Berlin-based Ukrainian-born artist Illya Goldman Gubin works together with ECCO on the new Metropole Seoul Derby silhouette. The artist shares the playful design process of the partnership with Highsnobiety, "I think of the process like a game of Broken Telephone. A group of children sit in a circle and take turns to whisper the same story to one another."
The shoe starts at the beginning point: the raw material and turns into a timeless design lead by the freedom of the project interpreted in a childlike way. The result is a collectible artwork and shoe altogether -- it is limited to only 100 pieces in total which are a continuation of a project by the brand first started in 2021.
Collaborative Artful Shoe Designs
ECCO and Illya Goldman Gubin Drop the Metropole Seoul Derby
Trend Themes
1. Art-centric Footwear Collaborations - The Metropole Seoul Derby exemplifies the merging of art and fashion, transforming shoes into collectible pieces through limited edition releases.
2. Playful Design Processes - Inspired by the childhood game of Broken Telephone, the artistic approach in designing the Metropole Seoul Derby highlights a shift towards more playful and interpretative design methodologies.
3. Limited Edition Collectibles - The exclusivity of the Metropole Seoul Derby, limited to just 100 pairs, underlines the growing demand for unique, collectible fashion items that blend usability with artistry.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear Industry - Collaborations like the one between ECCO and Illya Goldman Gubin illustrate a shift towards incorporating artistic elements in shoe design, setting them apart in a saturated market.
2. Art and Design - The limited edition shoe project showcases how traditional art can extend its influence into fashion, creating unique, wearable art pieces.
3. Luxury Goods - With only 100 pairs available, the Metropole Seoul Derby taps into the luxury market's appetite for exclusive and limited-edition products.