Ecco: Pure Style from Scandinavia

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.

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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.”

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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.

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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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