Storied American brand Cole Haan has launched The Driver Shop, allowing consumers the opportunity to put their own spin on the brand’s Grant Driver. Options include a kaleidoscope of leather and cord laces, which can be left natural or finished with barrel knots, tassels or metal aglets, while a colorful array of kilties add a nod to the shoes’ golfing origins.
Custom cobbling was once reserved for presidents, popes and Wall Street fat cats but thanks to today’s technological advances made-to-order footwear is not only far more accessible, it’s more one-of-a-kind than ever before. Come August, miAdidas will offer consumers the chance to upload their Instagram shots to a high resolution photo print app and have them printed on the brand’s ZX Flux training shoes. That’s right. That delicious lunch you snapped a photo of today? It can now live forever on your feet. The beautiful sunset from your last vacation? That too. Even your beloved labrador.
Nike takes interactive design to the next level with a completely hands on approach to customization. As part of a one-off art installation at the Familia Skateshop in Minneapolis, the shoemaker created a set of fridge magnets that lets anyone be a sneaker designer. Sadly, Nike has no plans to produce the set of magnets but just because you can’t have your own collection doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the concept virtually.
Ugg Australia has launched Ugg by You, an online customization tool that puts the power of design at customers’ fingertips, transforming a visit to the brand’s website from a shopping trip to a creative experience. The tool allows consumers to riff on two classic styles, the Ugg Classic Short sheepskin boot and the Fluff flip-flop, by mixing and matching more than 11,000 color, outsole and trim combinations. Prices for the boot and sandal start at $220 and $110 respectively and increase per custom touch.
Sign up to receive the digital edition of Footwear Plus, fashion news, and more.
