'Up-Part' Shoes are Meant to Be Sold as Highly Customizable Kits
Laura McQuarrie — October 24, 2018 — Eco
References: designacademy.nl & fastcompany
University of Eindhoven student Lucille Nguyen developed two 'Up-Part' modular sneaker prototypes as a solution that approaches sneaker culture in a more customizable, sustainable manner.
Unlike most sneakers that are sold as finished models, Up-Part shoes are meant to be sold as kits to that they can be put together exactly to a user's specifications. Additionally, this means that specific parts of the sneaker can easily be replaced and recycled as needed.
In order to introduce this system to consumers in a way that's familiar, Nguyen opted for design details that are integral to keeping the footwear together. As Nguyen puts it, "We are used to attaching our shoes with laces or straps, so I pushed these gestures just a step further and made the connection technique part of the sneaker personality.”
Image Credit: Design Academy Eindhoven / Iris Rijskamp
Unlike most sneakers that are sold as finished models, Up-Part shoes are meant to be sold as kits to that they can be put together exactly to a user's specifications. Additionally, this means that specific parts of the sneaker can easily be replaced and recycled as needed.
In order to introduce this system to consumers in a way that's familiar, Nguyen opted for design details that are integral to keeping the footwear together. As Nguyen puts it, "We are used to attaching our shoes with laces or straps, so I pushed these gestures just a step further and made the connection technique part of the sneaker personality.”
Image Credit: Design Academy Eindhoven / Iris Rijskamp
Trend Themes
1. Modular Fashion - The trend towards modular fashion creates an opportunity for customizable and recyclable fashion products such as 'Up-Part' modular sneakers.
2. Sustainable Manufacturing - Sustainable manufacturing practices can be leveraged by the sneaker industry in producing recyclable modular sneakers.
3. Circular Economy - The circular economy model can be adopted by the sneaker industry by producing recyclable modular sneakers to reduce environmental waste.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear Industry - The footwear industry can leverage the customizable and recyclable nature of 'Up-Part' modular sneakers to provide sustainable and customizable footwear.
2. Fashion Industry - The fashion industry can embrace modular fashion products such as 'Up-Part' modular sneakers to increase sustainability in fashion manufacturing.
3. Manufacturing Industry - The manufacturing industry can explore sustainable manufacturing practices to produce customizable and recyclable products such as 'Up-Part' modular sneakers.
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