Designer sneakers and collaborations between athletic wear and luxury brands are nothing new, but this collection for Gola, by Christian Lacroix, still really stands out. In my eyes, these trainers look much better than the ones by Alexander McQueen for Puma.
The Golas are made from fine leather, and the 19th Century inspired embroidery and embossing really make these stand out.
They are not out until 2009, and I suspect they will be pretty pricey too.
Haute Couture Sneakers
Gola by Christian Lacroix
Trend Themes
1. Designer Sneakers - Opportunity for luxury brands to collaborate with athletic wear companies to create unique and fashionable sneakers.
2. Collaborations Between Athletic Wear and Luxury Brands - Potential for new and innovative partnerships between athletic wear and luxury brands to create high-end, stylish sneakers.
3. Embroidery and Embossing on Sneakers - Emerging trend of incorporating intricate embroidery and embossing techniques on sneakers to elevate their design and overall aesthetic.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Opportunity for fashion brands to explore the fusion of athletic and luxury wear through designer sneaker collaborations.
2. Footwear - Potential for the footwear industry to tap into the demand for high-end sneakers by collaborating with luxury brands and incorporating intricate design elements.
3. Luxury Goods - Disruptive innovation opportunity for luxury goods companies to enter the athletic wear market through collaborations and the creation of unique designer sneakers.