SS19 ECCO JOURNAL

— JOUR NAL — I N N AT U R A L M O T I O N S I N C E 1 9 6 3

S PRING / SU MMER 2019

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

SPRING / SUMMER 2019 —

ECCO JOURNAL Guided by true passion

06

THE BALLET — DREAMING OF BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL BALLERINA

12

ART AS A LOVE AFFAIR — THE VOICE OF AN ILLUSTRATOR

16

PROVOKING EMOTION — THE MAN BEHIND THE AGENCY & CO.

22

MODERN MASTER — TRAVELLING THE WORLD FOR 200 DAYS A YEAR

28

LIFE LEARNING — CO-CREATION AND COURAGE

40

ON PLASTIC PATROL — PADDLEBOARDING PICKING UP PLASTIC

44

THE LONG-AWAITED INTERVIEW — KIDS IN MOTION

48

A WORLD OF CONTRASTS — FASHION AND MUSIC MEET SILENCE AND SIMPLE LIVING

WORDS: CHARLOTTE KRISTINE SKOV LIAM MAHER MARK HODGKINSON PHOTOS: CLAUS VISBY ANDERSEN HENRIK BÜLOW LISA CARTER SAMUEL GLAZEBROOK PRODUCED BY: ECCO CREATIVE SERVICES PAPER: MUNKEN KRISTALL 300G/150G ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE USED IN ANY FORM OR MEANS WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF ECCO SKO A/S IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT: ECCO SKO A/S, INDUSTRIVEJ 5, DK-6261 BREDEBRO, DENMARK TEL. +45 74911625, ECCO.COM

CONTRIBUTORS

LEONORA SLOT

RUTH CRONE FOSTER

THOMAS HOFFMANN

HENRIK BÜLOW

With wholehearted

Guided by a strong inner

Whether he is creating

Travelling the world 200 days

­devotion and diligence,

voice, experimental

adverts for broadcasters,

a year, ­photographer Henrik

Leonora Slot pursues

­illustrator Ruth Crone Foster

shoemakers or other brands,

Bülow is constantly finding

her dream of becoming a

interprets the world

Thomas Hoffmann

new sources of inspiration.

professional ballerina.

around her in alluring

uses emotion.

— 22 —

—6—

lines and colours.

— 16 —

— 12 —

A M Y J E A N H A M I LTO N

L I Z Z I E CA R R

R E E GA N DAV I E S

T O B I A S PA U L S E N

At a remote folk high

She's the woman

Seven-year-old

Exploring a diverse world

school, Amy Jean Hamilton

behind Plastic Patrol,

Reegan Davies from a small

as a model, Tobias Paulsen

found the perfect place

picking up plastic from

town in Wales features in the

is making his way with a

to ­practice slow living and

her paddleboard to

ECCO Kids brand movie.

camera and a promise

creative leadership.

address the global crisis

— 44 —

to stay true to himself.

— 28 —

of plastic pollution.

— 40 —

— 48 —

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

E C C O

DIRECT COMFORT TECHNOLOGY

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I N

N A T U R A L

M O T I O N

S I N C E

1 9 6 3

TO SEE HARMONIES I T

I S

S O M E T I M E S A R O U N D

U N R E L A T E D

Y O U

E V E N T S

T E M P T I N G A S A N D

A

T O

S E E

C H A O T I C

T H E

B L U R

D I S C O N N E C T E D

W O R L D O F

E L E M E N T S .

It is the gift of the visionary — the designer, the artist, the entrepreneur — to see harmonies where the rest of us might see only dissonance. ECCO's designers, engineers and in-house leather tanners have always had this gift. They have seen how the foot and the last are two reflections of a single concept at the root of true comfort. They have seen how the last and the shoe extend the same concept into designs for contemporary wearing moments across every shoe in the modern shoe wardrobe. This way of looking at the world, and this understanding of modern shoe design, is at the heart of ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology.

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

B A L L E T

S T U D E N T

—

L E O N O R A

S L O T

THE BALLET Leonora Slot has been taking ballet les-

to improve my technique. During the

sons since the age of three. Today, she

ballet lessons, I always look in the mirror

attends the Royal Danish Ballet School

to check what I might do better. Ballet

in Copenhagen, where she pursues

as an art form will never be perfect,

her dream of becoming a professional

there is always room for improvement.

ballerina, well aware that as an art form

Even though it can be hard to put my

ballet will never be perfect. With its com-

perfectionism aside, I love to practice

bination of academic lessons and ballet

alone in the dance hall, to lose myself in

classes, her school life differs substantially

the music and the dance, to feel free,

from that experienced by other Danish

almost floating.

adolescents. We met the talented ballet student to learn about an everyday life

At times, it can be tough. We are used

full of passion, magic and hard work

to being evaluated all the time. Every

from Leonora's point of view. The regal

year, students are deselected at the

setting of Schackenborg Palace forms

exams. After all, it is an elite school. You

an enchanting backdrop.

never know if you will be dancing next

To me, ballet is everything. It is my pas-

But I still love it.

year, and that's tough to think about. sion and my life. What I love most about ballet is to be on stage, to identify with

We have fairly long days, from 8 am to 6

a role, forget the outside world and give

pm, with ballet practice in the morning

the audience a fabulous experience.

followed by ordinary lessons, like Danish,

From the very beginning, I have been

English and maths, and then afternoon

mesmerised by dancing as a mode of

practice with point class, modern or

expression.

more artistic dancing where we engage in the creative process. We also rehearse

I feel privileged to be studying at the

on Saturdays, maybe pas de deux,

Royal Danish Ballet School. It is a truly

where we dance with a male partner.

magical, exciting universe. When you walk through the labyrinthine corridors of

When I was four years old, I also began

the historic building of the Royal Danish

to play the violin. My parents are musi-

Theatre, you can hear music from the

cians, and my brother plays the cello at

rehearsal halls, you pass the workrooms

a high level. But eventually, I chose to

with all the costumes, you are close to

focus on ballet. You have to be whole-

the professional dancers of the compa-

heartedly devoted to become a ballet

ny and even get to meet some of your

dancer, and luckily my family under-

biggest idols.

stand what it takes and back me up. I dream about dancing leading roles, like

I am a perfectionist and simply love to

Giselle, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet and

obsess over all the tiny details in order

Odile/Odette in Swan Lake.

—6—

"Ballet as an art form will ­never be perfect, there is always room for improvement."

LEONORA SLOT BALLET STUDENT AT THE ROYAL DANISH BALLET SCHOOL ECCO ANINE / 20800301118

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S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

"In ballet, the body is your instrument, and it is essential to take good care of it."

LEONORA SLOT BALLET STUDENT AT THE ROYAL DANISH BALLET SCHOOL

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B A L L E T

S T U D E N T

—

L E O N O R A

S L O T

I like it when my days follow a regular

in my point shoes, I enjoy ­soaking my

pattern, and I make sure to get enough

feet in ice water. And when I'm alone

sleep, eat healthy and look after myself.

in bed, listening to music or podcasts, it

In ballet, the body is your instrument, and

is almost a kind of m ­ editation for me. A

it is essential to take good care of it. After

chance to be absorbed in something

a long day with many hours of dancing

else, away from my busy everyday life.

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S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

— 10 —

E C C O

C R A Q U E L U R E

L E A T H E R

CRAQUELURE

ECCO CRAQUELURE is distinguished by a fine filigree of tonal colour veins sweeping naturally across the surface. Inspired in part by the gentle crackled effect often found in paintings by the old masters or in fine china and earthenware, this pattern generates an added dimension of colour effect and visual movement. While the fine-lined organic pattern implies an intriguing fragility, the unique tanning processes used by ECCO Leather produce a soft, sensual final product that derives its strength from its suppleness and grace.

ECCO ANINE / 20800351430

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S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

ART AS A L OV E A F FA I R The Danish illustrator and creative consultant Ruth Crone Foster is guided by a strong inner voice and profound curiosity when she interprets the world around her in alluring lines, shapes and colours. Meet a woman who is constantly trying to push her work a little further, to seize and create the unexpected instead of walking in yesterday's footsteps.

Creativity has always been a natural

what to expect due to her inherent urge

part of Ruth Crone Foster's personality,

to plunge headlong into new creative

taking on many expressions, from graffiti

challenges and adventures. And it is this

painting in her younger days to a later

blend of passions and sensitivities, this

engagement with design. In the end,

interest in the free, the delicate and the

however, it turned out that Ruth has

powerful, that made Ruth Crone Foster

a heart for art. That is the exact place

the natural choice to bring ECCO's new

where her creative streak seems to be

ANINE ballerina concept to life as a

most dynamic, most compelling, most

work of art.

intuitive.

Art is a passion for Ruth. A love affair that In every work of art, from one-of-a-kind

is both playful and demanding while the

collages to bespoke illustrations, the

creative process requires her full atten-

experimental illustrator and creative

tion and heartbeat. Sometimes she can

consultant draws on a strong inner voice

hardly breathe until a work of art has

combined with a profound curiosity and

found its final expression. And yet, she is

open receptiveness. This allows her to

compelled to listen to that inner voice.

sense innovative structures and textures,

To move on and to uncover and follow

new trends and, not least, the vibrant

new paths in the name of love.

spirit of the city of Aarhus where she lives, processing all of these sensations

ECCO has a long-standing orientation

into multilayered works with a subtle

to art that originates from the founder,

quality that challenges the mind.

Karl Toosbuy's, profound interest in the creative arts as well as the shoe

"It is important for me to set the viewer

manufacturer's search for excellence

free. Free to explore the stories of an art

and uniqueness. The urge and motiva-

piece, free to experience and interpret

tion to move forward experienced by

the multiple, perhaps even unexpected

Ruth Crone Foster in her creative work

elements and layers," explains Ruth.

echo Karl Toosbuy's reflections on art as a driving force in his international

Her creative universe is diverse. Delicate

enterprise.

as well as powerful, simple as well as refined, and you never know exactly

ruthcronefoster.dk

E X P E R I M E N T A L

I L L U S T R A T O R

—

R U T H

C R O N E

F O S T E R

"Art has never been strictly business for me.

It's a hobby turned into a profession, turned into a love affair."

RUTH CRONE FOSTER EXPERIMENTAL ILLUSTRATOR ECCO ANINE / 20800351430 — 13 —

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

ECCO ANINE / 20800351430 ECCO ELLA SHOPPER / 910543990217

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ICON OF GRACE The timeless ballerina flat, which has helped create so many ­iconic moments in fashion and film over the decades, has been reinvented by ECCO for the modern woman. With its ­combination of innovative lightweight comfort and a versatile aesthetic crafted from a range of our rich, premium leathers, the ECCO ANINE is an essential in any woman's shoe wardrobe.

In 1963, the same year ECCO was

on the ballerina flat. Our pioneering

founded, Audrey Hepburn appeared in

ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort

Vogue pairing a Givenchy evening dress

Technology is combined with rich, sump-

with ballerina flats. This iconic fashion

tuous and dazzling leathers developed

moment still resonates today, helping to

and produced in our own tanneries.

make the ballerina an all-time favourite Pioneered by ECCO over three

of our women's design team.

decades, FLUIDFORM™ ensures that The ballerina flat is a mercurial silhouette

ECCO ANINE elevates the comfort of

that has always danced effortlessly

a ballerina flat beyond that achieved

between dressed-up and dressed-down

by old-fashioned assemblies and con-

occasions. It is a shoe with the energy to

ventional designs. While our ballerina

symbolise unbridled expressive passion,

flat has a stylish low profile, the soft

as it did for the actress Moira Shearer in

PU material, which is direct-injected

The Red Shoes in 1948. The style went

into the one-component sole, wraps

on to exemplify the unique light-footed

and protects the underfoot, delivering

elegance of women like Hepburn, who

exceptional shock absorption and a bit

also made the shoe oh-so-cool in jazz-

of bounce. Using such a light material

age Capri pants in ultra-modern, all-

helps to make the ECCO ANINE half the

black ensembles in Funny Face in 1957.

weight of our previous ballerina flats. A

Today the style is being reimagined by a

new anatomical last offers a softer and

new generation of style influencers from

more feminine outline as well as a close

Alexa Chung to Miranda Kerr.

fit; with all its innovations, the ECCO ANINE is reimagining the ballerina flat for

For us at ECCO, it's not enough to

all-day wear.

simply throw another ballerina flat into the world. Our designers have always

Elegantly illustrating the creativity and

sought to bring more to each of our

expertise of the team at the ECCO

customer's wearing moments than just a

Leather tanneries, the ECCO ANINE is

new colour or a new cosmetic detail.

offered in a selection of premium materials, including rich liquid ­metallic, ­modern

Named after Anine Frølich, an 18th-­

floral prints and fresh spring ­colours. With

century dancer and the first Danish

its highly versatile ­aesthetic, which sup-

­ballet star, the ECCO

plies almost limitless

ANINE is a new

styling options and

dynamic ­comfort

wearing moments,

platform providing

the ECCO ANINE is a

the foundation

modern essential for

for a mesmerising

any woman's shoe

array of premium

wardrobe.

leather variations DIRECT COMFORT TECHNOLOGY

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

C R E A T I V E

D I R E C T O R

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T H O M A S

H O F F M A N N

PR OVOKING EMOTION Whether he is creating advertisements for broadcasters, shoemakers or other brands, Thomas Hoffmann uses emotion. The creative director of an award-­winning Danish advertising agency, Hoffman collaborated with ECCO on the company's brand movie.

Advertising isn't rational. Advertising also

into those we trust and those we avoid,

tanneries, research and development

isn't a cold, hard, fact-heavy science.

into country folk and city types, old

facilities and the factories. It was a bit of

Advertising is the art of provoking emo-

Danes and newcomers.

an epiphany for the whole team to discover the deep-rooted competencies

tions: how does a film or an image make you feel? The most powerful advertise-

The compelling part was what

and convictions that go into every little

ments — the ones that allow brands

­happened next: the moderator posed

detail," says Hoffmann.

to truly connect with consumers — are

a series of questions, asking people

those that speak to the heart rather than

to step forward if a category applied

"One of the things we brought home

to the head.

to them. Who were the class clowns?

with us from our trips was an overriding

The step-parents? Who was madly in

theme of duality. The premium raw

"People never buy products because

love? Or feeling lonely? Who had been

materials and the cutting-edge tech-

they need them. They buy them

bullied? Or had bullied others? Or who

nology. The leather expertise and the

because they want them," says Thomas

loved to dance? The original groups

high-tech sole-platform production. The

Hoffmann, the creative director of

were mixed up, and the voice-over

heritage and the innovation. The past

Danish advertising agency & Co.,

concluded: "There's more that brings us

and the future. The brand movie is a

which produced ECCO's atmospheric,

together than we think."

celebration of that duality and we think the director, Per-Hampus Stålhandske,

evocative brand movie. "This means that when you touch people with your

Almost as soon as the advertisement

did a terrific job at capturing that and

content, they love you for it. Emotional

was launched in 2017, it went viral,

combining it with the other themes."

advertising is therefore always the way

with American talkshow host Ellen

to go. Advertising is changing fast,

DeGeneres, Canadian Prime Minister

With an original score, as well as

from product stories to storytelling that

Justin Trudeau and British entrepreneur

sweeping shots of the Danish landscape,

­touches people."

Sir Richard Branson among those who

a horse and thousands of starlings

shared it on social media. "By coinci-

performing their 'Black Sun' murmuration

One illustration of this emotive approach

dence, the film came out just around

formations above the marshlands, 'In

to advertising is the video that & Co.

the time of Donald Trump's inauguration,

Natural Motion Since 1963' offers plenty

­created for Danish broadcaster TV2,

and a lot of people really needed to be

of atmosphere. And, of course, emotion.

which went viral, with millions of views

reminded that we have a lot of things

"If you can touch people with relevant

around the world. Called "All That We

in common. So the message resonated

and emotional content and a clear

Share", the video begins with dozens

around the world," says Hoffmann.

message, you are on the right track," says Hoffmann.

of Danes walking on to a set and then gathering in squares that supposedly

In learning more about ECCO to create

defined them, with a voice-over saying:

the "In Natural Motion Since 1963" film,

"It's easy to put people in boxes — there's

Hoffmann gained new appreciation

andco.dk

us and there's them." Participants were

for the Danish shoemaker. "We went

ecco.com

divided up into high- and low-earners,

on some inspirational trips to the ECCO

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youtube.com (All That We Share)

THOMAS HOFFMANN CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

C R E A T I V E

D I R E C T O R

—

T H O M A S

H O F F M A N N

01. ECCO SOFT 8 / 45084401291, 02. ECCO VITRUS I / 64031401009, 03. ECCO COLLIN 2.0 / 53620401007, 04. ECCO COOL / 83138452625

— 18 —

"If you can touch people with relevant and emotional content and a clear message, you are on the right track."

THOMAS HOFFMANN CREATIVE DIRECTOR ECCO VITRUS I / 64031401009 ECCO LARS BRIEFCASE / 910543090000

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S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 018 019

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AW E W I T H O U T S H O C K E C C O ' S H A S

F U T U R I S T I C B E E N T O

S T . 1

C O M B I N E D C R E A T E

S H O C K W I T H

O U R

A B S O R P T I O N

P R E M I U M

F I R S T

T E C H N O L O G Y

F O R M A L

O F F I C E

U P P E R S

H Y B R I D .

For years, ECCO's design and research

biggest impact when you walk. ECCO

Lifestyles and fashion have evolved

teams have been exploring ways of

was already renowned for its modern

around the world since we set up shop

enhancing comfort and increasing

comfort experience; the introduction

in Denmark in 1963, but the main current

shock absorption at the heel. They

of ST.1 adds 17 per cent more shock

of innovation has remained focused on

have engineered 'shockpoint' variations

absorption and rebound.

increased comfort, performance and versatility: the things that make life a

that incorporate more sole material under the heel, made possible by the

In its first season, we introduced the

little bit easier. The ST.1 can be seen as a

­geometry of the outsole.

ST.1 cushion core in a focused range of

cousin of the American buck shoe from

premium, athleisure-inspired silhouettes

the 1950s. Like the buck, it is a relaxed

But the Holy Grail of comfort and

for both men and women. This athlei-

spin on a formal shoe with a healthy

shock absorption has always been to

sure programme continues, but the

dose of confident swagger.

break through all layers of the outsole

­technology has now been adapted to

construction and embed a soft cushion

deliver enhanced performance in the

But the ECCO ST.1 HYBRID has been

core directly between your heel and the

men's office hybrid category.

designed and engineered to represent an utterly contemporary idea within the

ground.

We regard the new ECCO ST.1 HYBRID

modern menswear wardrobe. A hybrid

That ambition was realised last season

range as a direct descendant of the

office shoe with the sole (and soul) of

with the launch of ST.1, or SHOCK-THRU™,

original ECCO concept: premium

advanced comfort engineering. Easy to

from ECCO. The careful integration of

­leather shoes that meet the highest

dress up, easy to dress down, endlessly

the ST.1 cushion core with our ECCO

standards of our shoemaker culture,

versatile and comfortable enough for

FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology

while delivering the advanced comfort

navigating the journey from boardroom

preserves the anatomical comfort profile

that was once only the domain of

to boulevard.

you find across the ECCO Collection

­conventional sneakers. That describes

while enhancing comfort and shock

historic ECCO shoes from deep in the

absorption directly under the heel. That

brand's archives, and it absolutely

is the part of the foot that supports most

describes the new ECCO ST.1 HYBRID.

of your bodyweight and absorbs the

ECCO ST.1 HYBRID / 83644402308 ECCO LARS LAPTOP BAG / 910543190296

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S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

MODERN MASTER

HENRIK BÜLOW PHOTOGRAPHER

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P H O T O G R A P H E R

—

H E N R I K

B Ü L O W

Travelling the world 200 days a year, Danish photographer Henrik Bülow is constantly finding new sources of inspiration.

ECCO BJORN CROSSBODY / 910536190000 ECCO FLOWT LX / 27385401001

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S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

P H O T O G R A P H E R

—

H E N R I K

B Ü L O W

PHOTOGRAPHER — HENRIK BÜLOW ECCO EXOSTRIKE / 83231451052

For all the modernity and freshness of

from people all over the world is the

Henrik Bülow's photography, his images

way I keep up as a ­photographer.

often evoke the old masters of the

Travelling and shooting make me

Renaissance. Bearded, tattooed and

happy."

with a contemporary aesthetic that is much in demand with the world's

Another strong influence on Bülow —

fashion magazines and leading brands,

whose work has been showcased in

the Dane says he tries to "imitate

multiple exhibitions, including three at

Italian Renaissance painters such as

the Copenhagen Photo Festival — is

Michelangelo." They inspire him to

his former mentor and boss, the iconic

"create a beautiful light" and to shape

American photographer Irving Penn.

his compositions in the studio or on

After completing his education in

location.

Denmark in 1999, Bülow moved to New York to work as an assistant for

Bülow, who shot the ECCO Lifestyle

Penn, who was one of the most cele-

Campaign for Spring/Summer 2019,

brated photographers of the twentieth

travels about 200 days a year for his

century. In addition to being a portrait

work. Wherever he is in the world, he

and fashion photographer, Penn also

seeks out art galleries and museums for

shot still lifes, such as cigarette butts and

inspiration. "I also meet a lot of people,

rotting fruit, and the New York Times

and that, along with my travels and the

once described his pictures as "casual

art, is where I get my inspiration," says

yet exquisite in every way."

Bülow. "Always looking for inspiration

— 24 —

P H O T O G R A P H E R

—

H E N R I K

B Ü L O W

01. ECCO SOFT 7 / 43077355569, 02. ECCO LARS / 910543190296 0 3 . E C C O V I T R U S 1 / 6 4 0 3 1 4 0 1 5 3 2 , E C C O L E I F F O R M A L B E LT / 9 1 0 5 4 0 4 9 0 0 0 0 04. ECCO SOFT 8 / 44079301118

— 25 —

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

BĂźlow, whose pictures regularly appear in Vogue and other fashion magazines, recently shot the ECCO Lifestyle Campaign for Spring/Summer 2019.

P H O T O G R A P H E R

—

H E N R I K

B Ü L O W

01. ECCO GILLIAN / 28562301118, 02. ECCO CORKSPHERE™ SANDALS / 27181401291

"Working for Irving Penn was a dream

"The ECCO Lifestyle Campaign was a

come true — he was a big idol," says

great pleasure for me to do. I worked

Bülow and, just like Penn, who passed

with the most professional team you

away in 2009, the Dane's pictures have

can imagine. The shoot was done in

appeared in the pages of Vogue,

Denmark, at selected locations that

among other fashion bibles. From

matched the different shoes," says

­shooting for brands such as ECCO

Bülow. "We shot on a long lens to

and other iconic Scandinavian brands

make the shoes more in focus, and we

to fashion editorials and portraits,

used natural light to keep it as real as

­architecture and furniture, Bülow loves

­possible." @henrikbulow

"all aspects of photography."

— 27 —

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

C R E A T I V E

L E A D E R

—

A M Y

J E A N

H A M I L T O N

LIFE LEARNING Amy Jean Hamilton found the perfect place to practice slow living and creative leadership at the remote design-oriented folk high school Designhøjskolen Højer in southern Denmark. She leads the school from her heart and with a clear ambition of moving people and companies through design, co-creation and courage.

Inspirational messages are spread

of space to grow as a human being.

ECCO, which visit the folk high school

throughout Designhøjskolen Højer

She leads the way with high spirits and

for specially tailored courses. With its

(Designhøjer). They're scribbled on the

a conviction that every day is enriched

welcoming atmosphere and room for

floor, displayed on posters and painted

with potential that can be released

diversity, Designhøjer is an inspiring

as graffiti on the outside walls. The words

when people are brought together to

­environment for engaging in mutual

are meant to inspire contemplation,

co-create.

learning through a spirit of openness, reflection and curiosity.

for example the statement "Another ­beautiful day". It's simple, but it takes

"The potential is there, every single day. It

determination to feel and practice

takes courage to open up and embrace

"It's crucial to pause, breathe and won-

that outlook on a grey day, so close to

the present, and if we do so, it allows

der. Asking questions without necessarily

Denmark's ever-windy west coast. It all

us to unfold the full potential when we

finding immediate answers," says Amy.

depends on your point of view.

do our inner work and ­co-create with

Amy Jean Hamilton decided to build

others," Amy explains and adds, "This is

Amy Jean Hamilton knows that it requires

where the magic arises."

confidence and daily practice to open one's heart and be guided by intuition.

her own meaningful world with a focus on being as well as performing. She

While individual growth is important,

And that while we are always seeking

moved from Copenhagen with her

Amy Jean Hamilton's creative leadership

answers, you can't force them to mate-

boyfriend and son to settle down in

process encourages the students to

rialise. Her many years of experience in

Højer, a ­picturesque town surrounded

see themselves as existing within a

creative leadership has led her to the

by a b ­ eautiful and rugged landscape,

­community. The week begins with a

truth that with persistence and patience,

where she heads the newly established

check-in, where all students and staff

the answers will eventually manifest

folk high school. Distinctive to Denmark,

share their hopes for the days ahead,

themselves. And that's when you can

these unique high schools provide

and ends with a check-out, where they

have an impact, whether it's at home

informal adult education to boarding

share lessons and reflections from their

with your family, in shaping a company's

students averaging from 18 to 25 years,

experiences. The goal is to foster a

values or guiding someone toward their

­typically through courses that last

shared sense of purpose.

highest dream.

"I try to emphasise that it's perfectly

We asked Amy to use styles from our

Sitting at the intersection of design,

­possible to work really fast alone, but

new collection to help us explore the

art and technology, Designhøjer

you're more likely to make a real impact

ideal shoe wardrobe. No two days are

teaches 21st-century design skills,

by working with others towards a

the same in Amy's life, and her ­continual

­entrepreneurship and personal

­common goal," says Amy.

search for everyday beauty and

around six months.

presence calls for shoes that keep her

­development in order to prepare students for creative higher education

The approach is also being used to

programmes in Denmark and abroad.

mobilise a renewed sense of courage

Amy Jean Hamilton herself calls it a 'life

in established organisations and

learning' school where there is plenty

­companies with strong visions, such as

— 28 —

grounded. designhojskolenhojer.dk @ designhojer

"It's important for me to stay grounded and live in the moment, and that means breathing deeply and wearing high-quality comfortable shoes."

A M Y J E A N H A M I LTO N HEAD OF DESIGNHØJER ECCO LEISURE / 20506301309

— 29 —

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

C R E A T I V E

L E A D E R

—

A M Y

J E A N

H A M I L T O N

0 1 . E C C O S H A P E 7 5 B L O C K / 2 6 0 9 0 3 0 2 0 0 3 , 0 2 . E C C O I N C I S E TA I L O R E D / 2 6 5 8 0 3 0 2 0 0 1 03. ECCO SOFT 7 / 43081301007, 04. ECCO SOFT 8 / 45084301152

— 30 —

"For a person to move forward and grow, it is essential to have the courage to experiment and to explore."

A M Y J E A N H A M I LTO N HEAD OF DESIGNHØJER ECCO ST.1 / 83620350874 ECCO ELLA / 910543790661

— 31 —

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

"I consider myself very lucky to be working with people with whom I share a common enthusiasm and to have been accepted into a community both within ECCO and in the Tønder area where my wife and I have made our home."

LIAM MAHER CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT ECCO, DENMARK ECCO VITRUS ARTISAN / 63480401001

— 32 —

C R E A T I V E

D I R E C T O R

A T

E C C O

—

L I A M

M A H E R

T R U E PA S S I O N Liam Maher has been serving as Global Creative Director with ECCO since 2017.

His prior experience encompasses both global and local fashion and footwear brands in America and Europe. But, despite this, he regards ECCO's underlying concept as entirely unique in the market.

As an American now living in Denmark, he is not shy to talk about why.

How do you use your experience

How does your role work

best way we can l­everage our unique

from previous jobs at ECCO?

at a practical level?

approach to modern shoemaking to

My background might seem a little bit

ECCO actually proceeded over the

meet or even exceed their ­expectations.

random to some, but there has been a

half-century without having s­ omeone in

common thread. I learned the basics

the official capacity of creative director

My role bridges the areas of design

of the shoe business when I worked for

(which makes me sometimes wonder

and communication. That allows me

a fairly well-known American brand

whether they really needed me in the

to move back and forth between the

in the 90s at a time when specialty

first place, but I'm happy they thought

brand/products and the stories behind

brands were on the rise. I was exposed

they did). In my own experience, the

them. Personally, I am a great believer

to progressive design and marketing

practical function of a creative director

in ­closing the gap between the product

techniques when I worked in the action-

can vary greatly from company to

and the message. In ECCO's case, there

sports sector and I was able to pick up

­company. In my case at ECCO, I often

is so much truth and integrity behind

international experience working in

feel my main role is simply to keep

what the teams are doing, harmonising

companies in Europe and consulting

the windshield clean so the folks who

these elements has huge potential.

with a premium-niche brand in Japan.

­actually drive the brand can keep their focus trained on the way ahead.

What is the next step for ECCO design?

Two important features shared

I certainly don't operate as a kind of

I think we'd all be happy to continue

­throughout these experiences have

uber-designer overseeing the devel-

steadily improving the style, versatility

been passion and innovation. And it is

opment of every detail of every shoe

and performance of each shoe in our

in these areas that ECCO's proposition

or every branding tactic. ECCO has

customers' wardrobe. The team have

is so impressive. For over half a century

more than enough incredibly ­talented

been advancing new concepts in

the family who founded ECCO and

creatives, designers and i­nnovators, who

formal, casual and performance ranges

people who have been at the heart of

are much better suited for this than I am.

and we're all immensely proud of the

the ­company have sustained insanely

My task is to help harness the ­inherent

current collections. We'd like to continue

high levels of personal passion for

­power of the brand to motivate the

in the direction ECCO has been going —

­shoemaking and an unquenchable

team and inspire them to work together

"In natural motion since 1963." We need

appetite to innovate on behalf of

on the best ideas they have and to help

to keep an eye on the real c ­ ustomer

­people who wear ECCO. They have

ensure the ­direction we take is in line

expectations around the world where

worked hard to simultaneously soften

with our ­values, ­competitive ­advantages

ECCO is active and we need to keep

and energize the individual journeys

and the ethos of ECCO. I help the

pushing our shoemaking and leather

taken by ECCO's customers. It sounds

team advocate on behalf of our final

development techniques to define the

simple enough, but it's an ample source

consumer, ­anticipating what they want

best in modern shoemaking.

of inspiration for us.

from their footwear and determining the

— 33 —

S PR I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

CREATIVE ENERGY Step inside ECCO's Design Studio, where the team are inspired by the surrounding Danish landscape, art and the brand's own archive of iconic shoes.

ECCO's Design Studio is nestled within

studio hums with designers working on

the ECCO Center in Tønder, Denmark.

new leathers and trim concepts, while

With views across a pastoral landscape

the shoe design area combines old-

distinctive to Scandinavia's southern-

school techniques of draughtsmanship,

most gateway, our designers look out

rendering and hand-shaping with

into vistas domed under a vast sky.

space-age computer-aided design systems and 3-D printing bays. The

Sculptor Peter Brandes's enormous

collection planning room is wrapped in

bronze homage to the architecture of

steel panels allowing designers to place

the human foot anchors the brand's

shoe ideas in sequence using magnetic

Jutland campus. Measuring 7 metres

shelves, while the Skunkworks space,

long, 5.2 metres tall and 2.9 metres wide

only accessible with a high-security

it projects a timelessness as historic as

swipe card, houses an ever-changing

the land itself. The landscape, like the

array of bold new ideas for future

brand, is in ceaseless natural motion,

collections.

driven by wind, weather and wildlife.

Reminders of the brand's various passions The studio is home to an energetic

are integrated into daily experience.

international design team. Trained in

Retired FLUIDFORM™ robots stand

cutting-edge footwear engineering,

sentinel. Rich heritage leathers hang

with a specialisation in our signature

from antique tannery structures. Solid

ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort

billeted aluminium artworks, evocative

Technology, and schooled in aesthetics,

of Jeff Koons, track the journey from

design and contemporary styling, the

the universal foot to the ECCO shoe.

team hails from Denmark, the United

Linking these elements together are

Kingdom, America, Italy, Canada,

generously proportioned open spaces,

Germany and Spain.

tables, couches and interaction zones.

It is in these places that the energy runs

The landscape is one source of inspira-

highest, because realising the best that

tion. Others are art, music, architecture,

ECCO can create requires hand-in-

museums, visiting creative companies,

glove collaboration between designers,

and the brand's own archive of iconic

engineers and stylists.

shoes, housed in Tønder. The materials

— 34 —

W H E R E

C R E A T I V E

E N E R G Y

R U N S

H I G H

The studio is home to an energetic international design team.

— 35 —

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

LENA-MARIA HEILER SHOE DESIGNER AGATA Z O L I C H MATERIAL AND COLOUR DESIGNER

What do you like most about working in ECCO's Design Studio?

What do you like most about working

beginning. I think of them as 'walking

Working with people of different

in ECCO's Design Studio?

tradition'. To have the opportunity of

nationalities from a wide range of cul-

Our team is made up of people

learning from them and to talk to the

tures, and with different backgrounds

from all around the world, who each

people who have the drive and the

and skills, creates a vibrant work envi-

have their own opinions, character

energy to ­create new designs, that's

ronment. It is the passion for shoes and

and style. that creates a unique

just ­amazing and very inspirational.

design that brings us together. Being in

­atmosphere in the studio. To be

such an inspiring atmosphere is a fan-

a creative team, we need to be

What is your favourite

open-minded, have fun and laugh

ECCO innovation?

loudly. We also need to ensure not

Our advanced direct-injection

What is your favourite ECCO tradition?

to be afraid of constructive criticism,

innovation, ECCO FLUIDFORM™

We open staff meetings by singing a

because that is how we can design

Direct Comfort Technology, delivers

traditional Danish song, with piano

the best products. We have a high

superb comfort. As a material and

accompaniment. I'm not a native

degree of freedom in our jobs, and

colour designer, I naturally love all the

speaker, but I always try my best and

everybody can work on what they

possibilities created by ECCO Leather,

join in singing in Danish.

find the most interesting. I'm proud to

which is driving innovation with the

work at ECCO.

material. One of the leathers I love is

What is your favourite

ECCO KROMATAFOR, which changes

ECCO innovation?

What is your favourite ECCO tradition?

colour when exposed to different tem-

Launched in the ECCO EXOSTRIKE™

The most magical aspect is the

peratures — it's super stylish and the

boot, the revolutionary midsole mate-

possibility of working with the people

technology behind it is mind-blowing.

rial PHORENE™ uses a new chemical

tastic foundation for great teamwork.

who created this brand from the

formula that brings many benefits.

— 36 —

ABEL MONTSERRAT FORNIES SENIOR SHOE DESIGNER

What do you like most about

Where do you find the

working in ECCO's Design Studio?

inspiration for your designs?

The best thing is the environment, being

Inspiration comes in many ways, but over

with people who respect each other on

the years I have found I can provoke it.

a personal level, and who know how to

That could be by smelling what happens

distinguish between work and personal

on the street, taking in a David Hockney

relationships.

exhibition at Centre Pompidou in Paris, picking up a book in an antiquarian

What is your favourite ECCO tradition?

bookstore or visiting the Vitra Design

We are always thinking about how to

Museum in Germany — or through a sim-

improve comfort in shoes.

ple dream. If you train the subconscious, you'll find it works for you: when you

As well as being light and durable, it offers superb cushioning — this wonder material delivers outstanding comfort.

Even in cold temperatures, PHORENE™ is very soft and flexible.

Where do you find the inspiration for your designs?

At ECCO, we are surrounded by nature — every time you glance outside at the minimalist landscape, you feel connected to the unique Danish design language. Being so close to the sea, any changes in the weather are more immediate, which creates a strong contrast with the simple scenery. Every spring and autumn, I look forward to watching a particular phenomenon in southern Jutland called Sort Sol, or Black Sun. Flocks of starlings paint moving shapes in the sky. By working together, they protect themselves against birds of prey. As a natural spectacle, it is unparalleled.

What is your favourite ECCO innovation?

wake up in the morning it has gathered

ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort

all the information you have seen the

Technology helps to give us an identity

day before. Many of my ideas come

as well as the opportunity to do many

from thinking about and analysing what

complex things. As with everything else

the consumer needs. But others come

we do, we will continue to develop

through improvisation, from breaking with

and innovate with FLUIDFORM™. I also

the routine to allow your mind to fly. Then

like the state-of-the-art leathers we are

you're free to design what you feel will be

develo­ping and producing in our own

a successful and relevant product, two

tanneries.

years before it goes on the market.

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

ECCO X-TRINSIC

N A T U R A L A D V E N T U R E When you're trekking through nature, you never know when the weather or your plans might change, or you'll come across water-based obstacles. The ECCO X-TRINSIC range is designed around a quick-drainand-dry ­functionality that makes it ideally suited for hot or wet outdoor ­exploration. Its minimalist, athletic stylings are also perfect for urban adventures and everyday wear, and it is this versatility, combined with ECCO FLUIDFORM™ flexibility and DYNEEMA® BONDED Leather by ECCO strength, that makes it a favourite amongst those looking for a stylish mix of form and functionality when on the go.

ECCO X-TRINSIC / 88061401001 / 88061301007 / 88061401543 / 88061311539

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

E N V I R O N M E N T A L

A C T I V I S T

—

L I Z Z I E

C A R R

O N P L A S T I C PA T R O L To help combat the global crisis of plastic pollution, Lizzie Carr ­paddleboarded along the Hudson River in America for eight days.

As well as a love for nature, the British environmental activist has a maverick, non-conformist spirit and a great appetite for adventure.

Paddleboarding along the Hudson River,

"America is one of the world's biggest

to identity global hotspots and, more

starting where the tides begin in Albany

consumers of single-use plastic, and

importantly, records the companies

and finishing 274 kilometres further

there's also little awareness there of the

responsible for producing the litter.

down, beneath the Statue of Liberty

issue," says Carr. Building on the work she

in New York City, would have been an

has done in the United Kingdom with

"The interesting thing about the

adventure in itself. But Lizzie Carr was

Plastic Patrol — which she launched

­campaign against plastic pollution is it

contending with more than the currents,

in 2016 — it was the first time she had

hasn't come from the top — from the

the tides, the cargo ships and the

organised an international litter-picking

government or from corporations — but

exhaustion of paddling for seven hours a

expedition. "There's an opportunity in

from the ground up. That's incredible. It

day for eight straight days while dodging

America to really make a difference and

shows the power we have as consumers

the menace, thunder and lightning of

to help bring about change."

and also how, collectively, we have a powerful voice that can shape the

Hurricane Florence.

Plastic Patrol started out as a hashtag,

future, not just with plastic but with other

Along the way, Carr was also picking up

which Carr used to collate the photo-

environmental issues as well."

plastic and conducting a series of c ­ itizen

graphs she was taking of the "obscene"

science activities to collect valuable

plastic pollution in British rivers and

If she hadn't been diagnosed with

data.

canals. Such was the response on social

thyroid cancer in 2013, Carr might never

and traditional media, with people from

have taken up paddleboarding. It was

On this clean-up operation, the British

all around the world asking how they

while she was recovering from treatment

environmental activist met with volun-

could help, that she began to organise

that she first tried the sport; from the first

teers for her global initiative Plastic Patrol

clean-ups in the United Kingdom,

time she put her paddle in the water,

as she journeyed to where the Hudson

providing paddleboards and pickers for

she loved it. That first experience was on

meets the Atlantic Ocean. The trip also

volunteers to use. On her Hudson River

the Isles of Scilly, off the south-west coast

helped raise awareness in America of

expedition, Carr and her supporters

of England; it was when she returned

the crisis of plastic pollution in the world's

were using the Plastic Patrol App, which

to London and paddleboarded in

rivers and waterways.

geo-tags every piece of plastic, helping

the city that she saw how plastic was

PHOTO: SAMUEL GLAZEBROOK

— 40 —

clogging up Britain's waterways. "That's

To find out what ECCO is doing to help

when everything changed for me. I just

conserve water as a natural resource,

couldn't believe the extent of what I was seeing. The state of the waterways was

see pages 54-55 of this issue and visit eccoleather.com/dritan

just horrifying," says Carr. She had been "playing it fairly safe" in a corporate job, but when she was in remission from cancer, she quit that world and now spends her days in the great outdoors.

Among other adventures, Carr has ­paddleboarded more than 600 kilometres along Britain's connected waterways, and in 2017 she became the first woman to paddleboard solo across the Channel between England and France.

"We have a powerful voice that can shape the future …"

L I Z Z I E CA R R E N V I R O N M E N T A L AC T I V I S T

"I would say cancer was a catalyst for everything. It changed my view of the world and is the reason I started paddleboarding in the first place. Cancer, for all its downsides, has brought its blessings."

— 41 —

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

ECCO OMNI-VENT / 88010454302 / 88010350874

ECCO OMNI-VENT B R E A T H A B L E

×

W A T E R P R O O F

The ECCO OMNI-VENT is a flexible outdoor shoe that excels in all areas: agility, comfort, and everyday performance. Whether you're taking the dog for a walk on the weekend, dashing to make an airport connection or spending the weekend camping by the sea, our ECCO OMNI-VENT design offers all-day, 360º GORE-TEX® SURROUND® waterproof protection while still keeping you comfortably supported on an EVA footbed. Choose from a range of upper materials that are made for the elements and all your exciting outdoor adventures.

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

K I D S

I N

M O T I O N

S I N C E

1 9 7 8

SOFTNESS & BOUNCE We want kids to dream big and feel

for an extra comfortable bike ride, a

confident to take on the world around

softer landing after tree climbing and to

them. We know that even the littlest feet

jump through the forest.

have a lot of energy and even more imagination.

The green super-energy ball is our symbol for the boundless energy and

Our film sees our hero tackle a

excitement that carry kids through their

day of adventure and fun, always

everyday adventure. The ball travels

­accompanied by her helpful friends: the

with the girl in our film, inspiring and

super-soft pillow, her super-energy ball

powering her day of fun.

and, of course, her ECCO Kids shoes.

Both of these things come together to Just like the softness and comfort of

help her do more and go further than

ECCO kids shoes, the girl uses her pillow

ever before.

— 44 —

"The long-awaited interview" Meet Reegan Davies, a seven-year-old from a small town in Wales, who features in the ECCO Kids brand movie. Her mother Lisa describes her daughter as a "chatty, confident and happy-go-lucky" girl, who "amazed everyone on set, with her energy and determination." youtube.com (ECCO Kids — Guardians of Little Feet)

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

ECCO FLORA / 70017301459, ECCO COOL KIDS / 70605201070 ECCO FLORA / 70018301001

R E E G A N D AV I E S

What's the best thing about being a child?

"Children are given lots of presents at Christmas but mums and dads aren't. Parents only get oranges from Santa. Also, it's fun being a child as children get to mess What do you think of the film?

around and adults don't."

"When I first saw the film, I just thought, 'Wow'. It was the What do you do for fun and adventures?

best 'Wow' ever. I loved climbing the tree. I thought it

"I love to build dens as it's really fun, and it's somewhere I

was movie magic how it looked much bigger in the film.

can hide out and play with my dolls."

I would rate the film five stars."

Did you enjoy making the ECCO Kids brand movie?

What do you like about ECCO shoes?

"I loved making the film — it was really fun. The best part

"They are so soft and comfortable, and I can jump really

was the pillow fight where I got to hit my little brother."

high in them. They are also really good to dance in. I like shoes that are comfortable and match my outfit."

— 46 —

K I D S

I N

M O T I O N

S I N C E

1 9 7 8

ECCO

C R E P E T R AY From the park to the playground, young feet will look the part and move with ease in this fresh reinterpretation of the iconic ECCO CREPETRAY. Designed especially for kids, as part of the COMPACTS range, the distinctive 'honey' crepe sole meets our cutting-edge comfort technology to offer little feet the same benefits and appeal as the original adult version.

Each effortlessly cool silhouette — Mary Jane, Chelsea Boot and Mid-Cut Shoe — is cleverly updated to meet the specific needs of each small step, from adding an easy in-step to subtly detailing the hard-wearing uppers with eye-catching elements like shimmer and hearts. Bridging the gap between formal and casual styling, the versatile design is finished in super soft and durable pebbled ECCO leathers for a fun, premium look.

— 47 —

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

ECCO ST.1 HYBRID / 836404-05058

— 48 —

M O D E L

—

T O B I A S

P A U L S E N

A WORLD OF CONTRASTS He travels the globe as a model and loves to explore the fashion, music and cultures of a diverse world. But the silence, simple living and landscape of his hometown close to Bredebro in southern Denmark are ­equally important to Tobias Paulsen. In a world of contrasts, he is making his way with a camera and a promise to stay true to himself.

Tobias Paulsen had always thought of

the city become too much, he puts

of quality craftsmanship and innovative

modelling as a universe that is more

on his h ­ eadphones and unwinds to his

design has been encouraged by his

­feminine than masculine. However,

­favourite music.

mother, who is a long-time employee of ECCO, and he loves to play around

when he finally agreed to meet with a modelling agency, after being

From the very beginning it has been

with different looks and often includes

asked several times, he left with a job.

imperative for Tobias not to get carried

his camera. The many hours in front of

He has never been afraid to stand

away in a world that is focused on

the camera have sparked a passion for

out and decided to give it a go,

appearance and fame. He takes pride

photography in him and he is always

leaving ­secondary school early for

in maintaining an honest and down-

on the lookout for extraordinary places,

the ­opportunity to travel around the

to-earth attitude, no matter who he

urban as well as natural.

world and meet people from different

meets, be it celebrities or fans. And

­backgrounds and cultures.

he always regains his foothold when

Tobias is deeply fascinated by the ability

he returns home to the small Danish

of a photo to tell so many different

Today, the sense of community,

town of Møgeltønder, where he enjoys

stories, and he sometimes invites a friend

­friendships across borders and a keen

the ­simple and good life surrounded

to join him in exploring and trying to

interest in fashion are some of the

by ­family, friends and the impressive

capture the rural landscape of his child-

reasons why Tobias Paulsen values being

landscape of the Bredebro area. This is

hood through the camera lens. For the

a model. He works in Tokyo, Istanbul,

where he finds peace of mind and the

moment, photography is a meaningful

Milan, Paris, London and Berlin — and

power to stay true to himself.

'hobby' along with his love of music and fashion, but perhaps the future holds a

loves the ­energy and enthusiasm around the shows and photo shoots as well as

We invited Tobias Paulsen to pair the

the pulse of these global cities. He has

new fashions of ECCO with some of his

a strong personal drive that resonates

own outfits and second-hand finds from

with urban life, and if the sounds of

his many travels. Tobias's appreciation

— 49 —

place behind the camera for the model.

@tobias.ep

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

ECCO SOFT 8 / 45084401291, ECCO CASPER / 910532990340

— 50 —

M O D E L

—

T O B I A S

P A U L S E N

"The tranquillity and landscape of my native place help me explore the world. As long as you take a deep breath and stay calm, almost anything is possible."

T O B I A S PA U L S E N , MODEL

— 51 —

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

T A T T O O

I N S I D E

A R T I S T

T H E

L E A T H E R

Made up of tiny dots of ink, a tattoo is a wearable piece of art that follows the curves of the human body. Our shoes feel like a second skin: our uppers are crafted from rich, luxuriously soft ­leathers while the last mirrors the contours of the foot.

C H E F

F I N I S H

P O S I T I O N

A chef is forever searching for the exact combination of

W A T C H M A K E R

O N

T A R G E T

A watch's movement and dial work together in precision-­

ingredients and flavours that will create original, delicious

engineered harmony. Just like the upper and sole of our

dishes. We found the perfect balance of cushioning

shoes, which are seamlessly, elegantly bonded together

and rebound — whether you prefer hybrids or cleats,

with our ­innovative FLUIDFORM™ technology,

our shoes offer exceptional, unparalleled stability.

forming a durable, hardwearing unit.

S P R I N G / SUM M E R 2 019

WATER-EFFICIENT INNOVATION

RE-INVENTING THE INDUSTRY The history of the leather tanning goes back 10,000 years — and the process was always thought to be impossible without the use of large amounts of water. ECCO Leather's new DriTan™ technology breaks the paradigm and is now set to revolutionise the entire leather industry.

THE CHALLENGE

the use of added water. After five years

THE RESULT

Developing a more

of research the ECCO Leather Applied

DriTan™ saves 20 litres of water per

sustainable tanning process

Research team changed the tanning

hide, equal to 25 million litres of water

Estimated worldwide water consumption

process.

­annually — enough water to keep

in leather making is 400 billion litres a

9,000 people hydrated for one year.

year, and we are in the perfect position

THE SOLUTION

The efficient process also saves 600 tons

to take the first step in inventing a

The first solid step towards

of sludge that would otherwise go into

more sustainable tanning process. Our

water-free leather manufacturing

landfills per year.

starting point was this very fundamental

DriTan™ by ECCO Leather is a step in

­question: how can we tan without water

the tanning process and uses the mois-

THE APPLICATION

in a world of increasing water scarcity,

ture already present in the hides. The

Unveiling ECCO's DriTan™

and is it even possible?

resulting leather is indistinguishable from

game-changing technology

traditionally tanned leather in terms of

In celebration of the sustainable

WHAT WE DID

quality, characteristics, stability and lead

­breakthrough in tanning, ECCO

Applied Research

time. Besides saving huge amounts of

re-launched its iconic ECCO Soft 8

In a unique process developed by

water, the technology also ­considerably

sneaker using DriTan™ leather. The shoe

our in-house Applied Research lab,

reduces the amount of chemicals used

was sold exclusively in ECCO's flagship

­proprietary tanning agents preserve

and lowers wastewater production.

store in Ginza, Tokyo, during the IWA

the leather's natural collagens without

World Water Congress 2018.

— 54 —

E C C O

D R I T A N ™

—

R E - I N V E N T I N G

T H E

I N D U S T R Y

20 litres of water per hide, equal to 25 million litres of water saved annually — enough water to keep 9,000 people hydrated for one year.

— 55 —

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E C C O

—

B A L L E R I N A A STORY OF GRACE & MOVEMENT

A R T

D E S I G N E D B Y E C C O S T A R R I N G L E O N O R A S L O T D I R E C T I O N B Y R U T H C R O N E F O S T E R

NOW PL AYING IN OUR SHOPS WORLDWIDE