— 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 2019
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
SPRING / SUMMER 2019 —
ECCO JOURNAL Guided by true passion
06
THE BALLET — DREAMING OF BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL BALLERINA
12
ART AS A LOVE AFFAIR — THE VOICE OF AN ILLUSTRATOR
16
PROVOKING EMOTION — THE MAN BEHIND THE AGENCY & CO.
22
MODERN MASTER — TRAVELLING THE WORLD FOR 200 DAYS A YEAR
28
LIFE LEARNING — CO-CREATION AND COURAGE
40
ON PLASTIC PATROL — PADDLEBOARDING PICKING UP PLASTIC
44
THE LONG-AWAITED INTERVIEW — KIDS IN MOTION
48
A WORLD OF CONTRASTS — FASHION AND MUSIC MEET SILENCE AND SIMPLE LIVING
WORDS: CHARLOTTE KRISTINE SKOV LIAM MAHER MARK HODGKINSON PHOTOS: CLAUS VISBY ANDERSEN HENRIK BÜLOW LISA CARTER SAMUEL GLAZEBROOK PRODUCED BY: ECCO CREATIVE SERVICES PAPER: MUNKEN KRISTALL 300G/150G ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE USED IN ANY FORM OR MEANS WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF ECCO SKO A/S IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT: ECCO SKO A/S, INDUSTRIVEJ 5, DK-6261 BREDEBRO, DENMARK TEL. +45 74911625, ECCO.COM
CONTRIBUTORS
LEONORA SLOT
RUTH CRONE FOSTER
THOMAS HOFFMANN
HENRIK BÜLOW
With wholehearted
Guided by a strong inner
Whether he is creating
Travelling the world 200 days
devotion and diligence,
voice, experimental
adverts for broadcasters,
a year, photographer Henrik
Leonora Slot pursues
illustrator Ruth Crone Foster
shoemakers or other brands,
Bülow is constantly finding
her dream of becoming a
interprets the world
Thomas Hoffmann
new sources of inspiration.
professional ballerina.
around her in alluring
uses emotion.
— 22 —
—6—
lines and colours.
— 16 —
— 12 —
A M Y J E A N H A M I LTO N
L I Z Z I E CA R R
R E E GA N DAV I E S
T O B I A S PA U L S E N
At a remote folk high
She's the woman
Seven-year-old
Exploring a diverse world
school, Amy Jean Hamilton
behind Plastic Patrol,
Reegan Davies from a small
as a model, Tobias Paulsen
found the perfect place
picking up plastic from
town in Wales features in the
is making his way with a
to practice slow living and
her paddleboard to
ECCO Kids brand movie.
camera and a promise
creative leadership.
address the global crisis
— 44 —
to stay true to himself.
— 28 —
of plastic pollution. — 40 —
— 48 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
E C C O
DIRECT COMFORT TECHNOLOGY
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I N
N A T U R A L
M O T I O N
S I N C E
1 9 6 3
TO SEE HARMONIES I T
I S
S O M E T I M E S A R O U N D
U N R E L A T E D
Y O U
E V E N T S
T E M P T I N G A S A N D
A
T O
S E E
C H A O T I C
T H E
B L U R
D I S C O N N E C T E D
W O R L D O F
E L E M E N T S .
It is the gift of the visionary — the designer, the artist, the entrepreneur — to see harmonies where the rest of us might see only dissonance. ECCO's designers, engineers and in-house leather tanners have always had this gift. They have seen how the foot and the last are two reflections of a single concept at the root of true comfort. They have seen how the last and the shoe extend the same concept into designs for contemporary wearing moments across every shoe in the modern shoe wardrobe. This way of looking at the world, and this understanding of modern shoe design, is at the heart of ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology.
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
B A L L E T
S T U D E N T
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L E O N O R A
S L O T
THE BALLET Leonora Slot has been taking ballet les-
to improve my technique. During the
sons since the age of three. Today, she
ballet lessons, I always look in the mirror
attends the Royal Danish Ballet School
to check what I might do better. Ballet
in Copenhagen, where she pursues
as an art form will never be perfect,
her dream of becoming a professional
there is always room for improvement.
ballerina, well aware that as an art form
Even though it can be hard to put my
ballet will never be perfect. With its com-
perfectionism aside, I love to practice
bination of academic lessons and ballet
alone in the dance hall, to lose myself in
classes, her school life differs substantially
the music and the dance, to feel free,
from that experienced by other Danish
almost floating.
adolescents. We met the talented ballet student to learn about an everyday life
At times, it can be tough. We are used
full of passion, magic and hard work
to being evaluated all the time. Every
from Leonora's point of view. The regal
year, students are deselected at the
setting of Schackenborg Palace forms
exams. After all, it is an elite school. You
an enchanting backdrop.
never know if you will be dancing next
To me, ballet is everything. It is my pas-
But I still love it.
year, and that's tough to think about. sion and my life. What I love most about ballet is to be on stage, to identify with
We have fairly long days, from 8 am to 6
a role, forget the outside world and give
pm, with ballet practice in the morning
the audience a fabulous experience.
followed by ordinary lessons, like Danish,
From the very beginning, I have been
English and maths, and then afternoon
mesmerised by dancing as a mode of
practice with point class, modern or
expression.
more artistic dancing where we engage in the creative process. We also rehearse
I feel privileged to be studying at the
on Saturdays, maybe pas de deux,
Royal Danish Ballet School. It is a truly
where we dance with a male partner.
magical, exciting universe. When you walk through the labyrinthine corridors of
When I was four years old, I also began
the historic building of the Royal Danish
to play the violin. My parents are musi-
Theatre, you can hear music from the
cians, and my brother plays the cello at
rehearsal halls, you pass the workrooms
a high level. But eventually, I chose to
with all the costumes, you are close to
focus on ballet. You have to be whole-
the professional dancers of the compa-
heartedly devoted to become a ballet
ny and even get to meet some of your
dancer, and luckily my family under-
biggest idols.
stand what it takes and back me up. I dream about dancing leading roles, like
I am a perfectionist and simply love to
Giselle, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet and
obsess over all the tiny details in order
Odile/Odette in Swan Lake.
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"Ballet as an art form will never be perfect, there is always room for improvement." LEONORA SLOT BALLET STUDENT AT THE ROYAL DANISH BALLET SCHOOL ECCO ANINE / 20800301118
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S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
"In ballet, the body is your instrument, and it is essential to take good care of it." LEONORA SLOT BALLET STUDENT AT THE ROYAL DANISH BALLET SCHOOL
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B A L L E T
S T U D E N T
—
L E O N O R A
S L O T
I like it when my days follow a regular
in my point shoes, I enjoy soaking my
pattern, and I make sure to get enough
feet in ice water. And when I'm alone
sleep, eat healthy and look after myself.
in bed, listening to music or podcasts, it
In ballet, the body is your instrument, and
is almost a kind of m editation for me. A
it is essential to take good care of it. After
chance to be absorbed in something
a long day with many hours of dancing
else, away from my busy everyday life.
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S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
— 10 —
E C C O
C R A Q U E L U R E
L E A T H E R
CRAQUELURE
ECCO CRAQUELURE is distinguished by a fine filigree of tonal colour veins sweeping naturally across the surface. Inspired in part by the gentle crackled effect often found in paintings by the old masters or in fine china and earthenware, this pattern generates an added dimension of colour effect and visual movement. While the fine-lined organic pattern implies an intriguing fragility, the unique tanning processes used by ECCO Leather produce a soft, sensual final product that derives its strength from its suppleness and grace.
ECCO ANINE / 20800351430
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S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
ART AS A L OV E A F FA I R The Danish illustrator and creative consultant Ruth Crone Foster is guided by a strong inner voice and profound curiosity when she interprets the world around her in alluring lines, shapes and colours. Meet a woman who is constantly trying to push her work a little further, to seize and create the unexpected instead of walking in yesterday's footsteps.
Creativity has always been a natural
what to expect due to her inherent urge
part of Ruth Crone Foster's personality,
to plunge headlong into new creative
taking on many expressions, from graffiti
challenges and adventures. And it is this
painting in her younger days to a later
blend of passions and sensitivities, this
engagement with design. In the end,
interest in the free, the delicate and the
however, it turned out that Ruth has
powerful, that made Ruth Crone Foster
a heart for art. That is the exact place
the natural choice to bring ECCO's new
where her creative streak seems to be
ANINE ballerina concept to life as a
most dynamic, most compelling, most
work of art.
intuitive. Art is a passion for Ruth. A love affair that In every work of art, from one-of-a-kind
is both playful and demanding while the
collages to bespoke illustrations, the
creative process requires her full atten-
experimental illustrator and creative
tion and heartbeat. Sometimes she can
consultant draws on a strong inner voice
hardly breathe until a work of art has
combined with a profound curiosity and
found its final expression. And yet, she is
open receptiveness. This allows her to
compelled to listen to that inner voice.
sense innovative structures and textures,
To move on and to uncover and follow
new trends and, not least, the vibrant
new paths in the name of love.
spirit of the city of Aarhus where she lives, processing all of these sensations
ECCO has a long-standing orientation
into multilayered works with a subtle
to art that originates from the founder,
quality that challenges the mind.
Karl Toosbuy's, profound interest in the creative arts as well as the shoe
"It is important for me to set the viewer
manufacturer's search for excellence
free. Free to explore the stories of an art
and uniqueness. The urge and motiva-
piece, free to experience and interpret
tion to move forward experienced by
the multiple, perhaps even unexpected
Ruth Crone Foster in her creative work
elements and layers," explains Ruth.
echo Karl Toosbuy's reflections on art as a driving force in his international
Her creative universe is diverse. Delicate
enterprise.
as well as powerful, simple as well as refined, and you never know exactly
ruthcronefoster.dk
E X P E R I M E N T A L
I L L U S T R A T O R
—
R U T H
C R O N E
F O S T E R
"Art has never been strictly business for me. It's a hobby turned into a profession, turned into a love affair." RUTH CRONE FOSTER EXPERIMENTAL ILLUSTRATOR ECCO ANINE / 20800351430 — 13 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
ECCO ANINE / 20800351430 ECCO ELLA SHOPPER / 910543990217
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ICON OF GRACE The timeless ballerina flat, which has helped create so many iconic moments in fashion and film over the decades, has been reinvented by ECCO for the modern woman. With its combination of innovative lightweight comfort and a versatile aesthetic crafted from a range of our rich, premium leathers, the ECCO ANINE is an essential in any woman's shoe wardrobe.
In 1963, the same year ECCO was
on the ballerina flat. Our pioneering
founded, Audrey Hepburn appeared in
ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort
Vogue pairing a Givenchy evening dress
Technology is combined with rich, sump-
with ballerina flats. This iconic fashion
tuous and dazzling leathers developed
moment still resonates today, helping to
and produced in our own tanneries.
make the ballerina an all-time favourite Pioneered by ECCO over three
of our women's design team.
decades, FLUIDFORM™ ensures that The ballerina flat is a mercurial silhouette
ECCO ANINE elevates the comfort of
that has always danced effortlessly
a ballerina flat beyond that achieved
between dressed-up and dressed-down
by old-fashioned assemblies and con-
occasions. It is a shoe with the energy to
ventional designs. While our ballerina
symbolise unbridled expressive passion,
flat has a stylish low profile, the soft
as it did for the actress Moira Shearer in
PU material, which is direct-injected
The Red Shoes in 1948. The style went
into the one-component sole, wraps
on to exemplify the unique light-footed
and protects the underfoot, delivering
elegance of women like Hepburn, who
exceptional shock absorption and a bit
also made the shoe oh-so-cool in jazz-
of bounce. Using such a light material
age Capri pants in ultra-modern, all-
helps to make the ECCO ANINE half the
black ensembles in Funny Face in 1957.
weight of our previous ballerina flats. A
Today the style is being reimagined by a
new anatomical last offers a softer and
new generation of style influencers from
more feminine outline as well as a close
Alexa Chung to Miranda Kerr.
fit; with all its innovations, the ECCO ANINE is reimagining the ballerina flat for
For us at ECCO, it's not enough to
all-day wear.
simply throw another ballerina flat into the world. Our designers have always
Elegantly illustrating the creativity and
sought to bring more to each of our
expertise of the team at the ECCO
customer's wearing moments than just a
Leather tanneries, the ECCO ANINE is
new colour or a new cosmetic detail.
offered in a selection of premium materials, including rich liquid metallic, modern
Named after Anine Frølich, an 18th-
floral prints and fresh spring colours. With
century dancer and the first Danish
its highly versatile aesthetic, which sup-
ballet star, the ECCO
plies almost limitless
ANINE is a new
styling options and
dynamic comfort
wearing moments,
platform providing
the ECCO ANINE is a
the foundation
modern essential for
for a mesmerising
any woman's shoe
array of premium
wardrobe.
leather variations DIRECT COMFORT TECHNOLOGY
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
C R E A T I V E
D I R E C T O R
—
T H O M A S
H O F F M A N N
PR OVOKING EMOTION Whether he is creating advertisements for broadcasters, shoemakers or other brands, Thomas Hoffmann uses emotion. The creative director of an award-winning Danish advertising agency, Hoffman collaborated with ECCO on the company's brand movie.
Advertising isn't rational. Advertising also
into those we trust and those we avoid,
tanneries, research and development
isn't a cold, hard, fact-heavy science.
into country folk and city types, old
facilities and the factories. It was a bit of
Advertising is the art of provoking emo-
Danes and newcomers.
an epiphany for the whole team to discover the deep-rooted competencies
tions: how does a film or an image make you feel? The most powerful advertise-
The compelling part was what
and convictions that go into every little
ments — the ones that allow brands
happened next: the moderator posed
detail," says Hoffmann.
to truly connect with consumers — are
a series of questions, asking people
those that speak to the heart rather than
to step forward if a category applied
"One of the things we brought home
to the head.
to them. Who were the class clowns?
with us from our trips was an overriding
The step-parents? Who was madly in
theme of duality. The premium raw
"People never buy products because
love? Or feeling lonely? Who had been
materials and the cutting-edge tech-
they need them. They buy them
bullied? Or had bullied others? Or who
nology. The leather expertise and the
because they want them," says Thomas
loved to dance? The original groups
high-tech sole-platform production. The
Hoffmann, the creative director of
were mixed up, and the voice-over
heritage and the innovation. The past
Danish advertising agency & Co.,
concluded: "There's more that brings us
and the future. The brand movie is a
which produced ECCO's atmospheric,
together than we think."
celebration of that duality and we think the director, Per-Hampus Stålhandske,
evocative brand movie. "This means that when you touch people with your
Almost as soon as the advertisement
did a terrific job at capturing that and
content, they love you for it. Emotional
was launched in 2017, it went viral,
combining it with the other themes."
advertising is therefore always the way
with American talkshow host Ellen
to go. Advertising is changing fast,
DeGeneres, Canadian Prime Minister
With an original score, as well as
from product stories to storytelling that
Justin Trudeau and British entrepreneur
sweeping shots of the Danish landscape,
touches people."
Sir Richard Branson among those who
a horse and thousands of starlings
shared it on social media. "By coinci-
performing their 'Black Sun' murmuration
One illustration of this emotive approach
dence, the film came out just around
formations above the marshlands, 'In
to advertising is the video that & Co.
the time of Donald Trump's inauguration,
Natural Motion Since 1963' offers plenty
created for Danish broadcaster TV2,
and a lot of people really needed to be
of atmosphere. And, of course, emotion.
which went viral, with millions of views
reminded that we have a lot of things
"If you can touch people with relevant
around the world. Called "All That We
in common. So the message resonated
and emotional content and a clear
Share", the video begins with dozens
around the world," says Hoffmann.
message, you are on the right track," says Hoffmann.
of Danes walking on to a set and then gathering in squares that supposedly
In learning more about ECCO to create
defined them, with a voice-over saying:
the "In Natural Motion Since 1963" film,
"It's easy to put people in boxes — there's
Hoffmann gained new appreciation
andco.dk
us and there's them." Participants were
for the Danish shoemaker. "We went
ecco.com
divided up into high- and low-earners,
on some inspirational trips to the ECCO
— 16 —
youtube.com (All That We Share)
THOMAS HOFFMANN CREATIVE DIRECTOR
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S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
C R E A T I V E
D I R E C T O R
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T H O M A S
H O F F M A N N
01. ECCO SOFT 8 / 45084401291, 02. ECCO VITRUS I / 64031401009, 03. ECCO COLLIN 2.0 / 53620401007, 04. ECCO COOL / 83138452625
— 18 —
"If you can touch people with relevant and emotional content and a clear message, you are on the right track." THOMAS HOFFMANN CREATIVE DIRECTOR ECCO VITRUS I / 64031401009 ECCO LARS BRIEFCASE / 910543090000
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S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018 019
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AW E W I T H O U T S H O C K E C C O ' S H A S
F U T U R I S T I C B E E N T O
S T . 1
C O M B I N E D C R E A T E
S H O C K W I T H
O U R
A B S O R P T I O N
P R E M I U M
F I R S T
T E C H N O L O G Y
F O R M A L
O F F I C E
U P P E R S
H Y B R I D .
For years, ECCO's design and research
biggest impact when you walk. ECCO
Lifestyles and fashion have evolved
teams have been exploring ways of
was already renowned for its modern
around the world since we set up shop
enhancing comfort and increasing
comfort experience; the introduction
in Denmark in 1963, but the main current
shock absorption at the heel. They
of ST.1 adds 17 per cent more shock
of innovation has remained focused on
have engineered 'shockpoint' variations
absorption and rebound.
increased comfort, performance and versatility: the things that make life a
that incorporate more sole material under the heel, made possible by the
In its first season, we introduced the
little bit easier. The ST.1 can be seen as a
geometry of the outsole.
ST.1 cushion core in a focused range of
cousin of the American buck shoe from
premium, athleisure-inspired silhouettes
the 1950s. Like the buck, it is a relaxed
But the Holy Grail of comfort and
for both men and women. This athlei-
spin on a formal shoe with a healthy
shock absorption has always been to
sure programme continues, but the
dose of confident swagger.
break through all layers of the outsole
technology has now been adapted to
construction and embed a soft cushion
deliver enhanced performance in the
But the ECCO ST.1 HYBRID has been
core directly between your heel and the
men's office hybrid category.
designed and engineered to represent an utterly contemporary idea within the
ground. We regard the new ECCO ST.1 HYBRID
modern menswear wardrobe. A hybrid
That ambition was realised last season
range as a direct descendant of the
office shoe with the sole (and soul) of
with the launch of ST.1, or SHOCK-THRU™,
original ECCO concept: premium
advanced comfort engineering. Easy to
from ECCO. The careful integration of
leather shoes that meet the highest
dress up, easy to dress down, endlessly
the ST.1 cushion core with our ECCO
standards of our shoemaker culture,
versatile and comfortable enough for
FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology
while delivering the advanced comfort
navigating the journey from boardroom
preserves the anatomical comfort profile
that was once only the domain of
to boulevard.
you find across the ECCO Collection
conventional sneakers. That describes
while enhancing comfort and shock
historic ECCO shoes from deep in the
absorption directly under the heel. That
brand's archives, and it absolutely
is the part of the foot that supports most
describes the new ECCO ST.1 HYBRID.
of your bodyweight and absorbs the
ECCO ST.1 HYBRID / 83644402308 ECCO LARS LAPTOP BAG / 910543190296
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S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
MODERN MASTER
HENRIK BÜLOW PHOTOGRAPHER
— 22 —
P H O T O G R A P H E R
—
H E N R I K
B Ü L O W
Travelling the world 200 days a year, Danish photographer Henrik Bülow is constantly finding new sources of inspiration.
ECCO BJORN CROSSBODY / 910536190000 ECCO FLOWT LX / 27385401001
— 23 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
P H O T O G R A P H E R
—
H E N R I K
B Ü L O W
PHOTOGRAPHER — HENRIK BÜLOW ECCO EXOSTRIKE / 83231451052
For all the modernity and freshness of
from people all over the world is the
Henrik Bülow's photography, his images
way I keep up as a photographer.
often evoke the old masters of the
Travelling and shooting make me
Renaissance. Bearded, tattooed and
happy."
with a contemporary aesthetic that is much in demand with the world's
Another strong influence on Bülow —
fashion magazines and leading brands,
whose work has been showcased in
the Dane says he tries to "imitate
multiple exhibitions, including three at
Italian Renaissance painters such as
the Copenhagen Photo Festival — is
Michelangelo." They inspire him to
his former mentor and boss, the iconic
"create a beautiful light" and to shape
American photographer Irving Penn.
his compositions in the studio or on
After completing his education in
location.
Denmark in 1999, Bülow moved to New York to work as an assistant for
Bülow, who shot the ECCO Lifestyle
Penn, who was one of the most cele-
Campaign for Spring/Summer 2019,
brated photographers of the twentieth
travels about 200 days a year for his
century. In addition to being a portrait
work. Wherever he is in the world, he
and fashion photographer, Penn also
seeks out art galleries and museums for
shot still lifes, such as cigarette butts and
inspiration. "I also meet a lot of people,
rotting fruit, and the New York Times
and that, along with my travels and the
once described his pictures as "casual
art, is where I get my inspiration," says
yet exquisite in every way."
Bülow. "Always looking for inspiration
— 24 —
P H O T O G R A P H E R
—
H E N R I K
B Ü L O W
01. ECCO SOFT 7 / 43077355569, 02. ECCO LARS / 910543190296 0 3 . E C C O V I T R U S 1 / 6 4 0 3 1 4 0 1 5 3 2 , E C C O L E I F F O R M A L B E LT / 9 1 0 5 4 0 4 9 0 0 0 0 04. ECCO SOFT 8 / 44079301118
— 25 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
BĂźlow, whose pictures regularly appear in Vogue and other fashion magazines, recently shot the ECCO Lifestyle Campaign for Spring/Summer 2019.
P H O T O G R A P H E R
—
H E N R I K
B Ü L O W
01. ECCO GILLIAN / 28562301118, 02. ECCO CORKSPHERE™ SANDALS / 27181401291
"Working for Irving Penn was a dream
"The ECCO Lifestyle Campaign was a
come true — he was a big idol," says
great pleasure for me to do. I worked
Bülow and, just like Penn, who passed
with the most professional team you
away in 2009, the Dane's pictures have
can imagine. The shoot was done in
appeared in the pages of Vogue,
Denmark, at selected locations that
among other fashion bibles. From
matched the different shoes," says
shooting for brands such as ECCO
Bülow. "We shot on a long lens to
and other iconic Scandinavian brands
make the shoes more in focus, and we
to fashion editorials and portraits,
used natural light to keep it as real as
architecture and furniture, Bülow loves
possible." @henrikbulow
"all aspects of photography."
— 27 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
C R E A T I V E
L E A D E R
—
A M Y
J E A N
H A M I L T O N
LIFE LEARNING Amy Jean Hamilton found the perfect place to practice slow living and creative leadership at the remote design-oriented folk high school Designhøjskolen Højer in southern Denmark. She leads the school from her heart and with a clear ambition of moving people and companies through design, co-creation and courage.
Inspirational messages are spread
of space to grow as a human being.
ECCO, which visit the folk high school
throughout Designhøjskolen Højer
She leads the way with high spirits and
for specially tailored courses. With its
(Designhøjer). They're scribbled on the
a conviction that every day is enriched
welcoming atmosphere and room for
floor, displayed on posters and painted
with potential that can be released
diversity, Designhøjer is an inspiring
as graffiti on the outside walls. The words
when people are brought together to
environment for engaging in mutual
are meant to inspire contemplation,
co-create.
learning through a spirit of openness, reflection and curiosity.
for example the statement "Another beautiful day". It's simple, but it takes
"The potential is there, every single day. It
determination to feel and practice
takes courage to open up and embrace
"It's crucial to pause, breathe and won-
that outlook on a grey day, so close to
the present, and if we do so, it allows
der. Asking questions without necessarily
Denmark's ever-windy west coast. It all
us to unfold the full potential when we
finding immediate answers," says Amy.
depends on your point of view.
do our inner work and co-create with
Amy Jean Hamilton decided to build
others," Amy explains and adds, "This is
Amy Jean Hamilton knows that it requires
where the magic arises."
confidence and daily practice to open one's heart and be guided by intuition.
her own meaningful world with a focus on being as well as performing. She
While individual growth is important,
And that while we are always seeking
moved from Copenhagen with her
Amy Jean Hamilton's creative leadership
answers, you can't force them to mate-
boyfriend and son to settle down in
process encourages the students to
rialise. Her many years of experience in
Højer, a picturesque town surrounded
see themselves as existing within a
creative leadership has led her to the
by a b eautiful and rugged landscape,
community. The week begins with a
truth that with persistence and patience,
where she heads the newly established
check-in, where all students and staff
the answers will eventually manifest
folk high school. Distinctive to Denmark,
share their hopes for the days ahead,
themselves. And that's when you can
these unique high schools provide
and ends with a check-out, where they
have an impact, whether it's at home
informal adult education to boarding
share lessons and reflections from their
with your family, in shaping a company's
students averaging from 18 to 25 years,
experiences. The goal is to foster a
values or guiding someone toward their
typically through courses that last
shared sense of purpose.
highest dream.
"I try to emphasise that it's perfectly
We asked Amy to use styles from our
Sitting at the intersection of design,
possible to work really fast alone, but
new collection to help us explore the
art and technology, Designhøjer
you're more likely to make a real impact
ideal shoe wardrobe. No two days are
teaches 21st-century design skills,
by working with others towards a
the same in Amy's life, and her continual
entrepreneurship and personal
common goal," says Amy.
search for everyday beauty and
around six months.
presence calls for shoes that keep her
development in order to prepare students for creative higher education
The approach is also being used to
programmes in Denmark and abroad.
mobilise a renewed sense of courage
Amy Jean Hamilton herself calls it a 'life
in established organisations and
learning' school where there is plenty
companies with strong visions, such as
— 28 —
grounded. designhojskolenhojer.dk @ designhojer
"It's important for me to stay grounded and live in the moment, and that means breathing deeply and wearing high-quality comfortable shoes." A M Y J E A N H A M I LTO N HEAD OF DESIGNHØJER ECCO LEISURE / 20506301309
— 29 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
C R E A T I V E
L E A D E R
—
A M Y
J E A N
H A M I L T O N
0 1 . E C C O S H A P E 7 5 B L O C K / 2 6 0 9 0 3 0 2 0 0 3 , 0 2 . E C C O I N C I S E TA I L O R E D / 2 6 5 8 0 3 0 2 0 0 1 03. ECCO SOFT 7 / 43081301007, 04. ECCO SOFT 8 / 45084301152
— 30 —
"For a person to move forward and grow, it is essential to have the courage to experiment and to explore." A M Y J E A N H A M I LTO N HEAD OF DESIGNHØJER ECCO ST.1 / 83620350874 ECCO ELLA / 910543790661
— 31 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
"I consider myself very lucky to be working with people with whom I share a common enthusiasm and to have been accepted into a community both within ECCO and in the Tønder area where my wife and I have made our home." LIAM MAHER CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT ECCO, DENMARK ECCO VITRUS ARTISAN / 63480401001
— 32 —
C R E A T I V E
D I R E C T O R
A T
E C C O
—
L I A M
M A H E R
T R U E PA S S I O N Liam Maher has been serving as Global Creative Director with ECCO since 2017. His prior experience encompasses both global and local fashion and footwear brands in America and Europe. But, despite this, he regards ECCO's underlying concept as entirely unique in the market. As an American now living in Denmark, he is not shy to talk about why.
How do you use your experience
How does your role work
best way we can leverage our unique
from previous jobs at ECCO?
at a practical level?
approach to modern shoemaking to
My background might seem a little bit
ECCO actually proceeded over the
meet or even exceed their expectations.
random to some, but there has been a
half-century without having s omeone in
common thread. I learned the basics
the official capacity of creative director
My role bridges the areas of design
of the shoe business when I worked for
(which makes me sometimes wonder
and communication. That allows me
a fairly well-known American brand
whether they really needed me in the
to move back and forth between the
in the 90s at a time when specialty
first place, but I'm happy they thought
brand/products and the stories behind
brands were on the rise. I was exposed
they did). In my own experience, the
them. Personally, I am a great believer
to progressive design and marketing
practical function of a creative director
in closing the gap between the product
techniques when I worked in the action-
can vary greatly from company to
and the message. In ECCO's case, there
sports sector and I was able to pick up
company. In my case at ECCO, I often
is so much truth and integrity behind
international experience working in
feel my main role is simply to keep
what the teams are doing, harmonising
companies in Europe and consulting
the windshield clean so the folks who
these elements has huge potential.
with a premium-niche brand in Japan.
actually drive the brand can keep their focus trained on the way ahead.
What is the next step for ECCO design?
Two important features shared
I certainly don't operate as a kind of
I think we'd all be happy to continue
throughout these experiences have
uber-designer overseeing the devel-
steadily improving the style, versatility
been passion and innovation. And it is
opment of every detail of every shoe
and performance of each shoe in our
in these areas that ECCO's proposition
or every branding tactic. ECCO has
customers' wardrobe. The team have
is so impressive. For over half a century
more than enough incredibly talented
been advancing new concepts in
the family who founded ECCO and
creatives, designers and innovators, who
formal, casual and performance ranges
people who have been at the heart of
are much better suited for this than I am.
and we're all immensely proud of the
the company have sustained insanely
My task is to help harness the inherent
current collections. We'd like to continue
high levels of personal passion for
power of the brand to motivate the
in the direction ECCO has been going —
shoemaking and an unquenchable
team and inspire them to work together
"In natural motion since 1963." We need
appetite to innovate on behalf of
on the best ideas they have and to help
to keep an eye on the real c ustomer
people who wear ECCO. They have
ensure the direction we take is in line
expectations around the world where
worked hard to simultaneously soften
with our values, competitive advantages
ECCO is active and we need to keep
and energize the individual journeys
and the ethos of ECCO. I help the
pushing our shoemaking and leather
taken by ECCO's customers. It sounds
team advocate on behalf of our final
development techniques to define the
simple enough, but it's an ample source
consumer, anticipating what they want
best in modern shoemaking.
of inspiration for us.
from their footwear and determining the
— 33 —
S PR I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
CREATIVE ENERGY Step inside ECCO's Design Studio, where the team are inspired by the surrounding Danish landscape, art and the brand's own archive of iconic shoes.
ECCO's Design Studio is nestled within
studio hums with designers working on
the ECCO Center in Tønder, Denmark.
new leathers and trim concepts, while
With views across a pastoral landscape
the shoe design area combines old-
distinctive to Scandinavia's southern-
school techniques of draughtsmanship,
most gateway, our designers look out
rendering and hand-shaping with
into vistas domed under a vast sky.
space-age computer-aided design systems and 3-D printing bays. The
Sculptor Peter Brandes's enormous
collection planning room is wrapped in
bronze homage to the architecture of
steel panels allowing designers to place
the human foot anchors the brand's
shoe ideas in sequence using magnetic
Jutland campus. Measuring 7 metres
shelves, while the Skunkworks space,
long, 5.2 metres tall and 2.9 metres wide
only accessible with a high-security
it projects a timelessness as historic as
swipe card, houses an ever-changing
the land itself. The landscape, like the
array of bold new ideas for future
brand, is in ceaseless natural motion,
collections.
driven by wind, weather and wildlife. Reminders of the brand's various passions The studio is home to an energetic
are integrated into daily experience.
international design team. Trained in
Retired FLUIDFORM™ robots stand
cutting-edge footwear engineering,
sentinel. Rich heritage leathers hang
with a specialisation in our signature
from antique tannery structures. Solid
ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort
billeted aluminium artworks, evocative
Technology, and schooled in aesthetics,
of Jeff Koons, track the journey from
design and contemporary styling, the
the universal foot to the ECCO shoe.
team hails from Denmark, the United
Linking these elements together are
Kingdom, America, Italy, Canada,
generously proportioned open spaces,
Germany and Spain.
tables, couches and interaction zones. It is in these places that the energy runs
The landscape is one source of inspira-
highest, because realising the best that
tion. Others are art, music, architecture,
ECCO can create requires hand-in-
museums, visiting creative companies,
glove collaboration between designers,
and the brand's own archive of iconic
engineers and stylists.
shoes, housed in Tønder. The materials
— 34 —
W H E R E
C R E A T I V E
E N E R G Y
R U N S
H I G H
The studio is home to an energetic international design team.
— 35 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
LENA-MARIA HEILER SHOE DESIGNER AGATA Z O L I C H MATERIAL AND COLOUR DESIGNER
What do you like most about working in ECCO's Design Studio?
What do you like most about working
beginning. I think of them as 'walking
Working with people of different
in ECCO's Design Studio?
tradition'. To have the opportunity of
nationalities from a wide range of cul-
Our team is made up of people
learning from them and to talk to the
tures, and with different backgrounds
from all around the world, who each
people who have the drive and the
and skills, creates a vibrant work envi-
have their own opinions, character
energy to create new designs, that's
ronment. It is the passion for shoes and
and style. that creates a unique
just amazing and very inspirational.
design that brings us together. Being in
atmosphere in the studio. To be
such an inspiring atmosphere is a fan-
a creative team, we need to be
What is your favourite
open-minded, have fun and laugh
ECCO innovation?
loudly. We also need to ensure not
Our advanced direct-injection
What is your favourite ECCO tradition?
to be afraid of constructive criticism,
innovation, ECCO FLUIDFORM™
We open staff meetings by singing a
because that is how we can design
Direct Comfort Technology, delivers
traditional Danish song, with piano
the best products. We have a high
superb comfort. As a material and
accompaniment. I'm not a native
degree of freedom in our jobs, and
colour designer, I naturally love all the
speaker, but I always try my best and
everybody can work on what they
possibilities created by ECCO Leather,
join in singing in Danish.
find the most interesting. I'm proud to
which is driving innovation with the
work at ECCO.
material. One of the leathers I love is
What is your favourite
ECCO KROMATAFOR, which changes
ECCO innovation?
What is your favourite ECCO tradition?
colour when exposed to different tem-
Launched in the ECCO EXOSTRIKE™
The most magical aspect is the
peratures — it's super stylish and the
boot, the revolutionary midsole mate-
possibility of working with the people
technology behind it is mind-blowing.
rial PHORENE™ uses a new chemical
tastic foundation for great teamwork.
who created this brand from the
formula that brings many benefits. — 36 —
ABEL MONTSERRAT FORNIES SENIOR SHOE DESIGNER
What do you like most about
Where do you find the
working in ECCO's Design Studio?
inspiration for your designs?
The best thing is the environment, being
Inspiration comes in many ways, but over
with people who respect each other on
the years I have found I can provoke it.
a personal level, and who know how to
That could be by smelling what happens
distinguish between work and personal
on the street, taking in a David Hockney
relationships.
exhibition at Centre Pompidou in Paris, picking up a book in an antiquarian
What is your favourite ECCO tradition?
bookstore or visiting the Vitra Design
We are always thinking about how to
Museum in Germany — or through a sim-
improve comfort in shoes.
ple dream. If you train the subconscious, you'll find it works for you: when you
As well as being light and durable, it offers superb cushioning — this wonder material delivers outstanding comfort. Even in cold temperatures, PHORENE™ is very soft and flexible. Where do you find the inspiration for your designs? At ECCO, we are surrounded by nature — every time you glance outside at the minimalist landscape, you feel connected to the unique Danish design language. Being so close to the sea, any changes in the weather are more immediate, which creates a strong contrast with the simple scenery. Every spring and autumn, I look forward to watching a particular phenomenon in southern Jutland called Sort Sol, or Black Sun. Flocks of starlings paint moving shapes in the sky. By working together, they protect themselves against birds of prey. As a natural spectacle, it is unparalleled.
What is your favourite ECCO innovation?
wake up in the morning it has gathered
ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort
all the information you have seen the
Technology helps to give us an identity
day before. Many of my ideas come
as well as the opportunity to do many
from thinking about and analysing what
complex things. As with everything else
the consumer needs. But others come
we do, we will continue to develop
through improvisation, from breaking with
and innovate with FLUIDFORM™. I also
the routine to allow your mind to fly. Then
like the state-of-the-art leathers we are
you're free to design what you feel will be
developing and producing in our own
a successful and relevant product, two
tanneries.
years before it goes on the market.
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
ECCO X-TRINSIC
N A T U R A L A D V E N T U R E When you're trekking through nature, you never know when the weather or your plans might change, or you'll come across water-based obstacles. The ECCO X-TRINSIC range is designed around a quick-drainand-dry functionality that makes it ideally suited for hot or wet outdoor exploration. Its minimalist, athletic stylings are also perfect for urban adventures and everyday wear, and it is this versatility, combined with ECCO FLUIDFORM™ flexibility and DYNEEMA® BONDED Leather by ECCO strength, that makes it a favourite amongst those looking for a stylish mix of form and functionality when on the go.
ECCO X-TRINSIC / 88061401001 / 88061301007 / 88061401543 / 88061311539
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
E N V I R O N M E N T A L
A C T I V I S T
—
L I Z Z I E
C A R R
O N P L A S T I C PA T R O L To help combat the global crisis of plastic pollution, Lizzie Carr paddleboarded along the Hudson River in America for eight days. As well as a love for nature, the British environmental activist has a maverick, non-conformist spirit and a great appetite for adventure.
Paddleboarding along the Hudson River,
"America is one of the world's biggest
to identity global hotspots and, more
starting where the tides begin in Albany
consumers of single-use plastic, and
importantly, records the companies
and finishing 274 kilometres further
there's also little awareness there of the
responsible for producing the litter.
down, beneath the Statue of Liberty
issue," says Carr. Building on the work she
in New York City, would have been an
has done in the United Kingdom with
"The interesting thing about the
adventure in itself. But Lizzie Carr was
Plastic Patrol — which she launched
campaign against plastic pollution is it
contending with more than the currents,
in 2016 — it was the first time she had
hasn't come from the top — from the
the tides, the cargo ships and the
organised an international litter-picking
government or from corporations — but
exhaustion of paddling for seven hours a
expedition. "There's an opportunity in
from the ground up. That's incredible. It
day for eight straight days while dodging
America to really make a difference and
shows the power we have as consumers
the menace, thunder and lightning of
to help bring about change."
and also how, collectively, we have a powerful voice that can shape the
Hurricane Florence. Plastic Patrol started out as a hashtag,
future, not just with plastic but with other
Along the way, Carr was also picking up
which Carr used to collate the photo-
environmental issues as well."
plastic and conducting a series of c itizen
graphs she was taking of the "obscene"
science activities to collect valuable
plastic pollution in British rivers and
If she hadn't been diagnosed with
data.
canals. Such was the response on social
thyroid cancer in 2013, Carr might never
and traditional media, with people from
have taken up paddleboarding. It was
On this clean-up operation, the British
all around the world asking how they
while she was recovering from treatment
environmental activist met with volun-
could help, that she began to organise
that she first tried the sport; from the first
teers for her global initiative Plastic Patrol
clean-ups in the United Kingdom,
time she put her paddle in the water,
as she journeyed to where the Hudson
providing paddleboards and pickers for
she loved it. That first experience was on
meets the Atlantic Ocean. The trip also
volunteers to use. On her Hudson River
the Isles of Scilly, off the south-west coast
helped raise awareness in America of
expedition, Carr and her supporters
of England; it was when she returned
the crisis of plastic pollution in the world's
were using the Plastic Patrol App, which
to London and paddleboarded in
rivers and waterways.
geo-tags every piece of plastic, helping
the city that she saw how plastic was
PHOTO: SAMUEL GLAZEBROOK
— 40 —
clogging up Britain's waterways. "That's
To find out what ECCO is doing to help
when everything changed for me. I just
conserve water as a natural resource,
couldn't believe the extent of what I was seeing. The state of the waterways was
see pages 54-55 of this issue and visit eccoleather.com/dritan
just horrifying," says Carr. She had been "playing it fairly safe" in a corporate job, but when she was in remission from cancer, she quit that world and now spends her days in the great outdoors. Among other adventures, Carr has paddleboarded more than 600 kilometres along Britain's connected waterways, and in 2017 she became the first woman to paddleboard solo across the Channel between England and France.
"We have a powerful voice that can shape the future …" L I Z Z I E CA R R E N V I R O N M E N T A L AC T I V I S T
"I would say cancer was a catalyst for everything. It changed my view of the world and is the reason I started paddleboarding in the first place. Cancer, for all its downsides, has brought its blessings."
— 41 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
ECCO OMNI-VENT / 88010454302 / 88010350874
ECCO OMNI-VENT B R E A T H A B L E
×
W A T E R P R O O F
The ECCO OMNI-VENT is a flexible outdoor shoe that excels in all areas: agility, comfort, and everyday performance. Whether you're taking the dog for a walk on the weekend, dashing to make an airport connection or spending the weekend camping by the sea, our ECCO OMNI-VENT design offers all-day, 360º GORE-TEX® SURROUND® waterproof protection while still keeping you comfortably supported on an EVA footbed. Choose from a range of upper materials that are made for the elements and all your exciting outdoor adventures.
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
K I D S
I N
M O T I O N
S I N C E
1 9 7 8
SOFTNESS & BOUNCE We want kids to dream big and feel
for an extra comfortable bike ride, a
confident to take on the world around
softer landing after tree climbing and to
them. We know that even the littlest feet
jump through the forest.
have a lot of energy and even more imagination.
The green super-energy ball is our symbol for the boundless energy and
Our film sees our hero tackle a
excitement that carry kids through their
day of adventure and fun, always
everyday adventure. The ball travels
accompanied by her helpful friends: the
with the girl in our film, inspiring and
super-soft pillow, her super-energy ball
powering her day of fun.
and, of course, her ECCO Kids shoes. Both of these things come together to Just like the softness and comfort of
help her do more and go further than
ECCO kids shoes, the girl uses her pillow
ever before.
— 44 —
"The long-awaited interview" Meet Reegan Davies, a seven-year-old from a small town in Wales, who features in the ECCO Kids brand movie. Her mother Lisa describes her daughter as a "chatty, confident and happy-go-lucky" girl, who "amazed everyone on set, with her energy and determination." youtube.com (ECCO Kids — Guardians of Little Feet)
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
ECCO FLORA / 70017301459, ECCO COOL KIDS / 70605201070 ECCO FLORA / 70018301001
R E E G A N D AV I E S
What's the best thing about being a child? "Children are given lots of presents at Christmas but mums and dads aren't. Parents only get oranges from Santa. Also, it's fun being a child as children get to mess What do you think of the film?
around and adults don't."
"When I first saw the film, I just thought, 'Wow'. It was the What do you do for fun and adventures?
best 'Wow' ever. I loved climbing the tree. I thought it
"I love to build dens as it's really fun, and it's somewhere I
was movie magic how it looked much bigger in the film.
can hide out and play with my dolls."
I would rate the film five stars."
Did you enjoy making the ECCO Kids brand movie?
What do you like about ECCO shoes?
"I loved making the film — it was really fun. The best part
"They are so soft and comfortable, and I can jump really
was the pillow fight where I got to hit my little brother."
high in them. They are also really good to dance in. I like shoes that are comfortable and match my outfit."
— 46 —
K I D S
I N
M O T I O N
S I N C E
1 9 7 8
ECCO
C R E P E T R AY From the park to the playground, young feet will look the part and move with ease in this fresh reinterpretation of the iconic ECCO CREPETRAY. Designed especially for kids, as part of the COMPACTS range, the distinctive 'honey' crepe sole meets our cutting-edge comfort technology to offer little feet the same benefits and appeal as the original adult version. Each effortlessly cool silhouette — Mary Jane, Chelsea Boot and Mid-Cut Shoe — is cleverly updated to meet the specific needs of each small step, from adding an easy in-step to subtly detailing the hard-wearing uppers with eye-catching elements like shimmer and hearts. Bridging the gap between formal and casual styling, the versatile design is finished in super soft and durable pebbled ECCO leathers for a fun, premium look.
— 47 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
ECCO ST.1 HYBRID / 836404-05058
— 48 —
M O D E L
—
T O B I A S
P A U L S E N
A WORLD OF CONTRASTS He travels the globe as a model and loves to explore the fashion, music and cultures of a diverse world. But the silence, simple living and landscape of his hometown close to Bredebro in southern Denmark are equally important to Tobias Paulsen. In a world of contrasts, he is making his way with a camera and a promise to stay true to himself.
Tobias Paulsen had always thought of
the city become too much, he puts
of quality craftsmanship and innovative
modelling as a universe that is more
on his h eadphones and unwinds to his
design has been encouraged by his
feminine than masculine. However,
favourite music.
mother, who is a long-time employee of ECCO, and he loves to play around
when he finally agreed to meet with a modelling agency, after being
From the very beginning it has been
with different looks and often includes
asked several times, he left with a job.
imperative for Tobias not to get carried
his camera. The many hours in front of
He has never been afraid to stand
away in a world that is focused on
the camera have sparked a passion for
out and decided to give it a go,
appearance and fame. He takes pride
photography in him and he is always
leaving secondary school early for
in maintaining an honest and down-
on the lookout for extraordinary places,
the opportunity to travel around the
to-earth attitude, no matter who he
urban as well as natural.
world and meet people from different
meets, be it celebrities or fans. And
backgrounds and cultures.
he always regains his foothold when
Tobias is deeply fascinated by the ability
he returns home to the small Danish
of a photo to tell so many different
Today, the sense of community,
town of Møgeltønder, where he enjoys
stories, and he sometimes invites a friend
friendships across borders and a keen
the simple and good life surrounded
to join him in exploring and trying to
interest in fashion are some of the
by family, friends and the impressive
capture the rural landscape of his child-
reasons why Tobias Paulsen values being
landscape of the Bredebro area. This is
hood through the camera lens. For the
a model. He works in Tokyo, Istanbul,
where he finds peace of mind and the
moment, photography is a meaningful
Milan, Paris, London and Berlin — and
power to stay true to himself.
'hobby' along with his love of music and fashion, but perhaps the future holds a
loves the energy and enthusiasm around the shows and photo shoots as well as
We invited Tobias Paulsen to pair the
the pulse of these global cities. He has
new fashions of ECCO with some of his
a strong personal drive that resonates
own outfits and second-hand finds from
with urban life, and if the sounds of
his many travels. Tobias's appreciation
— 49 —
place behind the camera for the model.
@tobias.ep
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
ECCO SOFT 8 / 45084401291, ECCO CASPER / 910532990340
— 50 —
M O D E L
—
T O B I A S
P A U L S E N
"The tranquillity and landscape of my native place help me explore the world. As long as you take a deep breath and stay calm, almost anything is possible." T O B I A S PA U L S E N , MODEL
— 51 —
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
T A T T O O
I N S I D E
A R T I S T
T H E
L E A T H E R
Made up of tiny dots of ink, a tattoo is a wearable piece of art that follows the curves of the human body. Our shoes feel like a second skin: our uppers are crafted from rich, luxuriously soft leathers while the last mirrors the contours of the foot.
C H E F
F I N I S H
P O S I T I O N
A chef is forever searching for the exact combination of
W A T C H M A K E R
O N
T A R G E T
A watch's movement and dial work together in precision-
ingredients and flavours that will create original, delicious
engineered harmony. Just like the upper and sole of our
dishes. We found the perfect balance of cushioning
shoes, which are seamlessly, elegantly bonded together
and rebound — whether you prefer hybrids or cleats,
with our innovative FLUIDFORM™ technology,
our shoes offer exceptional, unparalleled stability.
forming a durable, hardwearing unit.
S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019
WATER-EFFICIENT INNOVATION
RE-INVENTING THE INDUSTRY The history of the leather tanning goes back 10,000 years — and the process was always thought to be impossible without the use of large amounts of water. ECCO Leather's new DriTan™ technology breaks the paradigm and is now set to revolutionise the entire leather industry.
THE CHALLENGE
the use of added water. After five years
THE RESULT
Developing a more
of research the ECCO Leather Applied
DriTan™ saves 20 litres of water per
sustainable tanning process
Research team changed the tanning
hide, equal to 25 million litres of water
Estimated worldwide water consumption
process.
annually — enough water to keep
in leather making is 400 billion litres a
9,000 people hydrated for one year.
year, and we are in the perfect position
THE SOLUTION
The efficient process also saves 600 tons
to take the first step in inventing a
The first solid step towards
of sludge that would otherwise go into
more sustainable tanning process. Our
water-free leather manufacturing
landfills per year.
starting point was this very fundamental
DriTan™ by ECCO Leather is a step in
question: how can we tan without water
the tanning process and uses the mois-
THE APPLICATION
in a world of increasing water scarcity,
ture already present in the hides. The
Unveiling ECCO's DriTan™
and is it even possible?
resulting leather is indistinguishable from
game-changing technology
traditionally tanned leather in terms of
In celebration of the sustainable
WHAT WE DID
quality, characteristics, stability and lead
breakthrough in tanning, ECCO
Applied Research
time. Besides saving huge amounts of
re-launched its iconic ECCO Soft 8
In a unique process developed by
water, the technology also considerably
sneaker using DriTan™ leather. The shoe
our in-house Applied Research lab,
reduces the amount of chemicals used
was sold exclusively in ECCO's flagship
proprietary tanning agents preserve
and lowers wastewater production.
store in Ginza, Tokyo, during the IWA
the leather's natural collagens without
World Water Congress 2018.
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E C C O
D R I T A N ™
—
R E - I N V E N T I N G
T H E
I N D U S T R Y
20 litres of water per hide, equal to 25 million litres of water saved annually — enough water to keep 9,000 people hydrated for one year.
— 55 —
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E C C O
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B A L L E R I N A A STORY OF GRACE & MOVEMENT
A R T
D E S I G N E D B Y E C C O S T A R R I N G L E O N O R A S L O T D I R E C T I O N B Y R U T H C R O N E F O S T E R
NOW PL AYING IN OUR SHOPS WORLDWIDE