C E L E B R AT I N G 50 YEAR S O F PA S S I O N A T E S HOE MAK I NG
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WELCOME
DEAR READERS ECCO IS CELEBRATING its 50th anniversary this year by paying tribute to everyone who is part of the passion behind our company. We are devoted to the craft of shoemaking; but it is you, our customers around the world, who bring ECCO shoes to life. Some say that the farther you can look back, the farther you can look ahead. By celebrating five decades of ECCO shoes, we mark a milestone and turn to the future. We do not strive to be the biggest shoe company in the world. We strive to be the best. We do this by staying true to our heritage and our foundation of craftsmanship. In this magazine, we invite you to gain new and neverbefore-seen insight into our company, as presented by our shoes and our family of shoemakers. We’ll take you through the highlights of our history, introduce you to the exciting platform of ECCO today and offer you a sneak peek into the future. As ECCO celebrates a half-century of dedication and innovation in shoemaking, our 19,500 employees worldwide are channeling their passion into meeting the demands of the years ahead. Welcome and enjoy! Dieter Kasprzak CEO & Designer
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MILESTONES Marking 50 years of ECCO innovation and timeless style.
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HEAR THE ECCO The finer points that make ECCO unlike any other shoe company.
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THE BIOM REVOLUTION A breakthrough natural motion concept offers a better way to run, hike and play.
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PAR EXCELLENCE Pros Fred Couples, Belén Mozo and Graeme McDowell discuss their careers, practice tips and ECCO shoes of choice.
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CLEAN SLATE Casual redefined: modern mocs and slip-ons.
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BRIGHT IDEAS Colorful hues in bloom for spring.
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INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS Accessories preview: fashion meets function.
“Scandinavian design is anchored in functionality, quality and craftsmanship. You could say, it’s not fashion; it’s style. And style doesn’t go out of fashion.”
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FASHION WITH A CAUSE Meet this year’s ECCO Walk in Style Award winner and check out ECCO concept designs.
—DIETER KASPRZAK, CEO & DESIGNER, ECCO 1
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TIMELINE
MILESTONES 1969
The shoes are first sold under the name Venus. But, due to a rights conflict, founder Karl Toosbuy and chief designer Ejnar Truelsen choose a two-syllable name that’s easy to say in Danish and other languages, and can be written in a clear logo like Coca-Cola. The original name is Ecco’let, which is shortened to ECCO in 1978.
Celebrating 50 years of ECCO innovation and success.
1980
The debut of DESMA, ECCO’s machine that molds soles right onto uppers in one simple process. The technology becomes the foundation for comfort and flexibility in ECCO shoes. It also revolutionizes shoe manufacturing.
1992 1990
1984
ECCO opens its first factory abroad, in Portugal. Soon after, Toosbuy establishes a tannery in Portugal to better control the supply of quality leather.
On a path of rapid expansion worldwide, ECCO opens its North American subsidiary.
1,000,000
1985
1963
Danish shoemaker Karl Toosbuy moves to Bredebro, Denmark, with his wife Birte and their five-year-old daughter Hanni. They take over a vacant factory to create a shoe company. The local workforce is dedicated and plentiful.
ECCO hits the one-million mark in shoes produced. From 1963 to 2013, ECCO has made more than 350 million pairs of shoes.
ECCO becomes the first shoe manufacturer to stamp its name and logo on the soles.
1981 1978
ECCO debuts Joke, a breakthrough design that is lightweight, flexible and fits the foot. Two years later, ECCO introduces Free and Time, cementing the brand as a comfort footwear innovator and leader.
ECCO Soft represents the first of a new generation of lightweight and comfortable shoes. It’s an instant classic due to its timeless lines. It ranks as the best-selling shoe in ECCO’s history and, 30 years
1991 ECCO opens a factory and tannery in Indonesia. Today, that country is ECCO’s largest production unit, with nearly 7,000 employees.
on, remains a consumer hit.
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2009 ECCO debuts its BIOM design, a revolutionary natural motion
ECCO opens its first flagship store, in the heart of London’s premier shopping district. Today there are ECCO stores in more than 90 countries.
2000
ECCO sponsors Expedition Sirius 2000, an annual dog-sled patrol across Greenland by the Danish military. For the 50th anniversary of the patrol, Danish Crown Prince Frederik joins the expedition. ECCO produces custom made
2013 The ECCO Mind is launched in celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary.
boots for all members.
1996
ECCO founder Karl Toosbuy and CEO Dieter Kasprzak decide to play golf one day. But they don’t like the golf shoes available. So the two decide to make truly comfortable golf shoes. Today ECCO ranks as the world’s fourth biggest producer of golf shoes.
2003 ECCO’s Shark rises to the
2012
surface. To create this
ECCO reaches
landmark shoe design,
20.2 million
ECCO chief designer
pairs of shoes
Ejnar Truelsen melds the
sold worldwide.
leather upper with the outsole to create an unbreakable unit and a killer fashion statement.
1999 The ECCO Walkathon charity event is founded. To date, 400,000 people
2011 ECCO opens its
have walked a total
1,000th store, at the
2.5 million km in support
Mall of America.
of numerous charitable causes through ECCO’s Walkathon.
20 MILLION
1998
construction.
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HEAR THE ECCO
become ECCO in 1963.
Karl Toosbuy
It wasn’t long before the visionary group developed a groundbreaking approach that turned centuries of shoemaking tradition upside down: ECCO started making shoes that followed the natural contours of the foot. The company introduced a line of uniquely comfortable, high-quality shoes that let the wearer move naturally, that fit from the first step and that never needed “breaking in.” Shoppers responded enthusiastically, and ECCO soon became a success. But Toosbuy didn’t rest on his laurels. He and his team continually innovated and improved, never losing sight of their original objective. In the decades that followed, the company grew by staying tuned into the rapidly changing fashion scene: High boots one season, patent leather pumps the next and clogs after that. Along the way, Toosbuy tirelessly pursued his dream of combining uncompromising comfort, outstanding quality and fashion—all in one reasonably priced shoe. Though Toosbuy died in 2004, his
THE TOOSBUY WAY
dream is alive and well in ECCO. The company is still a family business, now owned and run by Karl’s daughter, Hanni Toosbuy Kasprzak, and her husband, Dieter Kasprzak, CEO. With tanneries,
IT ALL STARTED with a dream. From the time
factories and branded stores in more than
he began training as a young shoemaker
90 countries, the ECCO family has grown
in Copenhagen, Karl Toosbuy dreamed of
considerably. It now includes 19,500 members
ECCO ETHOS
creating his own footwear company—a
from more than 50 countries.
CORNERSTONES OF SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN: Superb quality Simple, elegant aesthetics Modernity Functionality that evokes a balanced, active lifestyle
company where the shoes he made would
“Our employees are the heart of our
blend the stylish simplicity of Scandinavian
business,” says Kasprzak. “We do our very
design with superb functionality.
best to ensure that we never become a
By the time he was in his early 30s, Toosbuy
business where people are just numbers.
knew the moment had come to start turning
We believe in creating a sense of family, a
that dream into reality. So he made a bold
feeling of belonging. We strive to provide
move. He resigned from his steady job as
lifelong education, good career prospects
manager at a shoe factory, sold his home
and interesting challenges to maintain
and moved with his wife and five-year-old
job satisfaction. We never forget that we
daughter Hanni to Bredebro, on the west
are shoemakers striving to make first-class
coast of Denmark. There, he took over an
products.” Nor, Kasprzak adds, will anyone at
empty factory and, enlisting a small team of
ECCO ever forget the Toosbuy way of running
16 employees who shared his passion and
a successful shoe company. Rule No. 1: “Always
entrepreneurial spirit, founded what would
be open to improvements and new ideas.”
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DEDICATION TO DESIGN
on the street wearing a pair of ECCOs.
ECCO Joke
Spending so many years learning the ins and outs of a small, family-run company has given him a deep respect for the craft of shoemaking as well as ample insight into charting the right creative course for ECCO’s future. “The eighties were fantastic. ECCO was young and in a league of its own. We were extremely innovative and Ejnar Truelsen
that made me proud,” he recalls. Going forward, “We must invest energy in keeping track of the times,
EJNAR TRUELSEN WAS just 18 when he began
and continuing as authentic entrepreneurs in
an apprenticeship as a modeler for ECCO.
the shoe business.”
He had been passionate about drawing all
ECCO Mind
Life in balance is a cornerstone principle
his life and, after completing trade school,
at ECCO, and one that appeals greatly
was looking for something to do until he
to Truelsen. He loves his work, but he takes
could start art school. Flash forward 42 years,
pride in having a full slate outside the office
and the art school graduate is now Chief
as well. He recently took up croquis drawing
Designer, responsible for some of ECCO’s
(the practice of making quick sketches
most iconic shoes. Among them: Joke,
of live models who change their pose
A SCANDINAVIAN CLASSIC from
Free, Shark and Soft, the best-selling shoe
every few minutes to challenge the artists
the disco era, ECCO’s Joke, served
in the company’s history. Truelsen was also
sketching them). “It’s amazing,” he enthuses
as inspiration for this spring’s debut
instrumental in creating the BIOM natural
of his latest creative endeavor. “It’s good to
of ECCO Mind, commemorating the
motion family and is the creative force
be pushed out of your comfort zone.”
legendary comfort brand’s 50th
behind a number of important innovations in
Bringing new designs for ECCO to life isn’t
MASTER MIND
anniversary.
quite as quick or simple. It’s often a labor of
Involving a blend of natural ’70s
love. “The process is different for each shoe,
style, modern colors and state-of-the-
but it always starts with paper and pencil,”
art comfort technologies, ECCO Mind
but Truelsen has always enjoyed his work
Truelsen says. “I’m more into the lines and
is like stepping back and forward in
with ECCO too much to consider their offers.
curves than the colors. A well-designed
time simultaneously.
“I couldn’t go out and compete with what I
shoe, a classic, is a shoe with timeless lines
the footwear industry, including printing the ECCO logo on every sole since 1985. Competitors have tried to lure him away,
It embodies where ECCO has
hold most dear,” says the designer, who still
combined with simplicity. That’s the essence
been and where the brand is headed.
feels buoyed every time he spots someone
of Scandinavian design.”
As such, it’s a shoe for everyone.
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HEAR THE ECCO
NEW HEIGHTS
Niki Tæstensen
SHOEMAKING IS A family tradition
he adds. “They’re also very colorful,
for Niki Tæstensen, Lead Designer of
which makes them fun. We have
ECCO’s Women’s Collection. Both his
everything from bold colors like blue
great-grandfather and his father made
and orange and yellow to pastel
shoes, and his grandfather owned his
shades.”
own shoe factory. Tæstensen himself
Though his work sometimes involves
has been with ECCO for 17 years and
so much travel that his three-year-
has been responsible for some of the
old daughter thinks he works for
company’s most beloved women’s
the airlines, globetrotting provides
styles. His latest brainchild is ECCO
a rich source of design inspiration.
Mind, designed in honor of ECCO’s
“Because we sell in the U.S., Asia,
50th anniversary to blend innovation
Europe and Russia, I get to talk
with inspiration from ECCO’s iconic
with different people, see different
past styles.
cultures and spot trends around the
“People say, ‘If a high heel is really
world. I often use them for inspiration,
comfortable, it can’t be stylish.’ But
but in a way that upholds our
we strongly believe it’s not an either-
Scandinavian values, our brand and
or situation,” says Tæstensen. “You get
our message of functional, harmonic,
both when you combine the comfort
simple design,” Tæstensen says.
of direct-injected PU [polyurethane]
It’s rewarding work when
and anatomical lasts with beautiful
shoemaking runs in your blood, as
shapes and materials, which we
it does Tæstensen’s. In fact, he’s
are blessed to work with because
passionate enough about shoes that
we have our own tanneries. We’re
he estimates he has more pairs in
OSSIMA WEDGE SANDAL:
constantly trying to create the most
his closet than his wife does in hers.
AS COMFORTABLE AS A FLAT SHOE.
beautiful, comfortable high-heeled
Likewise, he remembers every style
shoes in the world.”
he has masterminded for ECCO over
As an example, Tæstensen
the years. Does he have a favorite?
cites ECCO’s Women’s Sculptured
Not a chance. “I compare them
Collection, introduced this past fall.
to children,” he says. “Even though
“Our spring/summer Sculptured styles
they’re all different, you don’t like
include sandals with 65mm heels that
one of them more than the others.
are as comfortable as a flat shoe,”
They’re still your babies.”
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n
50
SHADES OF LEATHER
the part of Thailand where one of the company’s production sites was located in the fall of
ECCO IS THE only major shoe
2011. During the flood, ECCO
manufacturer to own and
rented and operated boats to
manage every step in the
help its 3,500 employees and
shoemaking process, from cow
their families reach safety. It also
to consumer. Owning its own
sent relief teams to the affected
factories and tanneries worldwide
area with water, food, blankets
allows ECCO to guarantee
and medicine and provided
both high quality products and
temporary shelter for hundreds of
innovation.
families in need. After the flood
Leather is a fundamental element in every ECCO shoe, and the company is renowned for its distinctive leathers. They are all produced at ECCO tanneries in China, Thailand, Portugal and Indonesia—as well as at the ECCO Research and Development Center in The Netherlands— and used to supply ECCO shoe factories in Slovakia, Thailand, Indonesia and China. Keeping it all “in-house” gives ECCO unique opportunities to share knowledge and exchange best practices that cut across national borders. “We don’t aim for volume, but for quality in craftsmanship,” explains CEO Dieter Kasprzak. “We never compromise on quality.”
DO THE RIGHT THING
waters receded, ECCO worked with local authorities and the Danish Red Cross to remove sand bags, clean and restore temples,
WHEREVER ECCO OPERATES, the
reopen schools and create
company strives to be a good
safe play areas for children. A
citizen. It prides itself on doing
group of ECCO employees took
business responsibly. ECCO’s
psychological training courses
Code of Conduct spells out its
so that they would be able to
commitment to respecting human
counsel children and adults
rights and freedoms and to being
grappling with emotional stress
a leader on environmental,
caused by the disaster. Finally,
health, safety and sustainability
to ensure long-term recovery for
issues.
the community, ECCO set up
ECCO pays scrupulous attention
a one million Euro fund to help
to issues like labor conditions and
employees whose lives were
wastewater treatment. In fact, by
impacted by the flood and rebuilt
the time Denmark passed its 2008
its factory on the same site, even
Corporate Social Responsibility
though future flooding remains a
(CSR) law requiring large Danish
possibility.
companies to report on their CSR
ECCO also participates in
policies every year, ECCO had
a wide variety of charitable
already been reporting on such
initiatives through its Corporate
issues for many years. Because the
Social Responsibility Programme.
company is vertically integrated—
ECCO doesn’t see sustainability
in other words, it designs all of its
or philanthropy as a way to gain
own shoes, owns and operates its
a competitive advantage. The
leather tanneries and factories,
company believes that acting
and markets and sells its own
responsibly is a natural and
products—ECCO is able to
necessary part of doing business.
monitor and control its footprint closely. ECCO demonstrated its commitment to ethical business practices when a flood struck 7
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SPORT
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THE BIOM REVOLUTION: LESS IS MORE A revolutionary design enables natural motion, strengthening the foot in a shoe that wears like a second skin. IN 2006, INSPIRED by the barefoot runners of Africa,
University of Cologne, which conducted one of
ECCO began researching how to create a shoe that
the largest independent studies ever performed on
would guide the foot to the optimal motion path of
running footwear. Researchers followed 120 runners
a barefoot runner. The idea was to support the foot’s
running under three conditions: barefoot, in their
natural movement rather than to overcompensate
current running shoes and in ECCO BIOM shoes. The
on cushioning, which weakens tendons and muscles,
results showed that in six weeks the athletes’ running
reduces foot strength and leads to less efficient
style became significantly smoother and more
movement.
powerful when they ran in BIOMs.
ECCO combined extensive knowledge of the
Based on these results and positive feedback
human foot with input from leading scientists
from consumers, ECCO expanded its offerings to
in running biomechanics and testing by world
include a range of BIOM shoes designed for specific
champion athlete Torbjorn Sindballe. The result was
activities, including golf, hiking and trail running. “The
the BIOM (short for biomechanical optimization)
benefits are similar,” Bikowski says. “They are all very
Project.
comfortable, they offer a very good fit, the outsole is
After scanning the feet of 2,500 athletes, ECCO
very flexible and they follow the principle of natural
constructed an anatomically precise last for the first
motion, which means they don’t overdo the stability
generation of BIOM shoes, introduced in 2009. “The
features.”
BIOM last is anatomically sculpted, never straight or
Each version of BIOM is fine-tuned for a different
flat on the bottom, so it always resembles the shape
activity based on the sport-specific motions and the
of your foot,” explains Andrzej “Bartie” Bikowski,
terrain involved, adds Alex Nicolai, Head of ECCO’s
Lead Designer for ECCO’s Performance category.
Sport Business Unit. “The requirements in terms of
Essentially, the last fits the foot like a second skin. To
functionality are different from road running to trail
create lightweight, durable comfort, ECCO uses Yak
running to hiking, so BIOM designs differ in terms
leather, direct-injection technology that allows for a
of outsole traction, protection and flexibility,” says
more anatomical construction and a unique PU foam
Nicolai, who is a passionate triathlete in his spare time
that is exceptionally flexible and longlasting.
and a BIOM wearer. “What they have in common is
The next question was would the BIOM design deliver on its expectations? Enter the German Sport
high quality and a really nice fit. They let you perform at your best and feel great.”
THE BIOM RANGE SPANS THE RUNNING, HIKING, AND WATER SPORT CATEGORIES.
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SPORT
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
The BIOM range of natural motion footwear is engineered for specific terrains, allowing you to experience nature —naturally.
Acadia National Park
New England gem offers spectacular
along the Bar Harbor Shore Path or the
ROCK STAR
views of Maine’s rugged coastline, dotted
meandering three-mile Ocean Trail. Or
The lightweight, award-winning BIOM HIKE
with dense spruce forests and 1,000-foot
challenge yourself with the Precipice Trail,
features a rugged rubber outsole that
granite peaks overlooking the Atlantic
a near-vertical climb up the rock face of
provides traction and stability while ground
Ocean. Choose from 125 miles of historic
Champlain Mountain via iron rungs and
feedback comes from its low profile
hiking trails, leading past waterfalls (no
ladders to the summit.
construction enhanced by a rounded
worries: the Gore-Tex lined BIOM HIKE is
heel and forefoot for smoother strike and
100 percent waterproof) and over quaint
century-old Acadia tradition: tea and
push-off. And what better place to test
stone bridges. The boots deliver comfort
popovers at the park’s famous Jordan
drive BIOM HIKE than in the stunning
and support no matter the terrain.
Pond House restaurant. For more info:
Acadia National Park. This 47,000-acre
Charleston, South Carolina
Choose a pleasant one-mile hike
After your hike, treat yourself to a
www.nps.gov/acad.
and promenade stretch along the shores
BORN TO RUN
of the city’s peninsula, bordered by the
The BIOM EVO RACER is a lightweight
Ashley and Cooper rivers. During the
minimalist running shoe that provides a
approximately 2-mile run, you can take in
supreme anatomical fit and support
such sites as Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney,
to help guide your foot through its natural
the WWII aircraft carrier USS Yorktown and
stride. And the new lighter, more flexible
Sullivan’s Island.
midsole material delivers an even more comfortable ride. So why not slip these BIOM EVO RACERS
The promenade consists of smooth asphalt, ideal ground for these lightweight runners. And be sure to see the rest that
into your weekend getaway bag for a run
downtown Charleston has to offer, like
along The Battery in historic Charleston,
Waterfront Park (includes more walking and
South Carolina, and get a healthy dose
jogging trails) and some of the legendary
of southern hospitality and history in the
mansions, including the Edmonston-Alstom
process? The landmark defensive seawall
House and the Heyward-Washington House (built in 1772 and where George Washington stayed for a week in 1791). For more info: www.charlestoncvb.com.
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TRAIL FIX
colorful red, orange and white
The BIOM TRAIL combines
hoodoos range from about the
anatomical design and flexibility
height of a man to heights as tall as
with the added support necessary
10-story buildings. The rocks set the
for running on uneven terrain. In
backdrop for some of the world’s
addition, the outsole is designed for
most memorable hikes.
all-weather traction on loose and
For a moderate workout, the
muddy surfaces. Enter the varied
Bristlecone Loop leads through a
and beautful terrain of Utah’s Bryce
forest of 1,800-year-old Bristlecone
Canyon to put these trail runners to
Pines to elevations of more than
good use.
9,100 feet. Keep an eye peeled
Small by national park standards,
for woodpeckers, owls and other
but spectacular in terms of
wildlife. The eight-mile Fairyland
scenery, this 56.2-mile stretch
Loop leads along the rim of the park
of the American southwest is
past some of its most memorable
famous for its series of U-shaped
rock formations, including the China
amphitheaters filled with slender
Wall and Tower Bridge. For more
rock spires called hoodoos. The
info: www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm. Bryce Canyon
craters, lush rainforests, a 500-year-old lava tube and two Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
volcanoes—Mauna Loa and Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
WATER WORKS
The park offers trails of all levels. Start with an easy hike
Inspired by the award-winning BIOM HIKE, the BIOM TERRAIN SANDAL
along Pu’u Loa, a two-mile coastal trail that leads you
looks like a sandal, hikes like a boot. Ideal for summer hiking, traveling
through an extensive collection of prehistoric lava rock
or daily adventures, the BIOM TERRAIN SANDAL features a cushy direct-
carvings called petroglyphs, now considered sacred to
injection midsole while a rugged outsole delivers traction on slippery
Native Hawaiians. Or test your endurance with an 11-mile
surfaces. Exotic Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the perfect place
hike along Crater Trail, which circles Kilauea’s 4,000-foot-
to strap on these sandals. This sprawling park includes 150 miles of trails
high caldera—complete with earth cracks, steam vents
that lead you through extraordinarily diverse scenery, including volcanic
and sulfur fumes. For more info: www.nps.gov/havo. 11
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GOLF
PAR EXCEL More than just a (ver y) pretty face, rising star Belén Mozo is determined to make it to
ON’T LET HER looks fool
family for giving her the foundation for her
has also become scrupulously careful
you. Though LPGA up-and-
current success. “I don’t want to sound like
about her diet. “I can’t have any gluten
comer Belén Mozo is
a cliché, but none of what I have would
or lactose, so I’ve learned to be very
glamorous enough to draw
have been possible without them—without
disciplined with what I eat,” she explains.
comparisons to models and
the support they gave me, all the times
“I used to crave fast food, but once you
movie stars, she’s a formidable competitor
they drove me, all the equipment they
learn you can’t have it, the craving goes
on the golf course.
bought me, all the sacrifices they made,”
away. I have my portion of chocolate
she says. “Both my parents were athletes,
every night and my glass of wine, but I
in the world, not for one year but a
“I want to be one of the top players
but they never got the chance to do more
control what I eat and I cook a lot. I feel
dominating top player for a long time,”
than play recreational sports. They helped
much better, and my performance and
says the 24-year-old Spanish born USC
me to achieve what they would have with
my energy levels are much higher.”
grad. “I’m very competitive and focused,
a little more support.”
and I push myself really hard.” Mozo is already well on her way to her
When she’s not on tour, Mozo now makes
Another key factor improving her golf game is her ECCO BIOM golf shoes, says
her home in Florida, where she can hone
Mozo. “They’re so comfortable I could
goal. Even as a young teen, she made a
her game year round. “I have such a good
spend the whole day in them. I don’t even
name for herself in the golf world, winning
time on the golf course when I’m with my
notice I have them on. I’ll be in my kitchen,
both the British Amateur and the British
coach, Mike Adams, that I can spend all
cooking, and my boyfriend will walk in and
Girls the same month in 2006—a feat that
day there,” she says. “On average I spend
say, ‘Aren’t you going to take off your golf
hadn’t been matched since 1972. Before
four hours a day practicing golf and two
shoes?’ and I’ll be surprised to realize I
that, she represented Europe in the Junior
and a half physically training.”
still have them on. I used to have to wear
Ryder Cup and won the AJGA Thunderbird
What does her training involve? “I do a
orthotics, but now I never have problems
Invitational against some of the world’s
lot of exercises for mobility and to work my
with my feet. They don’t get tired, and I
top juniors. Mozo enrolled at USC in 2007,
core muscles, lower abdominals, glutes
don’t get any blisters.
where she became a four-time NCAA All-
and legs,” she says. “My boyfriend [Robert
American and graduated in 2010 with a
Farah] is a professional tennis player, so
very girly, but I’m also very, very athletic
degree in international relations. She went
we go running together in the morning at
and BIOMs are very athletic-looking,” she
professional just after graduating, tying
the beach and he pushes me to do longer
adds. “They look like running shoes, but
for eighth at the LPGA Final Qualifying
distances. We’re both extremely hard
they have this classy, girly style with pop
Tournament.
workers and we have the same dream of
colors and leather that is just unreal.”
Growing up in Cadiz, Spain, Mozo was part of an active, athletic family. She started playing golf at age eight and loved the sport instantly. She credits her
success in professional sports, so we’re on the same page.” Since discovering three years ago that she suffers from celiac disease, Mozo
“They also fit my personality because I’m
Speaking of girly, Mozo freely admits to having a fashionista streak. “I love shopping. I love hot trends,” says the golfer known for her long, blonde tresses.
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the
ELLENCE
it to
the top of her game.
“To me, fashion in golf is no different. I like to wear the trendy colors, the different cuts in polo shirts and new styles in skirts, shorts and dresses.” Off the course, she lists her favorite looks as fitted, colored jeans with heels and neutral colors like ivory, gold, beige and brown, often with a splash of hot pink, red or green thrown in “to keep it sexy-looking.” Though her style might be eye-catching, Mozo still garners attention primarily for her golf skills. In her second year on tour, she’s made the top 65 female golfers list and has set her sights on breaking into the top 30 this season. “I feel very positive about next year,” she says. “I’m working hard with my coach and my trainer. It’s the little stuff that I need to pay attention to, like my mental game. I need to believe that I can be where I want to be—in the top 10 or 20 in the world.” If she achieves her goal, Mozo plans to put it to good use, bringing more attention to women’s golf and ultimately working to help children in underdeveloped countries. “When players become well known they can do so much to help,” she says. “I want to help with things like bringing clean water to African countries and giving kids more athletic opportunities like the ones I got as a child, even though they might not have the
Belén Mozo
family support I had.” 13
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HE’S GOT GAME Up close with tour de force Graeme McDowell.
N HIS FIRST decade as a pro
Q: How much time do you practice?
Q: How would you describe your style?
golfer, Northern Ireland’s Graeme
A: I play golf most days, even in the off-
A: Over the last few years I’ve taken my
McDowell has racked up quite a
season, whether I’m on the range, the
on-course clothing a lot more seriously. A
record. He made golf history in
putting green or playing a round with my
key is looking sharp. I’m never afraid to
2010 at Pebble Beach when he
mates, I’m always working on my game. But
wear strong, loud colors, but they have
became the first European in 40 years to
there are times when I’ll shut off completely
to be done tastefully. I like a nice mix of
win the U.S. Open. Among McDowell’s
and not see the clubs for a week or two.
tailored trousers, sharp shirts and a wide
other feats are winning seven events on
We all need a break sometimes.
range of knitwear.
at the World Cup, serving as a member
Q: Watching a Manchester United
Q: Word is you’re switching to ECCO
of the European Ryder Cup team three
match or hitting the driving range:
Tour Hybrid shoes in 2013. Why?
times and being ranked in the top 10 in
Which do you choose?
A: I’ve been wearing ECCO World Class
the world. McDowell is just 33 years old,
A: I know which one I’d prefer! I love kick-
shoes for the last few seasons, and I’ve
which means golf fans can expect to
ing back on a couch, watching sport. But
loved them. But the golf world is evolving
hear much more from him in the years to
my choice would depend on the time of
toward a hybrid spikeless type shoe. It’s all
come. Here, he talks about his game, his
year and the condition of my game. I’m
about comfort, stability and performance.
goals and his favorite ECCO footwear on
actually quite disciplined. If there’s some-
But I’m also about how the shoes look.
the course.
thing I’m not happy with, then I might
The Tour Hybrid is considerably lighter than
spend hours on the range, much to the dis-
the World Class, and I love to have a wide
Q: What do you consider the greatest
tress of my caddy. Even in the pouring rain
choice of shoes and colors to match my
strength in your game?
while Man U might be playing Liverpool on
outfits, so I should be able to pack five or
A: I’ve always had a decent short game,
TV, if needed. Work always comes first.
six pairs of Tour Hybrids for each event. So
the European Tour, representing Ireland
and putting has always been a strength.
watch for some nice outfits in 2013.
It probably all stems from days practicing
Q: How do you stay on top of your game?
in Portrush, Ireland, as a teenager, from a
A: By being positive and patient at all
Q: Any advice for recreational golfers?
pitching wedge in and tackling the tricky
times. We all have our ups and downs,
A: I’ve always believed playing competitive
greens from every angle. I would typically
and golf can beat us up from time to
golf is the best way to improve. We can
fade the ball left to right, particularly off
time, but remaining positive and knowing
all work hard on the range and play fun
the tee. I’ve worked on my draw from
what I’m capable of ensures that even
fourballs with our friends, but play in as
right to left the last few seasons and it’s
when things aren’t going my way, it won’t
many competitions as you can and you’ll
still something I’m trying to master.
be long before I’m back to my best.
reap the rewards.
Golf Street
TEE TIME Leading pros to weekend duffers can hit the links this spring in ECCO’s range of performance golf shoes. No matter your handicap, the innovative technologies found in the Golf Street, BIOM Hybrid and Tour Hybrid collections take comfort, performance and convenience to new levels.
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Q: What are your goals this season? A: I hope to play a full schedule in 2013. Everyone knows I’ve had problems with my back for a number of years. I always hope I’ll be able to keep them to a minimum so I can play the majority of the Champions Tour events. In the fall, I’ll be the captain of the U.S. Presidents Cup team.
Q: How often do you practice? A: Actually, I don’t have a very heavy practice schedule. I try to rest my back during off weeks, but I’ll go to the range occasionally or play a round or two with friends.
THE MASTER
Golf legend Fred Couples reveals why he took it to the ‘Street’ and what’s behind the fist pump.
Q: You’re renowned for appearing laidback on the course. Are you really that relaxed? A: I’m as competitive as the next guy; I’m just not the type to show my intensity. You see athletes and coaches in all sports who are very vocal and animated when they’re playing. Others just go about their business. I’m one of the quiet ones, but I can break out a good fist pump occasionally. Inside, I want to win as much as anyone else, if not more.
MERICAN-BORN GOLF
because I can wear them all the way from
great Fred Couples has
my house to the golf course and back.
Q: What do you consider your greatest
won some of the sport’s
A lot of the time I don’t even wear socks
achievement in golf?
most prestigious tourna-
with them. And the style is a lot like the
A: I’ve had a number of great moments,
ments, including the
sneaker styles that the skateboarders wear
ones I’ll never forget. Winning the Masters in
in California, which I think is great.
1992 was a career highlight, and this past
fabled Masters (1992), the Senior Players’ Championship (2011) and the Senior
year winning the Senior British Open was a
British Open Championship (2012). The
Q: What tangible results have you got-
fabulous week. I’ve also had great moments
53-year-old Couples, inducted into the
ten from wearing ECCO shoes?
in team events at the Ryder Cup and
World Golf Hall of Fame this year, dis-
A: Golfers are on their feet for hours for
Presidents Cup matches, and I’m very proud
cusses his upcoming season, his favorite
every practice and tournament round,
to have played on those U.S. teams. One of
career highlights and his love of ECCO
and the foot comfort ECCO shoes provide
my biggest honors was being chosen as the
shoes.
helps with how I feel overall while I play.
captain for the U.S. Presidents Cup team in
It decreases fatigue, which has a positive
2009. This year, I’ll be the captain of my third
impact on performance.
U.S. team. Being chosen for the World Golf
Q: How would you describe your style? A: I like to be current and follow the cloth-
Hall of Fame was also a huge thrill.
ing trends. I was always a very traditional
Q: In 2012, you switched to playing in
golf shoe guy—lots of solid white shoes or
BIOM Hybrid almost full time. Why?
Q: Any advice for recreational golfers?
saddle shoes. I made a big step toward
A: It was a combination of style, com-
A: Concentrate on the basics. Consistently
cutting-edge when I started wearing
fort and performance, but I have to put
hitting the ball solid and having good
ECCO’s Golf Street shoes and now their
comfort at the top. From the first moment
rhythm and tempo in your swing are great
BIOM shoes.
I put on the BIOM Hybrid, I knew I would
as a foundation for better scoring. You
be wearing them a lot because they’re
don’t have to hit the ball the hardest or
Q: What impressed you most about
so comfortable. Just like when I started
the farthest, but if you can get around the
ECCO Street?
wearing the Street shoes, I was sold on
course without many mistakes, your score
A: They are so comfortable. I love them
them instantly.
should improve.
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CLEAN SLATE Casual redefined: modern mocs and slip-ons that are relaxed, refined and the essence of a Scandinavian summer.
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Paying tribute to the forces of nature with handcrafted elements creates a natural weathered vibe.
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BREATHE DEEP: THE COLLIN SLIP-ON IN PERFORATED LEATHER FEATURES A LIGHTWEIGHT AND FLEXIBLE SOLE.
RUSTIC CHIC: THE CUNO MOCS IN MILLED LEATHER AND SUEDE OFFER A RICH BLEND OF COMFORT AND RELAXED STYLE.
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BRIGHT IDEAS Think vibrant pops of color this spring.
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How sweet. Citrus hues add punch to everyday sp
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ay spring casuals.
RETRO REWIND: GRAPHIC AND SPORTY, THE JOGGA COMES IN BOLD ALL-OVER COLOR COMBINATIONS.
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ACCESSORIES
INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS
How the little details add up to an inspiring ECCO accessories collection each season.
S ECCO CELEBRATES its golden anniversary, the company’s Accessories group is heading into its second decade of existence—and gearing up for big things in the years to come. Accessories, which encompasses products from shoe care kits to handbags and wallets, was founded in 2002, but only recently stepped into the spotlight, explains Lindsay Campbell, Managing Director. “About two and a half years ago, we started getting serious about the fact that there was a great opportunity to complete the consumer experience through highquality leather goods in our stores to complement our shoe range,” says Campbell. The 21-member team of ECCO Accessories has been responsible for double-digit annual growth over the past several years. In 2013, the division will also shift from freelance-driven design to dedicated in-house designers. As Campbell puts it, “We want what makes our bags work to be proprietary, so we’re building up that competence internally.” In terms of design, Campbell and her team are aligned with their colleagues in footwear. Lindsay Campbell
“We’re combining our signature leathers with
the Scandinavian design principles of simplicity and formfollows-function, and using them to develop the DNA of our accessories,” she explains. 24
ECCOU SA.COM
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3/15/13 2:15 PM
GET THE MESSAGE: THE ECCO BOLTON MESSENGER
BAG OFFERS THE IDEAL BLEND OF CASUAL STYLING, FEATURING RELAXED LEATHER, MINIMAL SCANDINAVIAN DETAILING AND GRAPHIC EMPHASIS.
GRAY MATTERS: THE ECCO
COLLIN SERIES OF SLIP-ONS AND SNEAKERS ARE PERFECT FOR CONQUERING URBAN JUNGLES IN COMFORT AND UNDERSTATED STYLE. 25
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�Functionality appeals to people. It speaks to their multi-organizing, fit-all-your-things-inside needs.�
Austin
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The team pays keen attention to the fine points of design. “We think through every detail that can make someone’s life a bit
think the functionality appeals to people. It speaks to their multiorganizing, fit-all-your-things-inside needs.”
easier, whether it’s how you organize the bag, the strap length or the closures. We spend a lot of time exploring different brands,
USER FRIENDLY
picking up bags and trying them out. Intelligent solutions—that’s
Being relative newcomers allows ECCO’s Accessories division to
how we translate comfort.”
revitalize its collection seasonally, keeping only about 30 percent carryover. “When it comes to shoes, ECCO’s 50-year history
IN FOR SPRING
means there are customers who are loyal to certain styles, and it’s
Of ECCO’s new handbag collection this spring, Campbell is most
a challenge to strike a balance between existing items and new
excited about the Natal—a soft, slouchy sac bag that showcases
ones. Every season, we look at what worked well, what didn’t,
the company’s buttery leathers—and the Barra, a small cross-
where there are gaps and what the trends are,” Campbell says.
body bag that’s been a hit globally, and particularly in the U.S.,
Inspiration comes from all corners and from within. “We
where hands-free, on-the-go styles for weekends and shopping are
collaborate closely with our leather division, because they
gaining steam, she notes. She also likes the Belmar, a fresh take on
perceive color and structure trends earlier. They also know
the long-popular hobo bag featuring rougher, more worn-looking
leathers very well, and this allows us to develop unique leathers
leather.
for each season’s collection. Using our leather as the starting
Of course, handbags are just part of the story. Men’s belts are a steady seller, and ECCO plans to add a women’s line in the near future. The division is also dipping its toes into the fast-changing world of tech accessories like iPhone and iPad cases for men and women. Wallets, too, have struck a chord with ECCO fans. “People
point, we combine fashion trends, market insights and the identity of our brand to create our collections.” Among the most important sources of inspiration for the Accessories team are ECCO fans themselves. “Our consumer is very much aware of trends but isn’t a slave to them, so we don’t
are looking to make more of a statement with their wallets in
strive to incorporate every single trend,” says Campbell. “We
terms of colors and materials, so that’s been a fun way for us to
spend a lot of time in the market and talking with consumers to
create more color and merchandising interest in our stores,” says
find out how we can be in line with their needs and, hopefully,
Campbell. The top seller is the Belaga, a large continental wallet
how we can surprise them.
that comes in a variety of temptingly bright shades. “It’s been flying out of our stores everywhere around the world,” she says. “I
“We want to develop a collection that takes into account how people really use our products,” she concludes.
Belmar
Belaga
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WALK IN STYLE
FASHION WITH A CAUSE
ECCO honors the 2013 Walk in Style Award winner at Copenhagen Fashion Week.
Julia Mjörnstedt
Mjörnstedt. Mjörnstedt is a living example of how to cope with a life-threatening illness with strength and dignity—and to channel the experience into positive change in the world. She won a battle against colon cancer in 2007, but the disease changed her life forever. She now uses her experience with the disease to help others through an organization she founded called Ung Cancer (Young Cancer), which ECCO BELIEVES IN the future. The
assists young cancer patients and
company is passionate about
their families. Making the most of her
supporting charity projects that will
great communication skills, Mjörnstedt
make a real difference in the years to
has shared the details of her own
come. That’s why ECCO created the
struggle, making cancer easier to
Walk in Style Award in 2008, presented
cope with for many patients and has
every year at the fall fashion show,
crushed numerous myths about the
held during Copenhagen Fashion
disease. She has even received royal
Week (pictured at right).
recognition from Swedish King Carl
The Walk in Style Award pays tribute to remarkable women who are devoting their time, energy and leadership
Gustaf for her outstanding leadership and humanitarian work. Ung Cancer has four goals. First,
to improving the lives of vulnerable
to create a safe meeting place
women and children around the world.
for young people with cancer.
Each year, ECCO selects one
Second, to make information about
remarkable honoree for her
cancer available. Third, to build a
accomplishments and donates 35,000
system where all university hospitals
Euro to the charity of her choice.
in Sweden have cancer wards
“Women and children make up
specifically for young adults and
the majority of the most vulnerable
all major cities have aftercare units
populations in the world,” says ECCO
to help them adjust afterwards.
CEO and designer Dieter Kasprzak.
Fourth, to raise the general level of
“That’s why we have chosen to make
awareness about youth and cancer.
them our priority.” The 2013 Walk in Style Award winner is Swedish entrepreneur Julia
For a list of past Walk in Style award winners, go to ecco.com/en/events/ walk-in-style/previous-winners.
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ECCO PUTS ITS BEST FOOT FORWARD WITH DRAMATIC, BOUNDARY-PUSHING CONCEPT SHOE DESIGNS AT COPENHAGEN FASHION WEEK.
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PURE STYLE FROM SCANDINAVIA
ec c o . c o m
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