
The crepe sole of the ECCO CREPETRAY is taken to the next level when paired with perforated ECCO KROMATAFOR™ Leather. ECCO CREPETRAY / 200344-58225 Available in selected stores only
COLOUR CHANGING LEATHER E C C O
K R O M A T A F O R
™
L E A T H E R
How do you make a leather that can
to their surroundings, KROMATAFOR™
change colour when the temperature
leather challenges the limitations of
changes? Ask ECCO Leather, or maybe
conventional optics, using multiple
speak to the client who challenged
layers of light-containing cells.
them to make it — Alexander Wang. "A special solution is applied in the finiWhen challenged by his design team
shing process, layer by layer," says Head
to produce a unique concept for his
of ECCO Leather Brand Management
upcoming runway show, ECCO Leather
Marlie Louwers. "The amount of layers
of course said yes, despite not knowing
applied dictates the temperature at
how they might possibly deliver on it.
which the pigments will start to change."
The request was for a leather that shifts
And with the pigment suitable for any
colour when exposed to hot and cold
full-grain leather, with a smooth-touch,
conditions, using either artificial heat
matte finish that can be engineered
sources or natural ones like the sun or
to change between the range of 28
a person's body, and the result can be
to 50 degrees Celsius, it was with the
seen on the current ECCO CREPETRAY
temporary, translucent transformation
collection.
concealed when cooled and opaque.
Taking inspiration from cold-blooded reptiles, whose skin changes according
— 28 —
— 29 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
RED
HOT E C C O
A D E C A D E L E A T H E R ' S
O F H O T - S H O P
I N N O V A T I O N
Over the past 10 years ECCO Leather's annual creative workshop series, the HOT-SHOP, has opened the doors of their cutting-edge R&D tannery in the Netherlands to over 700 participants, taking them on a wild three day innovation ride.
ECCO LEATHER | EST. 2001 THE NETHERLANDS DESIGNED, DEVELOPED AND PRODUCED IN OUR OWN TANNERIES
— 30 —
— 31 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
1 0
Y E A R S
O F
R E D - H O T
I N N O V A T I O N
#HOTSHOP10 — 'SKIN' SHOE DESIGN EXPLORATION — USING ECCO FLEXURE SOLE BY BRITISH DESIGN STUDIO LYON & LYON AT THE 2017 HOT-SHOP
#HOTSHOP10 — MIHARA YASUHIRO (LEFT)
MIHARA Y A S U H I R O
Starting with just 14 attendees in 2007, Head of Events at ECCO Leather, Anke Verschueren, says that many big brands have p articipated over the years, from Nike to Burberry, Michael Kors to Rick Owens, joined by many more individual designers like The Shoe Surgeon and Emily Kroll.
J A P A N E S E F E A T .
S H O E
E C C O
A N D
F A S H I O N
A P P A R I T I O N
D E S I G N E R L E A T H E R
"Every year the HOT-SHOP is growing
Director of Global Creative Liam Maher,
facility and tannery. Heritage collides
Soft, pliable, easily workable and strong, APPARITION leather
Launched at London's Men's Fashion Week, the SS18 "Blank
and this year, as it was the 10th edition,
who keep a close eye on all concepts,
with innovation inside its beamhouses,
can not only move and bend, but can also be turned into
Mirrors" show featured the leather, in a primary colour palette,
we created for the first time a 'creative
judging them during the process.
where over seven generations of
any colour, while still retaining its 'ghostlike' appearance. It
wrapping around his signature shoe silhouettes and 'out of
festival'," she says. "This year we have
We work in stages, starting with a
in-house tanning experience work
took three years of research for ECCO Leather specialists to
the box' designs. It was a fresh new twist for both ECCO and
asked more from our 'HOT-SHOPPERS'
concept, and ending with a leather
under a culture of bold experimenta
find a way to make a leather that is both pliable, and able
Yasuhiro, who plans to extend the range in AW18.
by extending their focus to include
collection and product range which
tion and improvisational development.
to withstand getting wet, but it was also its spectral ability
more consideration for product appli
needs to be presented to the group,"
Given the freedom to experiment
that led to its name and interest from cutting-edge shoe and
Born in Nagasaki, raised in Fukuoka, Japan. Yasuhiro started
cations."
Anke says.
and innovate ahead of the curve,
fashion designers alike.
his design career in the mid 90s as a shoe-maker, but
past developments have included
extended this passion in clothing and accessories soon after.
At the start of the three day hands-on
Based in Dongen in the Netherlands,
heat-sensitive leather — now finessed
After attending the HOT-SHOP in 2017, Japanese shoe and
His unique, textile-focussed designs are available in over 60
experience, participants were divided
ECCO Leather has built a strong
as ECCO KROMATAFOR — and the
fashion designer Mihara Yasuhiro collaborated with ECCO
select boutiques internationally, and are well known for their
into 12 teams and briefed by ECCO
reputation for being the world's most
world's first transparent leather, ECCO
Leather in the Netherlands to produce a playful collection
artisan-style approach.
Leather CEO Panos Mytaros and
advanced research and development
APPARITION.
of clothing and footwear, using APPARITION leather.
— 32 —
™
miharayasuhiro.jp
— 33 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
I N J E C T I N G
I N N O V A T I O N
A N D
S O P H I S T I C A T I O N
HANDCRAFTED LUXURY T H E
M A K I N G
O F
T H E
E C C O
V I T R U S ™
While the origins of the 'brogue' can be
production, the forefoot is also covered
production, she sets about refreshing
traced to the early twentieth century,
in a luxurious layer of moisture-wicking
the training program, setting teams
with outdoor, country walking shoes
cork, resulting in a perfectly designed
of experts, and recruiting the most
for men, recent trends have steadily
platform that mirrors the contours of the
accomplished artisans to ensure quality
reclaimed its down-to-earth functiona
foot, with extra support and flexibility
is maintained all the way down the line
lity and practicality, embellishing, and
where it matters most — at the heel.
to the consumer.
But they didn't stop there. Keen to keep
"To be honest, the finishing is very chal
From the traditional versions featuring
the heritage of the 'British Traditional',
lenging, but for us it has been extremely
low-heels and multiple pieces of sturdy
and balance cutting-edge innovation,
rewarding. We are very proud of it,"
leather with 'broguing' perforations,
they used luxurious ECCO Calf Crust
Daisy says.
and serrations along the visible edges,
aniline dyed leather uppers to bring the
to more modern, sleek versions with
best of handcrafted aesthetics and
After brushing and dying, the leather
no detailing at all, the humble brogue
modern comfort together, in a range
is hand polished and buffed, one by
appears to have seen it all — but may
of styles.
one, to bring out the natural grain
elevating it to a business dress shoe.
and its inherent warmth — a unique,
be not what ECCO has decided to do. The beauty of such a leather, is that is
timeless feature of classic luxury hides.
When challenged to reduce the weight
starts as a 'nude', blank canvas that
But one false move, and the shoe can
of the normally heavy leather sole, and
is imbued with character and drama,
be ruined.
increase the fit and comfort, the team
as the dye is applied by hand to the
at ECCO MEN'S Division were inspired.
finished shoe. Requiring many years of
"It is kind of a hand-crafted process,"
Using innovative ECCO FLUIDFORM
training, and high levels of artisan skill
Daisy says. "It really offers unique
Technology, they saw an opportunity
that can't easily be faked.
products to our consumers. This way of
™
making a shoe brings together more
to create a new shank, suspended welt, and strobel sock formation, that
Daisy Chen, ECCO Finishing Specialist,
people from R&D and other areas with
allows single density P.U to flow into the
and head of the 24-strong 'Brown Shoe
our own teams working together, hand-
footbed of the shoe.
Team' in Xiamen, tasked with main
in-hand, to make sure this process is
taining ECCO's famously rigorous pro
well managed through production.
As an homage to traditional "Goodyear
duction standards, says that each time
We believe it’s the teamwork that
construction" used in conventional
new shoes like this are introduced into
makes the final product very special."
— 34 —
— 35 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
THE H A R M O N Y O F C O N T R A S T F E A T .
F R E D E R I K
T H Y B O
V I O L I N I S T
Perhaps more than any other instrument, the violin can take you by surprise … FREDERIK THYBO, VIOLINST ECCO VITRUS™ / 640314-01086
— 36 —
The blending of a violin with
has hardly put his bow down since.
and not just for the audience to listen
electronica might seem like an
"I like how you can play the most
to, but also for us in the band to play."
unlikely combination for ECCO's
emotional, beautiful piece on a violin,
Another example is ECCO's new brand
new brand campaign film,
and you can also force sounds out of
campaign film, 'Perpetual Natural
'Perpetual Natural Motion'. But for
it that are less obvious and actually
Motion', with a score from Danish
Frederik Thybo, a Danish violinist
not that pretty, but in the right context
composer Martin Dirkov that mixes the
who appears in the film, and who
it is interesting to work with the sounds
violin with electronica, symbolising how
can make his violin sound like an
that are almost indefinable and not
the hybridization of two contrasting
electric guitar, it is just another
noticeably being played by a violin. It
elements can produce extraordinary
unexpected delight in his relation-
creates a new, interesting layer to the
results. A rich, expressive, and dynamic
ship with his bow and strings.
music," says Frederik, a Danish violinist
example, the score captures the ethos
who likes to innovate, challenging
of ECCO. "Martin's score was unique
You wouldn't be alone in thinking of the
others to change their perceptions of
and very beautiful," says Frederik,
violin as a deeply traditional instrument
the instrument. "The range of sounds
who is an old friend of the composer,
that plays beautiful, classical pieces of
you can make with a violin is extremely
and who stepped-in to represent the
music. But, if you care to experiment
diverse, and that’s without using any
character of a violinist in the film: "I
with its sound, you will hear it is capable
effects. I love both the beauty of the
must say the film is extremely beautiful
of so much more than that. Perhaps
more organic sounds and also the
and powerful, helped by a score that
more than any other instrument, the
more edgy, almost ugly, sounds."
mixes the organic and the electronic."
For an example of how the violin can
Watching the film back, Frederik is
be used in a more contemporary way,
taken by how the film explores ECCO's
From the beginning, Frederik's relation
listen to Frederik's band, Cody, who
connection with nature. "I'm also
ship with the violin has been about
describe their sound as "folk-inspired
inspired by nature," says Frederik, who
pleasant surprises — he was just four
pop melodies with hints of post-rock
has played for leading recording artists.
years old, and on a family holiday in
and Nordic gloom." Traditional instru
"I live in Copenhagen so when I get out
Prague, when his parents happened
ments, such as the violin, are combined
of the city and into the countryside,
to pass a music shop, spotting a mini,
with electronic instruments, including
you get this feeling that only nature
child's version of the instrument in the
synthesisers, "which takes the sound
can give you. You're in awe of the
window. They thought he might enjoy
somewhere else," he says. "The focus is
grandiosity of nature, and at the same
playing it, and they were right: Frederik
always on making a song interesting,
time you feel a real calmness."
violin can take you by surprise — just like it did to Frederik Thybo.
— 37 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
E C C O P E R P E T U A L
V I T R U S ™ N A T U R A L
ECCO VITRUS™ / 640324-01009
M O T I O N
A N AT O M Y
I N
M O T I O N
ECCO VITRUS™ — INJECTING INNOVATION INTO SOPHISTICATION Revolutionary ECCO VITRUS ™ shank allows SD.PU to flow through, creating an anatomically shaped heel. One-of-a-kind cupped heel brings you closer to the ground, for stability and wearing comfort. A choice of luxurious ECCO CALF CRUST leathers that are hand treated for lustre and depth.
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
T R U T H
T O
M A T E R I A L S
PIET HEIN EEK
"As a designer, I'm trying to create something according to my specific ideas, which means that it's much nicer to adjust the materials to those ideas rather than the other way around." PIET HEIN EEK, DUTCH DESIGNER
However, Eek says he has "never felt comfortable having
Eek was drawn to ECCO Leather Studio's innovation. "That's
recycling as a main goal" since he also makes products
actually the reason why we collaborated. Normally, if you
from new materials. Whether he is working with old or new
buy leather, you buy an end product. You can choose what's
materials, he treats them just the same. "I really want to do
already there, but you can't discuss or negotiate what you
the best with them. I try to design with respect to materials,
want. As a designer, I'm trying to create something according
technique and craft," he says.
to my specific ideas, which means that it's much nicer to adjust the materials to those ideas rather than the other way
Best known for making furniture out of scrap wood — for
Eek's respect for materials was also evident in some of the
When Eek could no longer find the high-end, classical leather
using timber off-cuts that others had thought were only good
work he presented during the 2017 Dutch Design Week,
he had been using for the upholstery of his 'Glossy Chair', built
enough for the rabbit hutch or the bonfire — Piet Hein Eek
which included tables and lamps created from old pipes.
from a bold block cube of shiny metal, he did not give up on
"We make our own hardware and we're used to adjusting all
has always taken a progressive, fresh approach to materials.
"I make products from what's been thrown away and then I
producing it. Instead, he challenged the ECCO Leather Studio
the materials to our wishes. So this leather is a very good addi
Before Eek, no one in the design world had been creating
don't throw anything away myself," Eek says. "Most designers
to produce a similar bespoke material for him, a project that
tion to the possibilities. I love the way that ECCO was t rying
domestic furniture from recycling discarded wood. "This was
are not focused on using materials like scrap wood and
led to the development of a new and innovative tanning
to find new qualities. The whole idea that you can adjust the
1989 — I was by far the first," he says. You can tell just how
other opportunities around them. I've always looked at the
process, OXATAN . The result was a lightweight, shiny leather
quality, texture and feeling of the leather, that's amazing."
influential those designs have been from the number of
materials and the possibilities around me."
with a patina effect, that revived the original design and
times the industry has tried to replicate them.
®
around," he says.
pietheineek.nl
paved the way for an additional sofa style.
— 40 —
— 41 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
E X P E R I M E N T I N G
W I T H
T H E
U N U S U A L
EVOKING SOUND F E A T . C O M P O S E R ,
M A N A 2 . 0 W R I T E R
&
A R T I S T
Under the name Mana2.0, composer, writer
Martin Dirkov's score. Maria Nadia appears
and artist Maria Nadia Schmidt Nielsen, likes
in the film, stepping-in as the character role
to experiment with unusual, unexpected
of the electronic artist. "Being part of the
sounds — including recordings of traffic.
film was a fun, interesting experience," says
Such an avant-garde approach made the
Maria Nadia, whose agent got her involved
Dane ideally suited for a role in ECCO's inno
with the project, "as in my own work I also
vative new brand campaign film, 'Perpetual
like mixing classical instruments with the
Natural Motion', with its unorthodox combi
sounds on my computer."
nation of classical and electronic music. For that fusion of contemporary and classi Music evokes an immediate visceral
cal, she'll sometimes blend electronica with
response in any audience. When you're
a saxophone, a guitar, or her own voice.
immersed in a short film or a piece of
Maria Nadia, who is based in Copenhagen,
performance art, says Maria Nadia Schmidt
doesn't have a style as such, but says
Nielsen, "music gets to you in another way,
instead that she "investigates sound", which
bringing out your feelings and your emo
has seen her recording and sampling traffic
tions." And if you're in any doubt about the
noises in the city, or even a train clattering
hold that music has over you, just imagine
past or a helicopter whizzing overhead.
a film with dialogue but no score: "It just
While elements of it are prerecorded, her
wouldn't be the same — music is very impor
music is produced to work as a live sound.
tant for creating mood and atmosphere." "I enjoy it when sounds accidentally For the experimental Maria Nadia, who was
happen, and I can use mistakes or flaws.
a singer before moving into composing, and
It’s not always quiet in the studio or maybe
still sings in her music, one of the pleasures of
we're recording in an apartment and a
creating scores and soundscapes is bringing
flatmate accidentally opens a door or drops
together different, even unlikely, sounds. She
something, and it's interesting to use that
has been playing with sound for many years,
and work with it instead of ignoring it."
MARIA NADIA SCHMIDT NIELSEN, COMPOSER, WRITER & ARTIST
and currently produces music for short films, but primarily collaborates with artists.
"… music gets to you in another way, bringing out your feelings and your emotions."
As Maria Nadia says, she's not producing
ECCO CREPETRAY / 200323-50263
with the aim of creating "hit singles to be A startling harmony of sounds can also be
played on the radio", her work is more pro
heard in ECCO's new brand campaign film,
vocative than that. What she wants, more
'Perpetual Natural Motion', with electronica
than anything, is for the audience to have
and a violin mixed together in composer
an emotional reaction to her music.
— 42 —
— 43 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
E C C O
C R E P E T R A Y
H Y - T E C H P E R P E T U A L
H O N E Y
N A T U R A L
M O T I O N
ECCO CREPETRAY — WELCOME TO LIGHTWEIGHT HONEY ECCO CREPETRAY outsole provides outstanding weight reduction on a traditional aesthetic. FLUIDFORM ™ Technology ensures a finely tuned balance of cushioning and rebound. A choice of state-of-the-art premium ECCO leather, with ECCO SAMBAL or ECCO BLUE BAYOU detailing, or ECCO leather with ECCO SAMBAL detailing. ECCO CREPETRAY / 200333-59529
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
F O U R T H
G E N E R A T I O N
O F
S H O E M A K E R S
ECCO FIRST / 754021-01325 ECCO SOFT 9 / 243803-04481 ECCO CREPETRAY / 200334-50263
IN SHOES & LIFE F E A T . D E S I G N
N I K I
D I R E C T O R
A N D
&
C Æ C I L I E
M A R K E T I N G
— 46 —
M A N A G E R
A T
E C C O
When the average number of times
at work too, like Design Director,
"I am the fourth generation of shoe
that people change their jobs sits
Niki Tæstensen, and Marketing
makers," he says. "My father was in
between 10 and 15, it is rare to find
Manager, Cæcilie Cindie Koldorf.
production, a technician, but my
someone who has thrived 10 years at
grandfather had his own factory,
one company, let alone someone
Having started an apprenticeship
was a tailor and a designer, and my
who has done that twice over.
with ECCO at 16, Niki began his career
great-grandfather also had his own
in shoemaking — following a tradition
factory and shop."
But milestones like that appear to hap
that went three generations back
pen almost monthly at ECCO — with
on his father's side — as a pattern
But the connection goes even deeper
many of them also finding their partner
cutter with a lot to learn.
than that, Niki says, with his father
— 47 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
F O U R T H
G E N E R A T I O N
O F
S H O E M A K E R S
E C C O
T R U E P E R P E T U A L working at ECCO before he started,
"We are really good at being at home,
his grandfather selling his machinery
in our own little cave," Cæcilie says,
to the founder of ECCO, Karl Toosbuy,
"but we also love the contrast of big
and his parents even meeting while at
city trips, where we enjoy sitting in
work there.
cafes having a glass of wine, shopping
T R U E
I N D I G O
B L U E N A T U R A L
F U N M O T I O N
and eating good food." Joining the brand through her trainee program, but gravitating towards PR and Marketing, Cæcilie said she was instantly aware of many couples who had met their partners while working at ECCO. "When I was in Xiamen, working for one year in production, I spoke to a colleague who told me: 'ECCO gave
"My Dad actually once said … that I was going to be with a shoemaker" CÆCILIE CINDIE KOLDORF, MARKETING MANAGER AT ECCO
me a job, and a wife' — it was quite cute, and I guess that is kind of what happened to me."
Does that mean Niki designs shoes with Cæcilie in mind? "Yes and no,"
But if you ask her father, he might tell a
he replies, smiling.
different story. "My Dad actually once said, when I was 10 or something, that I
"Sometimes I design a shoe that
was going to be with a shoemaker," she
Cæcilie will deliberately not like, that I
says. "And when Niki and I got together,
know she wouldn't wear, because it is
he said 'Oh, we knew it! We always
for another type of woman, then I will
said it, that you were going to be with
ask her, just to see if I got it right."
a shoemaker'. Mind you, they said he would be Italian, so I guess they got it
"In other cases, when she says: 'I really
half-right!"
like that'," Niki continues, "I think 'great, that was meant for you'. But if she
Recently returned from maternity
doesn't, I know I have to change it!"
leave, Cæcilie says she considers
he laughs.
herself very lucky to have a partner
ECCO FIRST feat. TRUE INDIGO — PUTTING YOUR CHILD’S BEST FOOT AND LOOK FORWARD A stylish start for any little foot, these unisex mid-cut sneakers are lovingly crafted to support your child’s feet on their first adventures in life. Combining comfortable and durable ECCO FLUIDFORM ™ Technology, plus a range of supportive and easy fit design features, they are a sporty, on-trend sneaker featuring ECCO TRUE INDIGO denim-look premium leather. Like a favourite pair of jeans, they are made to become a comfortable, everyday favourite. Who says your first steps can’t be fashionable?
who is as interested in shoes as she ECCO FIRST / 754021-01325
is, but that with a new baby to look after, and Niki’s daughter with them on weekends, the key for them to balance everything, while working at the same company, is spending quality time travelling or at home.
— 48 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
A SNEAKER'S BEST FRIEND F E A T .
T H O M A S
M A Y M A N N
&
T H E
M I D S O L E
C L E A N I N G
K I T
While companies like Google and
"I had been singled out for wearing
recently added a new product to their
Apple might be thought of as the fore
a suit that day — because I was the
three-step cleaning range — the ECCO
runners of a casual workplace culture,
only one — and I was using it to play
Midsole Cleaning Kit — which comes
casual comfort has always been at the
chauffeur." Luckily, Thomas says his
with a foam Midsole Clear, two brushes
core of ECCO's story, with a focus on
passengers were unaware he wasn't
and a cotton cloth. ECCO Accessories
making the most comfortable shoes,
actually a chauffeur, and, despite
cleaning expert Fionn O'Toole says the
and having a relaxed dress code
being new to the area, and driving
kit is an important evolution for sneaker
that matches that. So, when Thomas
against the clock in a time before GPS
care, and is essential to keep white
Maymann arrived for his first day at
was used, he managed to get them
outsoles white.
ECCO in 1997, in a pinstripe suit, he
there for their flight. Unsurprisingly,
soon found out he was overdressed.
Thomas wore jeans for his second
"Times may have changed since the
day at ECCO.
heyday of formal office wear and the sneaker may be the current king, but
"It's a funny story," says Thomas, laughing, who 20 years later is still at
"Twenty years ago, ECCO was
the idea of keeping a shoe perfect
ECCO, now employed as the Category
ahead of its time, with people in the
remains ingrained in our minds," Fionn
Manager for the Men's collection.
office wearing what they were most
says. "There is still something incredibly
"The two jobs I had had before ECCO,
comfortable in. That's why there's such
satisfying about seeing the dirt come
I had worn a suit, so it was quite natural
a big focus on sneakers, we all wear
out of the soles!"
for me to work in one. Apparently, it
them, so that's what is reflected in
hadn't gone unnoticed, because on
our collection," Thomas says. "We
the first day, I was called to reception
combine our history and knowledge
and, suddenly, found myself in one of
as shoemakers, with our expertise in
the ECCO cars, driving foreign guests
leather tanning and performance,
to the airport," he says.
to produce versatile modern hybrids." It is not surprising then that ECCO has
— 50 —
"ECCO was ahead of its time, with people in the office wearing what they were most comfortable in" THOMAS MAYMANN, CATEGORY MANAGER FOR THE MEN'S COLLECTION AT ECCO
global.ecco.com/en/bags-and-accessories/guides/ccp
— 51 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
O N
T H E
G R E E N
A T
' M A D E
I N
D E N M A R K '
THE ROOKIE V S . L A S S E
T H E A A L L I N G
G R E A T G O E S
A G A I N S T
D A N E
T H O M A S
B J Ø R N
In an attempt to open golf up to a
to do my normal workout," he says.
Wednesday at Made in Denmark, with
wider audience, ECCO Golf thought
"I saw a few colleagues that I know
the amphitheatre-style hole providing
it would be fun to pit a somewhat
from ECCO Golf, practicing, so I went
the perfect backdrop for the climax
cocky 'rookie', against Danish pro,
in there and was like 'hey, let me try
of The Rookie's journey — a one hole,
Thomas Bjørn.
to take a swing, this really can’t be
sudden death shootout.
With only 6 months of coaching,
I was thinking, this is a stupid game,
Thomas Bjørn, making his 500th start on
Lasse Aalling, Junior Product Manager
the ball doesn't even fly!"
the European Tour, went first and found
One Rookie. One Pro. Six months. 500 spectators. LASSE AALLING, JUNIOR PRODUCT MANAGER AT ECCO
that hard'." "But after a few swings,
for ECCO Outdoor, was given the
the front edge of the green, while
challenge of beating 'The Great Dane'
It was then that the scene for the
Lasse, was understandably feeling
at the famous par-3 16th hole, at
David and Goliath battle was set,
some pressure, fired his tee shot just
Himmerland Golf Club, during the
and PGA professional Thor Andersen
over the green. But all was not lost,
Wednesday Pro-Am.
was called in to try and fast-track
with Thomas taking four putts to finish,
Lasse through the basics, with an
and Lasse making a great chip, with
Only a few years ago, 25 year-old Lasse
online series "The Rookie" following
two long putts to tie with a five each.
started working at ECCO as a casual
his progress, and adding pro 'tips
Saturday worker, while in high school,
and tricks' for other 'rookies' at home.
later joining ECCO's 3 year traineeship,
So, was Lasse converted to the "stupid game"? "Yes! I still play twice, three or
before starting with ECCO Outdoor.
And the result? Wearing special ECCO
even four times a week," he says, "but
"Every Tuesday they play golf in the
caps to show their support for Lasse,
now it is more for fun and whenever
Sports Farm, the ECCO Golf Club, and
the crowds were noticeably bigger
I have time or the weather is good."
I walked in one day, going to the gym,
than what would be normal for a
— 52 —
e.cco.to/therookie
— 53 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018
1980 ECCO DEBUTS FLUIDFORM ™ TECHNOLOGY AFTER 17 YEARS AS SHOEMAKERS, ECCO INTRODUCES FLUIDFORM™ TECHNOLOGY BY DEBUTING A NEW PROCESS THAT BONDS SOLES RIGHT ONTO THE UPPERS. THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY BECOMES THE FOUNDATION FOR COMFORT AND FLEXIBILITY IN ECCO SHOES, REVOLUTIONISING SHOE MANUFACTURING.
2017 PHORENE™ IS PIONEERED ON ECCO EXOSTRIKE ™ SPARKING A GIANT LEAP IN ECCO’S FLUIDFORM™ PROCESS, PHORENE ™ IS A GAME-CHANGING SUBSTANCE THAT PRODUCES BREAKTHROUGHS IN WEIGHT, SHOCK ABSORPTION, ENERGY RETURN AND COLD WEATHER PERFORMANCE.
M0000007216
E C C O
E L I T E P E R P E T U A L
B I O M
x
S T R E E T
S T R E E T
N A T U R A L
M O T I O N