Proenza Schouler x Birkenstock are back with a second collaboration

Fashion’s three current obsessions are thus; old recycled as new (flares, low rise jeans, pearls, barrettes, etc, etc, etc), triumphantly hideous shoes (dad runners, fisherman sandals, clogs, platforms, etc, etc, etc) and designer collaborations (Balenciaga x Gucci, Ugg x Molly Goddard, Gucci x North Face, Crocs x Balenciaga, etc, etc, etc). So it was no surprise that when Proenza Schouler partnered with Birkenstock on a unisex collection, they sold out instantly.

Proenza Schouler and Birkenstock’s collaboration launched in March 2020 and was perfectly primed for our functional, comfortable fashion needs of that time. Now that we’re still in the same situation, albeit in a slowly re-opening world, but still not quite prepared to relinquish elasticated waistbands or wear bras, Proenza Schouler and Birkenstock are back for an encore.

New York design duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez join then Celine’s Phoebe Philo, Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli, Rick Owens and most recently Jil Sander as the creatives to reimagine one of fashion’s most polarizing shoes in their image. Once again, they’re working with two Birkenstock shapes – the classic Arizona and the heel strapped Milano – with velcro fastenings in place of the buckle, specchio calf leather and consistent with Proenza Schouler’s functional style, industrial contrast topstitching. The new drop comes in new colourways taken from past and present Proenza Schouler collections like cobalt blue, rich burgundy, ecru and of course, black and white.

“Birkenstock and Proenza Schouler both share a common respect and admiration for the craftsmanship and detailed work that is integral to all of our products,” said McCollough and Hernandez. “We are excited to pick up where we left off and expand on the collection with fresh colourways that feel very in the moment and true to our brand.”

“Founders Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez have been valuable partners that are completely aligned with our core values, two creatives that strive to find the perfect balance between form and functionality,” said Oliver Reichert, chief executive officer of Birkenstock.

If you missed out on the Proenza Schouler and Birkenstock first drop, move quickly on the second collection, from €240. The second Proenza Schouler and Birkenstock collection is available now from the Birkenstock 1774 website, the Proenza Schouler website, and select retailers worldwide.

Photography by Birkenstock.

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.