Valentino recently announced its Open for a Change project, which will see two of the brand’s most iconic sneakers – Open and Rockstud Untitled – being re-designed to be more eco-conscious.
For the re-think, Valentino explored new materials and techniques and the latest footwear, versions of the Open and Rockstud Untitled, will be partially constructed from recycled and bio-based materials – a first for the Maison. Fans, however, needn’t fret because the aesthetic of the brand are clear and present. That said, they now represent a conscious step on the path to sustainability.
The sneakers are available in a variety colours, and build on a foundation of bio-based materials, which provide an alternative leather produced from viscose and polyurethane of corn-derived polyols. The upper side of both sneaker is partially constructed from these materials; the strings are made entirely from recycled polyester, while the Valentino trademark studs on the Rockstud Untitled are made of recycled nylon. Even the show case is made of fully recycled cotton and paper, the latter sourced from sustainably managed forests.
The sneakers, which debuted during Paris Fashion week from October 1 to 5, 2021 as part of a temporary installation in the Rombaut boutique, are also included in Valentino’s SS22 collection. These are the first in a range of upcoming products from the Maison’s new Valentino Garavani Open for a Change project.
The aim of the venture is to bring together the brand’s inherent creativity and its environmental priorities. As a result, the two sneakers are entirely cruelty-free with a fully traceable European supply chain. The suppliers have also been carefully hand-picked, and all of them boast the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), which is a measure to scientifically calculate the environmental impact of a product during its entire life cycle.
