ETHICAL FOOTWEAR
Pikolinos Authentic Maasai Design
The tribe handcraft the uppers with hand sewn natural leather that is both
soft and durable to create a comfort shoe, with exclusive designs and unique colours which are constant features in all the brand’s collections. To add a personal touch each shoe is individually authenticated by the
woman who has stitched the shoes before being sent to Spain where the shoes are made. It is this work that is helping them to sustain their livelihood and through the project they are now able to support their families and communities without the need for international aid. The shoes and the concept have already been test marketed in Spain,
with sensational results. There is a price premium to the products, but sell through was over 75% in just 6 weeks.
PIKOLINOS: PRODUCT WITH PERSONALITY The project represents a long standing commitment to the environment
and conservation by the company. An ethos which impacts on their entire business, influencing both management and production processes. In essence the company seeks to have minimal impact on nature. The brand like to talk about their products as having their own personality
and so it is easy to see why The Maasai project has come to fruition. Handcrafted shoes, with hand sewn natural leathers that are both soft and durable. It is this simple formula that results in a comfort shoe, with exclusive designs and unique colours which are constant feature of the brand’s collections.
around the world. Their traditional way of life is under threat from urbanisation and more sophisticated farming techniques and Pikolinos have stepped in to help. The Spanish footwear brand are co-operating with the tribe to help them
S
develop their traditional crafts and hand working skills in a way that will bring long lasting economic benefit to their community. Women play a key role in the Maasai community, they are responsible for the building of houses, looking after the children, collection of fruit and water for the family etc. However they are currently in desperate need of new sources of income to protect their livelihoods and to preserve their values and traditional way of life. The partnership sees Maasai women applying their own techniques and
designs to Pikolinos shoes with uppers hand stitched by tribeswomen in their homes.
panish footwear brand Pikolinos remain true to their commitment to conservation and social responsibility in SS11 by announcing an exciting new partnership with the Maasai tribe. The Kenyan Maasai tribe is one of 31 endangered ethnic groups
THE BEST MATERIALS ON YOUR FEET Whilst environmental and social concerns influence thinking this is at the
expense of quality. In fact Pikolinos’ commitment to quality begins before the shoe’s design and manufacture. A diligent leather selection, with only the best quality cattle hide chosen is followed by an exclusive leather treatment process using the products and natural waxes of Pies Cuadrados, a company within the Pikolinos group that specialises in leather tanning. The leather is treated with casein, a protein found in milk which adhere to
pores of the leather and provides its radiant shine and natural look. Pikolinos leathers do not contain any resins or plastic films for protection. As a result, the pores remain intact which allows your feet to breathe with ease. So whether it’s a Maasai handcrafted shoes or main range styles you can
be sure in these times when consumers are searching for quality, with responsible and considered production, that Pikolinos are working hard to deliver. Judging by what we saw at MODA they are certainly succeeding.
Russell Galliven - Sales Manager
Russell.Galliven@floridagroup.co.uk Tel: 07917344143
www.pikolinos.com
26 • FOOTWEAR TODAY
• OCTOBER 2010
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