The French fashion house’s first-ever unisex trainer called Charlie is part of Louis Vuitton’s sustainable development plan. The shoe has an eco-conscious design made of 90 per cent recycled and bio-sourced materials, challenging all current standards. The packaging is also redesigned with a shoebox made up of 100 per cent recycled cardboard and includes a handle, making it transportable.
Following on from the release of their LV Trainer Upcycling shoe for men earlier this year, the Charlie Sneaker propels Louis Vuitton further into the sustainability market – a sector that brands are increasingly vying to be a part of as their clients seek more transparency over materials and production.
The Charlie Sneaker is a nice deliverable for folk who want their luxury with a side of ethical investment. The growing questions on how and where the garments, or in this case shoes, are made and their impact have in some ways become more important than the traditional attachment of luxury we associate with a brand. Yes, we all want nice things, but we don’t want to ruin the planet in their acquisition.
Louis Vuitton is still in its early days in this regard. Artistic director for menswear, Virgil Abloh has been a strong supporter of the upcycling system, introducing the Upcycling Signal Logo in his Spring 2021 collection which featured an inspiring sustainability initiative.
But to the specs – the Charlie Sneaker is made from 90 per cent recycled and bio-sourced materials: the sole (which accounts for 50 per cent of the shoe’s weight) is 94 per cent recycled rubber and the upper is made from a synthetic material produced from recycled polyester and a layer of Biopolioli, a corn-based plastic.
Aesthetically, the shoe offers the smallest diversion from the current direction seen in their recent runway collections. Still adhering to Abloh’s eye for streetwear and an underlying DNA of hip hop, the Charlie is aesthetically pared back. A simple white silhouette and black monogram maximise on a ‘90s minimalist vibe.
