THE ECCO JOURNAL SS18

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

S PRING / SU MMER 2018

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

SPRING / SUMMER 2018 —

ECCO JOURNAL E C C O I N N AT U R A L M O T I O N S I N C E 1 9 6 3

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PERPETUAL NATURAL MOTION — IN NATURAL MOTION SINCE 1963

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EXCELLENCE — MICHELIN IN THE WILD / PAUL CUNNINGHAM

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INNOVATION — KROMATAFOR™ / COLOUR CHANGING LEATHER

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PASSION — PIET HEIN EEK / TRUTH TO MATERIALS

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HERITAGE — IN SHOES AND LIFE / NIKI & CÆCILIE

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CARE — A SNEAKER'S BEST FRIEND / THE MIDSOLE CLEANING KIT

E C C O

B Y F O L D

SUPER SOFT PREMIUM PACK ABLE LEATHER P E R P E T U A L

N A T U R A L

M O T I O N

ECCO BYFOLD — FROM THE BEACH TO THE BISTRO A travel-inspired boat shoe that features ECCO’s innovative and super-soft BYFOLD Leather — inside and out — on top of a sleek FLUIDFORM ™ Technology platform. With no heel or toe stiffeners added to the leather, and minimal finishing, the natural variations of the double layer of topgrain calf become a fresh feature. Its relaxed, luxurious touch that can be folded down for easy carriage, in a complementary drawstring bag that is ready for city and sea adventures. Flexible barefoot luxury.

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IN NATURAL MOTION SINCE 1963 P E R P E T U A L

N A T U R A L

M O T I O N

It's no secret that in a world of increa-

taking the brave step to own and run

The natural world — our everyday

sing marketing noise and media-driven

our own tanneries, so that together with

inspiration — shot entirely along the

hyper stimulation, it can be hard to

our own production facilities, we would

landscapes of ECCO's back yard

find your own voice. Moments of

have end-to-end control.

on the south coast of Denmark; the brand's actual tanneries and produc-

stillness and connection are rare, and authenticity has too easily become a

For years we have been innovating

tion facilities provide the locations for

catchphrase ideal that brands aspire

in all areas, bringing traditional, time-

scenes of leather development and

towards, but in doing so, can some-

honoured leather making techniques

high-tech shoe assembly, and ECCO

times fall short of.

together with next generation techno-

team members are also featured.

logy, to create a unique, expressive But when you have been shoemakers

fusion of the present and the past in

Finally, an original score by Danish

for over 50 years, and have tanneries,

quality shoes that are built to last. And

composer Martin Dirkov is brought

production, R&D and Design facilities,

it seems the world has caught up. In a

to life on-camera by Scandinavian

and about 20,000 passionate staff

desire for connectivity, people want

musicians Frederik Thybo, playing violin,

communicating in over 60 languages

to know where their shoes come from,

and Maria Nadia Schmidt Nielsen,

spread across 88 countries — there

how they are made, and why … so we

producing electronic elements that

is little room for marketing hype, but

thought it was time to tell our story.

speak to ECCO's love of collaboration and perpetual natural motion.

many interesting stories to tell.

Picking up where our anniversary video Since 1963, the folks at ECCO have

left off in 2013, we have collaborated

We hope that the film will give insight

been dedicated shoemakers,

with renowned Scandinavian director

into our commitment to our tanning

drawing upon decades of expertise,

Per-Hampus Stålhandske, to create a

roots and history, but also our passion

knowledge, and heritage, and using

short film that celebrates our brand, our

for technology and hunger for the

only the best raw materials and

inspiration, our ideals, our motivations,

future; that it will inspire our customers,

innovative technology to continually

and our innovations. Using music as

new and old, to step up into the future

refine our designs. From the beginning

the main metaphor for creativity,

with us, without letting go of the past.

we have been defying convention

the film presents the poetic collision

in shoe engineering, using our own

of old world craftsmanship with next

Because at ECCO, the one place we're never comfortable is standing still.

FLUIDFORM Technology to direct-inject

generation technology, and the

a resilient, shock-absorbent material

inherent dynamism that comes from

directly into the shoe mould, then

the harmonizing of two opposites.

™

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C I N E M A T I C

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S H O E S

MOVEMENT IN FILM & NATURE F E A T .

P E R - H A M P U S F I L M

D I R E C T O R

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&

S T Å L H A N D S K E E D I T O R

A CINEMATIC RIDE FROM THE SNOW TO SHOES Nature has always been a canvas and guiding force for Swedish director Per-Hampus Stålhandske, who created ECCO’s new brand campaign film, ‘Perpetual Natural Motion’.

He tells us about his approach to filmmaking and excitement about the project.

From the jagged, snow-covered mountains of Europe and North America, to the flat, simple beauty of the countryside around ECCO's Danish headquarters in Jutland, Per-Hampus Stålhandske's work has often been shaped by the landscape.

Growing up in a village in northern Sweden, nature was already an integral part of his life, taking on even greater importance after he discovered filmmaking through snowboarding when videoing his friends performing their flips and spins. "I love that filmmaking blends various forms of art into one cohesive piece.

Photography, writing, music and fashion are all important for telling the story. A story can look completely different depending on how you perceive it, and what creative decisions you take along the way, and that’s exciting to me," says Per-Hampus, who for years directed snowboarding films, travelling the world with the athletes in search of untouched powder and the perfect ride.

While he no longer works in the snowboarding industry, his experiences in the mountains have left him with a deep and lasting connection to nature, which comes across in his collaboration with ECCO, a new brand film called 'Perpetual Natural Motion'.

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"When you're filming snowboarders,

to understand what ECCO is, and what

The score only accentuated the bold

you're out in the wild and you're

inspires them as shoemakers," says

feeling of the film. "It's amazing how

trying to find a way of capturing that

Per-Hampus, who lives in Stockholm.

much trust and support ECCO gave

environment. In all the work I've done,

"I wanted to learn what they do and

us for this film, and I'm very grateful for

including the snowboarding films, I

how they do it, and who they are as

that," says Per-Hampus. "In a way, it's

think of the landscape as the canvas,"

people and what they are as a brand.

quite a bold film about a shoemaker

says Per-Hampus, whose body of work

And also to know what inspires them,

and it's rare to see a brand be this

includes a snowboarding documentary

and that's obviously nature."

untraditional."

charts worldwide, and who has spoken

Authenticity is also a theme running

A horse features in the film, as do

in the past of having "a beautiful vision

through his films. Even if Per-Hampus'

thousands of starlings performing their

for the world." "I always strive to find

work is about elevating reality, he says

'Black Sun' or 'Sort Sol' formations in the

locations that bring a lot to the table,

it is still about real people and real

skies above the local marshlands — a

but often you don't know what you're

places and real stories. "The film that

name given because they sometimes

going to get until you arrive, and that

I made for ECCO, it's a commercial,

almost block out the sun. There are also

makes it interesting."

but it's real — it's very much rooted in

sweeping shots of the landscape.

that reached the top of the iTunes

reality and what Denmark, the people Nature is also at the core of 'Perpetual

and the landscape are really like."

"To me, this was a good representation of what Denmark, and what nature,

Natural Motion', which he says also fulfils the brief of finding a new way of

Every time he makes a film, Per-Hampus

has to offer. Nature in Denmark is very

showcasing ECCO's fusion of innova-

tells a story, but also attempts to create

simple, but I think it's that simplicity that

tion with tradition and craftsmanship.

an atmosphere. "I suppose it's kind of

makes it so beautiful," says Per-Hampus.

After being approached by Danish

an abstract thing, but I try to produce

"Apart from one section showing

creative agency &Co, Per-Hampus

a sensation or a feeling that hits the

sand dunes, which are in northern

says he fell in love with the script

viewer on a level that's maybe not

Denmark, all of the outside shots in the

straight away — "It was multi-faceted,

apparent from the first watch," says

film are from just around the corner

original and on top of that a true story

Per-Hampus. For 'Perpetual Natural

from ECCO. I wanted to show where

that was very cinematic". His research

Motion' this led to a collaboration with

the company is rooted, and what

took him to ECCO's development

Danish composer Martin Dirkov, whose

they stand for, and I tried to use those

facilities in Denmark, a tannery in the

score blended a violin with electronica

elements to make a compelling film."

Netherlands, and a factory in Portugal,

and symbolised the fusions in ECCO's

but it was just as important for him to

approach to shoemaking. "Music is a

get in his car and drive around Jutland.

huge part of my work, and I especially liked collaborating with Martin on

"I was going through farm areas,

this one, as music is so important for

looking at the countryside, and trying

creating atmosphere."

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perhampus.com

"In a way, it's quite a bold film about a shoemaker — it's rare to see a brand be this untraditional."

PER-HAMPUS STÅLHANDSKE, FILM DIRECTOR & EDITOR

PHOTO: PER-HAMPUS STÅLHANDSKE

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MICHELIN IN THE WILD F E A T .

T H E

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C U N N I N G H A M O F

H E N N E

K I R K E B Y

K R O

In a somewhat unlikely spot, in the wilds of Jutland, lives Denmark's hotdog-making champion, who also happens to run a restaurant with two Michelin stars. Paul Cunningham, the head chef of Henne Kirkeby Kro, tells us how he and his team are connected to their environment and the rhythms of the seasons, including gathering vegetables and herbs from the kitchen garden twice a day.

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"A gastronome's Russian roulette …" with two Michelin stars in Jutland PAUL CUNNINGHAM, THE HEAD CHEF OF HENNE KIRKEBY KRO

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HENNE KIRKEBY KRO, STRANDVEJEN 234, DK-6854 HENNE

TRADITIONAL SNACK SYMPHONY AT HENNE KIRKEBY KRO

PHOTO: ANDERS SCHOENNEMANN

PHOTO: ANDERS SCHOENNEMANN

On Denmark's wild west coast, in the

— his legs almost gave way when

into it — it's about cooking really nice,

village of Henne Kirkeby in Jutland, is a

he was asked up on stage at a

basic food, though the preparation is

small, 18th-century inn with a thatched

ceremony in 2017 to receive another

a bit technical and the sauces take

roof. It's a short walk to the beach, with

star, having been given a first in 2016.

a long time. But if you've got a lovely

heather and pine trees all around, and

"People talk about Michelin stars being

piece of meat or a lovely cauliflower,

every evening almost 200 deer prom-

the Oscars for chefs and they really

you don't really need to do that much

enade past the front door of Henne

are — it means an incredible amount

with it," says Paul.

Kirkeby Kro.

to everyone at the restaurant," says Paul, who moved to Denmark 25 years

Going out into the kitchen garden

"Try to imagine Scotland without the

ago after meeting "a beautiful Danish

keeps them grounded. "We're in the

mountains or hills — that's what the

girl", Lene, who would become his

garden twice a day, the first time to

landscape's like," says British head-

wife. "Our dishwasher now says he is a

get just enough vegetables, herbs and

chef, Paul Cunningham, who cooks

two-star dishwasher, and it also means

flowers for the table for lunch, and

"down-to-earth", locally-sourced food

a lot to our gardener. Ever since we got

then we go back in the afternoon for

with "basic flavours" and a dash of

a second star, the restaurant has been

the evening service. And that really

eccentricity. From that description,

manic — it's packed for breakfast,

grounds you," says Paul. "It's a very

the inn might strike you as an unlikely

lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner."

local kitchen. Everything is sourced

restaurant to have recently been

locally. The game even comes from our

awarded a second Michelin star.

There is no chance whatsoever of that

own island — the owner of the business

Paul, who has been the head chef

second star going to Paul’s head. "In

also has his own private island, which is

since 2012, shares your astonishment

the kitchen, Michelin stars don't come

phenomenal. And at the moment I've

— 12 —

MASTER OF THE MODERN HOTDOG

DRAWINGS BY PAUL CUNNINGHAM

PHOTO: PAUL CUNNINGHAM

got three enormous deer hanging in

Luckily we don't get too many people

element and a cream one; you need

my ageing room — that's almost half a

sending the food back!" says Paul, who

some salt to lift the flavours, and some

ton. We produce everything ourselves,

has written several cookbooks.

sourness, so we made a green jala-

including churning butter every day."

peño and pepper dressing. We finished Alongside the Michelin stars, Paul also

the whole lot with grated Manchego

Henne Kirkeby Kro, which has 12

has four or five trophies for creating

cheese, which went on top."

bedrooms, has a history dating back

Denmark's best 'modern' hot dog. His

to 1790 — in those early years, trav-

last victory came through a Mexican-

Happiness might just be the secret to

ellers would stop for dishes cooked

inspired hot dog. "It was a corn bun,

good food. "There's a good rapport in

with produce from the nearby farms,

which was lovely and fluffy, almost

the kitchen at Henne Kirkeby Kro. It's

washed down with locally-brewed

like a brioche with pieces of buttered

not a kitchen with lots of screaming

beer and schnapps. These days, the

sweet corn through it. And a chilli bean

and shouting," says Paul. "Hopefully it's

food is still as local as ever, though, to

hot dog with a corn puree on top,

an inspirational kitchen. We listen to the

borrow Paul's phrase, the menu offers

and crushed Doritos crisps," says Paul.

radio all day and we put some music

"a gastronome's Russian roulette," with its classic, seasonal dishes.

on at night when we're cooking. As a "When you make a dish, you don't

guest, you can feel it if you are walking

want it to be flat. You don't want the

into a happy place, and there's a nice

"When you go out and eat in a restau-

first mouthful to be the same as the

karma about our restaurant."

rant, you don't know how the chef is

second. That's what I've tried to do

going to interpret something. You're

with these hot dogs. The bun has to

taking a chance you're going to like it.

be really good. There has to be a crisp

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hennekirkebykro.dk

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S H I E L D E D

S T R E N G T H

"The new ECCO EXOSTRIKE perfectly answers a much demanded need for hybrid footwear that performs well in any condition in urban life. Perfect for the mixed weather that you get in the Fall and Winter seasons around the globe, its contemporary ­metropolitan styling still ensures that you look good all the way too."

DAVID FISCHER FROM HIGHSNOBIETY ECCO EXOSTRIKE / 832314-02539

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SHIELDED STRENGTH T H E A N D

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S O P H I S T I C A T I O N

S U C C E S S F U L L Y

T E C H H A S

N E V E R

H A R M O N I Z E D

When man's first shoes can be traced

The new material he is referring to is a

create the technical drawings — to

back to 15,000 year old cave drawings,

revolutionary midsole P.U — PHORENE™

change the proportions, change some

it is easy to understand how hard it is to

— which has sparked a giant leap in

details, or a lot of details! It is a very

come up with new footwear designs.

ECCO's FLUIDFORM™ process. Offering

back and forward process, talking with

And to be honest, when you break

unparalleled softness, increased shock

the designers, and suggesting some

down those early, primitive versions and

absorption and rebound, when paired

technical solutions."

compare them with today's, it appears

with an Outdoor platform, it gives

that not much has changed. But when

lightweight, dynamic power, and

"With the ECCO EXOSTRIKE, there were

the Design Director of Shoes at ECCO,

trail-grabbing torque.

a lot of challenges because we were going to use this T.PU heel piece, which

Niki Tæstensen, tells you that they have But 3D Industrial Designer Apostolos

is also something new, and means that

Smaropoulos, who was tasked with

you can avoid using a stiffener in the

"The EXOSTRIKE actually started out as

realising the design of ECCO EXOSTRIKE,

upper, so it is more stable. For me, it

a sneaker," Niki Tæstensen comments,

says that there were a lot of challenges

is a great combination of three base

with a slight smile, "But somewhere

with this, with the further introduction

materials that we use — rubber, P.U,

during the process, it got twisted into

of the external T.PU 'PROSOMA' heel

and T.PU — all together, coming into

an urban outdoor boot."

guard. Wrapping the heel in, and

one shoe. It was a really interesting

offering protective support, the heel

project," Apostolos continues.

something new, you have to listen.

The process was actually a 12-month-

guard gives the wearer a snug fit and

long development, that resulted in

added propulsion.

Which is something that instantly caught the attention of Tarek Hassan,

ECCO EXOSTRIKE being the first of its kind in the ECCO Outdoor range.

"It was a very technical construction.

Founder of Beyond and Concepts

Mixing high-end modern aesthetics

3D modelling-wise, we can do what-

stores in Boston, New York and Dubai,

with fully functional design, it is a light-

ever, we can make crazy shapes;

who says: "Honestly, the EXOSTRIKE story

weight, 'fast hiking' boot that holds its

but the design also has to work in the

is the next generation, in my opinion.

own on the trail, and the street.

FLUIDFORM™ direct-injection process

ECCO’s long tradition of progressive

and on moulds, and offer something

shoemaking, including bold recent

new to our customers," he says.

experiments like W21, continues

"Comfort and performance have always been at the heart of ECCO

through the line representing an

design and technology," Niki says,

"With FLUIDFORM we have to be quite

amazing revolution in design thinking,

"But PHORENE™ has pushed this to

precise. We make a series of 3D prints

innovation and pure love of leather

an all-new level for us."

for the designer to see, but we also

craftsmanship."

™

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

BREAKING THE MOULD Challenged to create an even softer,

is twice as effective. PHORENE™ also

lighter midsole, that can still perform in

returns 50 percent more energy than

cold weather, ECCO's Danish R&D unit

the current MS.PU being used, but it

spent years developing and testing

is its results in cold conditions that are

materials, moulds, and methods. The

most ­impressive. Pushed to extreme

process involved many different func­

sub-temperatures of -40C, PHORENE™

tional and design considerations, as

still maintains its softness and pliability,

well as rethinking the whole production

as well as 'step-in' comfort — making it

cycle. But the result has been definitely

ideal for rugged, outdoor activities.

worth the wait, with PHORENE™ — a revolutionary innovation for ECCO

Waiting for the perfect moment to

— offering lightweight dynamic power

launch it, ECCO saw an opportunity

and trail-grabbing torque that has

with the market release of the ECCO

­surpassed all hopes and expectations.

EXOSTRIKE in 2018. A fast hiking boot made for serious adventurers, ECCO

PHORENE's ™ game-changing break­

EXOSTRIKE combines fully functional out­

throughs are revealed by looking at

door requirements with a lighter, street-

its performance in key laboratory

style sneaker. In this way, PHORENE™

scores. When comparing its 'weight-

excels, offering unparalleled softness,

to-volume' with midsole P.U (MS.PU),

increased shock absorption, and com­

PHORENE™ is 33 percent lighter at the

fort, while reducing the overall weight of

same volume, and its 'shock absorption'

the shoe to give trail-grabbing torque.

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E C C O

E X O S T R I K E

S H I E L D E D

S T R E N G T H

ECCO EXOSTRIKE — THE COLLISON OF OUTDOOR & LIFESTYLE FLUIDFORM ™ Technology ensures a finely tuned balance of cushioning and rebound.

‘PROSOMA’ T.PU heel cup wraps the heel to provide protective support and a snug fit.

Crafted from a diverse range of unique and premium ECCO leathers, made in ECCO’s own tanneries.

S PR I N G / SUM M E R 2 018

D Y N E E M A

®

B O N D E D

L E A T H E R

B Y

E C C O

STRONGER THAN STEEL D Y N E E M A

®

B O N D E D B Y

L E A T H E R

E C C O

What happens when you

why the Dyneema® fabric was so

introduce the strongest fibre in

attractive, but also why it posed such

the world to the R&D team at ECCO Leather tannery? DYNEEMA

obvious challenges. "Our tanning ®

ethos is that leather must behave, feel,

BONDED LEATHER by ECCO is a

and look like leather. We are not big

lightweight, super-strong material

believers in gluing stuff on the surface,

that is tear resistant, and yet still

over-spraying, or any other process

looks and feels luxurious.

that compromises leather's natural character," Panos says.

In an apparent union of opposites, ECCO Leather crossed paths with

So how do you combine two materials

The Dyneema Project — makers of a

that lack a single similarity? He says the

paper-thin, stronger-than-steel material

secret is in a multi-phase development

— by chance, after an attendee at

sequence that involves pre-tanning,

their creative, open-development HOT-

bonding and finishing — blending the

SHOP workshop suggested a match.

characteristics of each material.

"At ECCO Leather we absolutely love a

It is not a quick process, but he says the

challenge," says Panos Mytaros, ECCO

result is definitely worth the wait, with a

Leather CEO. "We work in an improvisa-

world-first, super strong, tumble-dried

tional style removing the word 'no' from

performance leather, that still has a

our development vocabulary. We don't

luxurious handle.

®

even say; 'yes, but …'. We say 'yes', and leather.ecco.com

then work diligently to figure out how."

thedyneemaproject.com

It's not hard to understand then,

— 18 —

ECCO LEATHER | EST. 2001 THE NETHERLANDS

DYNEEMA BONDED LEATHER BY ECCO DESIGNED, DEVELOPED AND PRODUCED IN OUR OWN TANNERIES

— 19 —

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P L A Y I N G

W I T H

C O L O U R

"It is really like the colour lives with you."

SARA ROSINA, LEADER OF STYLING AT ECCO ACCESSORIES ECCO SOFT 8 / HACK FROM W-21 IN AMSTERDAM

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P L AY I N G WITH COLOUR F E A T .

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Heading up the styling effort within

that is inspired by the richly saturated

beautiful, natural, fading colour that

ECCO Accessories, Sara Rosina has a

and faded attitude of indigo jeans

is characteristic of the TRUE INDIGO

crucial role to play in identifying which

— that we decided to give it a try."

range," Sara comments.

in each collection, researching many

Sara says their trials started with their

This idea of personalisation and

different concepts and ideas to inspire

most iconic bag — the ECCO SP2

an artisanal approach to making

her team. Each season she works with

Doctor Bag — to see how it worked,

products is something that Sara says

ECCO Leather selecting complements

and that when it was an instant suc-

she has noticed all around the world,

to their designs. So what did she think

cess, they continued playing with more

as a trend at recent art and design

when she encountered TRUE INDIGO

and more styles, throughout the entire

exhibitions, but truth-to-materials is

leather for the first time?

collection, including designs like the

has always been an essential aspect

ECCO CASPER backpack for guys.

of ECCO's design DNA, and of Danish

colours and materials will be featured

design in general.

"When we first saw this concept at ECCO Leather, we thought 'whoa,

They were also excited to hear that

this is so cool!', but we were a little

their colleagues within the ECCO Shoe

"There are a lot of designers experi-

bit afraid that some consumers might

Design Studio were planning several

menting with new materials and new

not fully understand it, because it is

casual and formal collections using the

ways of making products," she says.

so unique and different," she says.

TRUE INDIGO leather, including ECCO

"At ECCO, what we really try to do in

BIOM STREET and ECCO SOFT 8, so they

our products is stick to the material

"For SS18, I was looking back at the

could work together to create a con-

itself, allowing the design to highlight

ECCO roots, the heritage, the history,

cept that showcases the uniqueness of

its beauty. And in this case — with the

and what is important for us — the

each product and leather.

TRUE INDIGO — it is a leather that is living with you, being carried with you

Scandinavian landscape," she says.

"A very good example is of the Skagen

"You can see the beauty of the TRUE

everywhere, telling the stories of where

painters, who lived in a small, remote

INDIGO especially if you have a bag,

you have been."

place, far up in the north of Denmark.

because bags have big panels — even

They were inspired by a special light,

more than on the shoe. So that's why

Wearing a pair of TRUE INDIGO sneakers

during the day — 'the blue hour' they

we really wanted to go for it, and

while she speaks, Sara says she has also

called it, because at that time, the sky

create a whole capsule within the

tested many of the bags and loves

and ocean became the same colour."

seasonal collection," she says.

the way you can really see that colour

"Seeing TRUE INDIGO leather was like

"With this leather, each bag is com-

material looks more used and alive, like

seeing these paintings," Sara says. "We

pletely unique: for example, with the

a pair of jeans, the more you use it. It

were so attracted to the whole con-

natural marks of the camel we use

becomes, somehow, part of yourself

cept — the authenticity of the material

in the Doctor's Bags, it really absorbs

— the colour really lives with you."

itself, its colour depth, and a material

the indigo colour. So it creates this

change, as you wear the bag. "The

— 21 —

S PR I N G / SUM M E R 2 018

E C C O

T R U E

I N D I G O

L E A T H E R

—

F A D E D

T O

P E R F E C T I O N

INDIGO

A vibrant blue dye extracted from the leaves of particular plants, offering an explosion of colour and possibility

— 22 —

"It's about proportions of dye and water, time, ­movement and oxidation" MAKIS SACHPEROGLOU / INNOVATION TECHNICIAN ECCO LEATHER — THE NETHERLANDS

— 23 —

S PR I N G / SUM M E R 2 018

E C C O

T R U E

I N D I G O

ECCO SOFT 8 / 440554-51143 ECCO CASPER BACKPACK / 9105256-90676

— 24 —

L E A T H E R

ECCO SOFT 8 / 440504-51043

D E N I M - I N S P I R E D E C C O

T R U E

I N D I G O

Over many centuries, indigo dye has built up a rich history

Embracing the true potential of each hide, and mixing

with almost every civilisation on earth. From a coveted

artisanal tanning processes with cutting-edge technology,

natural dye used as currency or 'blue gold', to the production

the team at the ECCO Leather Studio have created a

of silk and cotton textiles for aristocracy, and more recent

collection of different denim-inspired finishes that record

incarnations as the working man’s staple, and casual fashion

'moments' in the natural transformation of the indigo dye.

icon: blue denim jeans.

Based south of Amsterdam, the ECCO Leather Studio is Defined by its ability to produce deep, gradient hues — to

regarded across the industry as the world's leading research

play with light and shade — indigo's distinctive colour depth

and development facility for leather tanning technologies,

and malleability has now created an explosion of colour

and the creation of the ECCO TRUE INDIGO range is the

and possibility for ECCO's premium raw leather.

type of innovation that has helped earned that reputation.

— 25 —

S PR I N G / SUM M E R 2 018

E C C O

T R U E

I N D I G O

L E A T H E R

ECCO SHAPE WEDGE PLATEAU / 272613-01037 ECCO SP2 SMALL DOCTORS BAG / 9105254-90677

Using the many characteristics of denim — from super soft and drapey, to heavy and robust — they have been among the world's first to create different genuine indigo finishes for leather, using bovine and camel hides.

Out of each drum, many gradations of blue emerge — hues that age and transform themselves during production, and with use, offering unlimited interpretations for high-end rugged lifestyle originals.

And just like your favourite pair of jeans, ECCO TRUE INDIGO leather will age with you, adding your own layers of history and significance in the ultimate personal expression of style.

— 26 —

E C C O

F A D E D

T O

P E R P E T U A L

T R U E

I N D I G O

P E R F E C T I O N N A T U R A L

M O T I O N

S PR I N G / SUM M E R 2 018

L E A T H E R

I N N O V A T I O N

—

A

H E A T

S E N S I T I V E

C H A N G A N T

COLOUR CHANGING LEATHER E C C O

K R O M A T A F O R

™

L E A T H E R

How do you make a leather that can

to their surroundings, KROMATAFOR™

change colour when the temperature

leather challenges the limitations of

changes? Ask ECCO Leather, or maybe

conventional optics, using multiple

speak to the client who challenged

layers of light-containing cells.

them to make it — Alexander Wang.

"A special solution is applied in the finiWhen challenged by his design team

shing process, layer by layer," says Head

to produce a unique concept for his

of ECCO Leather Brand Management

upcoming runway show, ECCO Leather

Marlie Louwers. "The amount of layers

of course said yes, despite not knowing

applied dictates the temperature at

how they might possibly deliver on it.

which the pigments will start to change."

The request was for a leather that shifts

And with the pigment suitable for any

colour when exposed to hot and cold

full-grain leather, with a smooth-touch,

conditions, using either artificial heat

matte finish that can be engineered

sources or natural ones like the sun or

to change between the range of 28

a person's body, and the result can be

to 50 degrees Celsius, it was with the

seen on the current ECCO CREPETRAY

temporary, translucent transformation

collection.

concealed when cooled and opaque.

Taking inspiration from cold-blooded reptiles, whose skin changes according

— 28 —

The crepe sole of the ECCO CREPETRAY is taken to the next level when paired with perforated ECCO KROMATAFOR™ Leather.

ECCO CREPETRAY / 200344-58225 Available in selected stores only

— 29 —

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

RED — 30 —

HOT E C C O

A D E C A D E L E A T H E R ' S

O F H O T - S H O P

­I N N O V A T I O N

Over the past 10 years ECCO Leather's annual creative ­workshop series, the HOT-SHOP, has opened the doors of their cutting-edge R&D tannery in the Netherlands to over 700 ­participants, taking them on a wild three day innovation ride.

ECCO LEATHER | EST. 2001 THE NETHERLANDS DESIGNED, DEVELOPED AND PRODUCED IN OUR OWN TANNERIES

— 31 —

S PR I N G / SUM M E R 2 018

1 0

Y E A R S

O F

R E D - H O T

I N N O V A T I O N

#HOTSHOP10 — 'SKIN' SHOE DESIGN EXPLORATION — USING ECCO FLEXURE SOLE BY BRITISH DESIGN STUDIO LYON & LYON AT THE 2017 HOT-SHOP

Starting with just 14 attendees in 2007, Head of Events at ECCO Leather, Anke Verschueren, says that many big brands have participated over the years, from Nike to Burberry, Michael Kors to Rick Owens, joined by many more individual designers like The Shoe Surgeon and Emily Kroll.

"Every year the HOT-SHOP is growing

Director of Global Creative Liam Maher,

facility and tannery. Heritage collides

and this year, as it was the 10th edition,

who keep a close eye on all concepts,

with innovation inside its beamhouses,

we created for the first time a 'creative

judging them during the process.

where over seven generations of

festival'," she says. "This year we have

We work in stages, starting with a

in-house tanning experience work

asked more from our 'HOT-SHOPPERS'

concept, and ending with a leather

under a culture of bold experimenta-

by extending their focus to include

collection and product range which

tion and improvisational development.

more consideration for product appli-

needs to be presented to the group,"

Given the freedom to experiment

cations."

Anke says.

and innovate ahead of the curve,

At the start of the three day hands-on

Based in Dongen in the Netherlands,

heat-sensitive leather — now finessed

experience, participants were divided

ECCO Leather has built a strong

as ECCO KROMATAFOR™ — and the

into 12 teams and briefed by ECCO

reputation for being the world's most

world's first transparent leather, ECCO

Leather CEO Panos Mytaros and

advanced research and development

APPARITION.

past developments have included

— 32 —

#HOTSHOP10 — MIHARA YASUHIRO (LEFT)

MIHARA YA S U H I R O J A P A N E S E F E A T .

S H O E

E C C O

A N D

F A S H I O N

A P P A R I T I O N

D E S I G N E R L E A T H E R

Soft, pliable, easily workable and strong, APPARITION leather

Launched at London's Men's Fashion Week, the SS18 "Blank

can not only move and bend, but can also be turned into

Mirrors" show featured the leather, in a primary colour palette,

any colour, while still retaining its 'ghostlike' appearance. It

wrapping around his signature shoe silhouettes and 'out of

took three years of research for ECCO Leather specialists to

the box' designs. It was a fresh new twist for both ECCO and

find a way to make a leather that is both pliable, and able

Yasuhiro, who plans to extend the range in AW18.

to withstand getting wet, but it was also its spectral ability that led to its name and interest from cutting-edge shoe and

Born in Nagasaki, raised in Fukuoka, Japan. Yasuhiro started

fashion designers alike.

his design career in the mid 90s as a shoe-maker, but extended this passion in clothing and accessories soon after.

After attending the HOT-SHOP in 2017, Japanese shoe and

His unique, textile-focussed designs are available in over 60

fashion designer Mihara Yasuhiro collaborated with ECCO

select boutiques internationally, and are well known for their

Leather in the Netherlands to produce a playful collection

artisan-style approach. miharayasuhiro.jp

of clothing and footwear, using APPARITION leather.

— 33 —

S PR I N G / SUM M E R 2 018

I N J E C T I N G

I N N O V A T I O N

A N D

S O P H I S T I C A T I O N

HANDCRAFTED LUXURY T H E

M A K I N G

O F

T H E

E C C O

V I T R U S ™

While the origins of the 'brogue' can be

production, the forefoot is also covered

production, she sets about refreshing

traced to the early twentieth century,

in a luxurious layer of moisture-wicking

the training program, setting teams

with outdoor, country walking shoes

cork, resulting in a perfectly designed

of experts, and recruiting the most

for men, recent trends have steadily

platform that mirrors the contours of the

accomplished artisans to ensure quality

reclaimed its down-to-earth functiona-

foot, with extra support and flexibility

is maintained all the way down the line

lity and practicality, embellishing, and

where it matters most — at the heel.

to the consumer.

But they didn't stop there. Keen to keep

"To be honest, the finishing is very chal-

From the traditional versions featuring

the heritage of the 'British Traditional',

lenging, but for us it has been extremely

low-heels and multiple pieces of sturdy

and balance cutting-edge innovation,

rewarding. We are very proud of it,"

leather with 'broguing' perforations,

they used luxurious ECCO Calf Crust

Daisy says.

and serrations along the visible edges,

aniline dyed leather uppers to bring the

to more modern, sleek versions with

best of handcrafted aesthetics and

After brushing and dying, the leather

no detailing at all, the humble brogue

modern comfort together, in a range

is hand polished and buffed, one by

appears to have seen it all — but may-

of styles.

one, to bring out the natural grain

elevating it to a business dress shoe.

and its inherent warmth — a unique,

be not what ECCO has decided to do.

The beauty of such a leather, is that is

timeless feature of classic luxury hides.

When challenged to reduce the weight

starts as a 'nude', blank canvas that

But one false move, and the shoe can

of the normally heavy leather sole, and

is imbued with character and drama,

be ruined.

increase the fit and comfort, the team

as the dye is applied by hand to the

at ECCO MEN'S Division were inspired.

finished shoe. Requiring many years of

"It is kind of a hand-crafted process,"

Using innovative ECCO FLUIDFORM

training, and high levels of artisan skill

Daisy says. "It really offers unique

Technology, they saw an opportunity

that can't easily be faked.

products to our consumers. This way of

™

making a shoe brings together more

to create a new shank, suspended welt, and strobel sock formation, that

Daisy Chen, ECCO Finishing Specialist,

people from R&D and other areas with

allows single density P.U to flow into the

and head of the 24-strong 'Brown Shoe

our own teams working together, hand-

footbed of the shoe.

Team' in Xiamen, tasked with main-

in-hand, to make sure this process is

taining ECCO's famously rigorous pro-

well managed through production.

As an homage to traditional "Goodyear

duction standards, says that each time

We believe it’s the teamwork that

construction" used in conventional

new shoes like this are introduced into

makes the final product very special."

— 34 —

— 35 —

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

Perhaps more than any other instrument, the violin can take you by surprise …

FREDERIK THYBO, VIOLINST ECCO VITRUS™ / 640314-01086

— 36 —

THE ­H A R M O N Y O F ­C O N T R A S T F E A T .

F R E D E R I K

T H Y B O

V I O L I N I S T

The blending of a violin with

has hardly put his bow down since.

and not just for the audience to listen

electronica might seem like an

"I like how you can play the most

to, but also for us in the band to play."

unlikely combination for ECCO's

emotional, beautiful piece on a violin,

Another example is ECCO's new brand

new brand campaign film,

and you can also force sounds out of

campaign film, 'Perpetual Natural

'Perpetual Natural Motion'. But for

it that are less obvious and actually

Motion', with a score from Danish

Frederik Thybo, a Danish violinist

not that pretty, but in the right context

composer Martin Dirkov that mixes the

who appears in the film, and who

it is interesting to work with the sounds

violin with electronica, symbolising how

can make his violin sound like an

that are almost indefinable and not

the hybridization of two contrasting

electric guitar, it is just another

noticeably being played by a violin. It

elements can produce extraordinary

unexpected delight in his relation-

creates a new, interesting layer to the

results. A rich, expressive, and dynamic

ship with his bow and strings.

music," says Frederik, a Danish violinist

example, the score captures the ethos

who likes to innovate, challenging

of ECCO. "Martin's score was unique

You wouldn't be alone in thinking of the

others to change their perceptions of

and very beautiful," says Frederik,

violin as a deeply traditional instrument

the instrument. "The range of sounds

who is an old friend of the composer,

that plays beautiful, classical pieces of

you can make with a violin is extremely

and who stepped-in to represent the

music. But, if you care to experiment

diverse, and that’s without using any

­character of a violinist in the film: "I

with its sound, you will hear it is capable

effects. I love both the beauty of the

must say the film is extremely beautiful

of so much more than that. Perhaps

more organic sounds and also the

and powerful, helped by a score that

more than any other instrument, the

more edgy, almost ugly, sounds."

mixes the organic and the electronic."

For an example of how the violin can

Watching the film back, Frederik is

be used in a more contemporary way,

taken by how the film explores ECCO's

From the beginning, Frederik's relation­

listen to Frederik's band, Cody, who

connection with nature. "I'm also

ship with the violin has been about

describe their sound as "folk-inspired

inspired by nature," says Frederik, who

pleasant surprises — he was just four

pop melodies with hints of post-rock

has played for leading recording artists.

years old, and on a family holiday in

and Nordic gloom." Traditional instru­

"I live in Copenhagen so when I get out

Prague, when his parents happened

ments, such as the violin, are combined

of the city and into the countryside,

to pass a music shop, spotting a mini,

with electronic instruments, including

you get this feeling that only nature

child's version of the instrument in the

synthesisers, "which takes the sound

can give you. You're in awe of the

window. They thought he might enjoy

somewhere else," he says. "The focus is

grandiosity of nature, and at the same

playing it, and they were right: Frederik

always on making a song interesting,

time you feel a real calmness."

violin can take you by surprise — just like it did to Frederik Thybo.

— 37 —

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

E C C O P E R P E T U A L

V I T R U S ™ N A T U R A L

ECCO VITRUS™ / 640324-01009

M O T I O N

A N AT O M Y

I N

M O T I O N

ECCO VITRUS™ — INJECTING INNOVATION INTO SOPHISTICATION Revolutionary ECCO VITRUS ™ shank allows SD.PU to flow through, creating an anatomically shaped heel.

One-of-a-kind cupped heel brings you closer to the ground, for stability and wearing comfort.

A choice of luxurious ECCO CALF CRUST leathers that are hand treated for lustre and depth.

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

T R U T H

T O

M A T E R I A L S

PIET HEIN EEK Best known for making furniture out of scrap wood — for

Eek's respect for materials was also evident in some of the

using timber off-cuts that others had thought were only good

work he presented during the 2017 Dutch Design Week,

enough for the rabbit hutch or the bonfire — Piet Hein Eek

which included tables and lamps created from old pipes.

has always taken a progressive, fresh approach to materials.

"I make products from what's been thrown away and then I

Before Eek, no one in the design world had been creating

don't throw anything away myself," Eek says. "Most designers

domestic furniture from recycling discarded wood. "This was

are not focused on using materials like scrap wood and

1989 — I was by far the first," he says. You can tell just how

other opportunities around them. I've always looked at the

influential those designs have been from the number of

­materials and the possibilities around me."

times the industry has tried to replicate them.

— 40 —

"As a designer, I'm trying to create something according to my specific ideas, which means that it's much nicer to adjust the materials to those ideas rather than the other way around."

PIET HEIN EEK, DUTCH DESIGNER

However, Eek says he has "never felt comfortable having

Eek was drawn to ECCO Leather Studio's innovation. "That's

­recycling as a main goal" since he also makes products

actually the reason why we collaborated. Normally, if you

from new materials. Whether he is working with old or new

buy leather, you buy an end product. You can choose what's

­materials, he treats them just the same. "I really want to do

already there, but you can't discuss or negotiate what you

the best with them. I try to design with respect to materials,

want. As a designer, I'm trying to create something according

technique and craft," he says.

to my specific ideas, which means that it's much nicer to adjust the materials to those ideas rather than the other way

When Eek could no longer find the high-end, classical leather

around," he says.

he had been using for the upholstery of his 'Glossy Chair', built from a bold block cube of shiny metal, he did not give up on

"We make our own hardware and we're used to adjusting all

producing it. Instead, he challenged the ECCO Leather Studio

the materials to our wishes. So this leather is a very good addi­

to produce a similar bespoke material for him, a project that

tion to the possibilities. I love the way that ECCO was ­trying

led to the development of a new and innovative tanning

to find new qualities. The whole idea that you can adjust the

­process, OXATAN . The result was a lightweight, shiny leather

quality, texture and feeling of the leather, that's amazing."

®

with a patina effect, that revived the original design and pietheineek.nl

paved the way for an additional sofa style.

— 41 —

S PR I N G / SUM M E R 2 018

E X P E R I M E N T I N G

W I T H

T H E

U N U S U A L

EVOKING SOUND F E A T .

C O M P O S E R ,

M A N A 2 . 0 W R I T E R

&

A R T I S T

Under the name Mana2.0, composer, writer

Martin Dirkov's score. Maria Nadia appears

and artist Maria Nadia Schmidt Nielsen, likes

in the film, stepping-in as the character role

to experiment with unusual, unexpected

of the electronic artist. "Being part of the

sounds — including recordings of traffic.

film was a fun, interesting experience," says

Such an avant-garde approach made the

Maria Nadia, whose agent got her involved

Dane ideally suited for a role in ECCO's inno-

with the project, "as in my own work I also

vative new brand campaign film, 'Perpetual

like mixing classical instruments with the

Natural Motion', with its unorthodox combi-

sounds on my computer."

nation of classical and electronic music.

For that fusion of contemporary and classiMusic evokes an immediate visceral

cal, she'll sometimes blend electronica with

response in any audience. When you're

a saxophone, a guitar, or her own voice.

immersed in a short film or a piece of

Maria Nadia, who is based in Copenhagen,

performance art, says Maria Nadia Schmidt

doesn't have a style as such, but says

Nielsen, "music gets to you in another way,

instead that she "investigates sound", which

bringing out your feelings and your emo-

has seen her recording and sampling traffic

tions." And if you're in any doubt about the

noises in the city, or even a train clattering

hold that music has over you, just imagine

past or a helicopter whizzing overhead.

a film with dialogue but no score: "It just

While elements of it are prerecorded, her

wouldn't be the same — music is very impor-

music is produced to work as a live sound.

tant for creating mood and atmosphere."

"I enjoy it when sounds accidentally For the experimental Maria Nadia, who was

happen, and I can use mistakes or flaws.

a singer before moving into composing, and

It’s not always quiet in the studio or maybe

still sings in her music, one of the pleasures of

we're recording in an apartment and a

creating scores and soundscapes is bringing

flatmate accidentally opens a door or drops

together different, even unlikely, sounds. She

something, and it's interesting to use that

has been playing with sound for many years,

and work with it instead of ignoring it."

and currently produces music for short films, but primarily collaborates with artists.

As Maria Nadia says, she's not producing with the aim of creating "hit singles to be

A startling harmony of sounds can also be

played on the radio", her work is more pro-

heard in ECCO's new brand campaign film,

vocative than that. What she wants, more

'Perpetual Natural Motion', with electronica

than anything, is for the audience to have

and a violin mixed together in composer

an emotional reaction to her music.

— 42 —

"… music gets to you in another way, bringing out your feelings and your emotions."

MARIA NADIA SCHMIDT NIELSEN, COMPOSER, WRITER & ARTIST ECCO CREPETRAY / 200323-50263

— 43 —

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

E C C O

C R E P E T R A Y

H Y - T E C H P E R P E T U A L

H O N E Y

N A T U R A L

M O T I O N

ECCO CREPETRAY — WELCOME TO LIGHTWEIGHT HONEY ECCO CREPETRAY outsole provides outstanding weight reduction on a traditional aesthetic.

FLUIDFORM ™ Technology ensures a finely tuned balance of cushioning and rebound.

A choice of state-of-the-art premium ECCO leather, with ECCO SAMBAL or ECCO BLUE BAYOU detailing, or ECCO leather with ECCO SAMBAL detailing.

ECCO CREPETRAY / 200333-59529

S PR I N G / SUM M E R 2 018

F O U R T H

G E N E R A T I O N

O F

S H O E M A K E R S

IN SHOES & LIFE F E A T .

D E S I G N

N I K I

D I R E C T O R

A N D

&

C Æ C I L I E

M A R K E T I N G

— 46 —

M A N A G E R

A T

E C C O

ECCO FIRST / 754021-01325 ECCO SOFT 9 / 243803-04481 ECCO CREPETRAY / 200334-50263

When the average number of times

at work too, like Design Director,

"I am the fourth generation of shoe-

that people change their jobs sits

Niki Tæstensen, and Marketing

makers," he says. "My father was in

between 10 and 15, it is rare to find

Manager, Cæcilie Cindie Koldorf.

production, a technician, but my

someone who has thrived 10 years at

grandfather had his own factory,

one company, let alone someone

Having started an apprenticeship

was a tailor and a designer, and my

who has done that twice over.

with ECCO at 16, Niki began his career

great-grandfather also had his own

in shoemaking — following a tradition

factory and shop."

But milestones like that appear to hap-

that went three generations back

pen almost monthly at ECCO — with

on his father's side — as a pattern

But the connection goes even deeper

many of them also finding their partner

cutter with a lot to learn.

than that, Niki says, with his father

— 47 —

S PR I N G / SUM M E R 2 018

F O U R T H

G E N E R A T I O N

O F

S H O E M A K E R S

working at ECCO before he started,

"We are really good at being at home,

his grandfather selling his machinery

in our own little cave," Cæcilie says,

to the founder of ECCO, Karl Toosbuy,

"but we also love the contrast of big

and his parents even meeting while at

city trips, where we enjoy sitting in

work there.

cafes having a glass of wine, shopping and eating good food."

Joining the brand through her trainee program, but gravitating towards PR and Marketing, Cæcilie said she was instantly aware of many couples who had met their partners while working at ECCO. "When I was in Xiamen, working for one year in production, I spoke to a colleague who told me: 'ECCO gave

"My Dad actually once said … that I was going to be with a shoemaker" CÆCILIE CINDIE KOLDORF, MARKETING MANAGER AT ECCO

me a job, and a wife' — it was quite cute, and I guess that is kind of what happened to me."

Does that mean Niki designs shoes with Cæcilie in mind? "Yes and no,"

But if you ask her father, he might tell a

he replies, smiling.

different story. "My Dad actually once said, when I was 10 or something, that I

"Sometimes I design a shoe that

was going to be with a shoemaker," she

Cæcilie will deliberately not like, that I

says. "And when Niki and I got together,

know she wouldn't wear, because it is

he said 'Oh, we knew it! We always

for another type of woman, then I will

said it, that you were going to be with

ask her, just to see if I got it right."

a shoemaker'. Mind you, they said he would be Italian, so I guess they got it

"In other cases, when she says: 'I really

half-right!"

like that'," Niki continues, "I think 'great, that was meant for you'. But if she

Recently returned from maternity

doesn't, I know I have to change it!"

leave, Cæcilie says she considers

he laughs.

herself very lucky to have a partner who is as interested in shoes as she is, but that with a new baby to look after, and Niki’s daughter with them on weekends, the key for them to balance everything, while working at the same company, is spending quality time travelling or at home.

— 48 —

E C C O

T R U E P E R P E T U A L

T R U E

I N D I G O

B L U E N A T U R A L

F U N M O T I O N

ECCO FIRST feat. TRUE INDIGO — PUTTING YOUR CHILD’S BEST FOOT AND LOOK FORWARD A stylish start for any little foot, these unisex mid-cut sneakers are lovingly crafted to support your child’s feet on their first adventures in life. Combining comfortable and durable ECCO FLUIDFORM ™ Technology, plus a range of supportive and easy fit design features, they are a sporty, on-trend sneaker featuring ECCO TRUE INDIGO denim-look premium leather. Like a favourite pair of jeans, they are made to become a comfortable, everyday favourite. Who says your first steps can’t be fashionable?

ECCO FIRST / 754021-01325

S PR I N G / SUM M E R 2 018

A SNEAKER'S BEST FRIEND F E A T .

T H O M A S

M A Y M A N N

&

T H E

M I D S O L E

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While companies like Google and

"I had been singled out for wearing

recently added a new product to their

Apple might be thought of as the fore-

a suit that day — because I was the

three-step cleaning range — the ECCO

runners of a casual workplace culture,

only one — and I was using it to play

Midsole Cleaning Kit — which comes

casual comfort has always been at the

chauffeur." Luckily, Thomas says his

with a foam Midsole Clear, two brushes

core of ECCO's story, with a focus on

passengers were unaware he wasn't

and a cotton cloth. ECCO Accessories

making the most comfortable shoes,

actually a chauffeur, and, despite

cleaning expert Fionn O'Toole says the

and having a relaxed dress code

being new to the area, and driving

kit is an important evolution for sneaker

that matches that. So, when Thomas

against the clock in a time before GPS

care, and is essential to keep white

Maymann arrived for his first day at

was used, he managed to get them

outsoles white.

ECCO in 1997, in a pinstripe suit, he

there for their flight. Unsurprisingly,

soon found out he was overdressed.

Thomas wore jeans for his second

"Times may have changed since the

day at ECCO.

heyday of formal office wear and the sneaker may be the current king, but

"It's a funny story," says Thomas, laughing, who 20 years later is still at

"Twenty years ago, ECCO was

the idea of keeping a shoe perfect

ECCO, now employed as the Category

ahead of its time, with people in the

remains ingrained in our minds," Fionn

Manager for the Men's collection.

office wearing what they were most

says. "There is still something incredibly

"The two jobs I had had before ECCO,

comfortable in. That's why there's such

satisfying about seeing the dirt come

I had worn a suit, so it was quite natural

a big focus on sneakers, we all wear

out of the soles!"

for me to work in one. Apparently, it

them, so that's what is reflected in

hadn't gone unnoticed, because on

our collection," Thomas says. "We

the first day, I was called to reception

combine our history and knowledge

and, suddenly, found myself in one of

as shoemakers, with our expertise in

the ECCO cars, driving foreign guests

leather tanning and performance,

to the airport," he says.

to produce versatile modern hybrids."

It is not surprising then that ECCO has

— 50 —

global.ecco.com/en/bags-and-accessories/guides/ccp

"ECCO was ahead of its time, with people in the office wearing what they were most comfortable in" THOMAS MAYMANN, CATEGORY MANAGER FOR THE MEN'S COLLECTION AT ECCO

— 51 —

S PR I N G / SUM M E R 2 018

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THE ROOKIE V S .

L A S S E

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B J Ø R N

In an attempt to open golf up to a

to do my normal workout," he says.

Wednesday at Made in Denmark, with

wider audience, ECCO Golf thought

"I saw a few colleagues that I know

the amphitheatre-style hole providing

it would be fun to pit a somewhat

from ECCO Golf, practicing, so I went

the perfect backdrop for the climax

cocky 'rookie', against Danish pro,

in there and was like 'hey, let me try

of The Rookie's journey — a one hole,

Thomas Bjørn.

to take a swing, this really can’t be

sudden death shootout.

With only 6 months of coaching,

I was thinking, this is a stupid game,

Thomas Bjørn, making his 500th start on

Lasse Aalling, Junior Product Manager

the ball doesn't even fly!"

the European Tour, went first and found

that hard'." "But after a few swings,

for ECCO Outdoor, was given the

the front edge of the green, while

challenge of beating 'The Great Dane'

It was then that the scene for the

Lasse, was understandably feeling

at the famous par-3 16th hole, at

David and Goliath battle was set,

some pressure, fired his tee shot just

Himmerland Golf Club, during the

and PGA professional Thor Andersen

over the green. But all was not lost,

Wednesday Pro-Am.

was called in to try and fast-track

with Thomas taking four putts to finish,

Lasse through the basics, with an

and Lasse making a great chip, with

Only a few years ago, 25 year-old Lasse

online series "The Rookie" following

two long putts to tie with a five each.

started working at ECCO as a casual

his progress, and adding pro 'tips

Saturday worker, while in high school,

and tricks' for other 'rookies' at home.

later joining ECCO's 3 year traineeship,

So, was Lasse converted to the "stupid game"? "Yes! I still play twice, three or

before starting with ECCO Outdoor.

And the result? Wearing special ECCO

even four times a week," he says, "but

"Every Tuesday they play golf in the

caps to show their support for Lasse,

now it is more for fun and whenever

Sports Farm, the ECCO Golf Club, and

the crowds were noticeably bigger

I have time or the weather is good."

I walked in one day, going to the gym,

than what would be normal for a

— 52 —

e.cco.to/therookie

One Rookie.

One Pro. Six months.

500 spectators.

LASSE AALLING, JUNIOR PRODUCT MANAGER AT ECCO

— 53 —

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

1980 ECCO DEBUTS FLUIDFORM ™ TECHNOLOGY AFTER 17 YEARS AS SHOEMAKERS, ECCO INTRODUCES FLUIDFORM™ TECHNOLOGY BY DEBUTING A NEW PROCESS THAT BONDS SOLES RIGHT ONTO THE UPPERS. THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY BECOMES THE FOUNDATION FOR COMFORT AND FLEXIBILITY IN ECCO SHOES, REVOLUTIONISING SHOE MANUFACTURING.

2017 PHORENE™ IS PIONEERED ON ECCO EXOSTRIKE™ SPARKING A GIANT LEAP IN ECCO’S FLUIDFORM™ PROCESS, PHORENE ™ IS A GAME-CHANGING SUBSTANCE THAT PRODUCES BREAKTHROUGHS IN WEIGHT, SHOCK ABSORPTION, ENERGY RETURN AND COLD WEATHER PERFORMANCE.

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