Diemme x Nicole McLaughlin’s Collaboration Upcycles Shoes Into Handbags

Renowned sustainable designer Nicole McLaughlin has unveiled an innovative collaboration with Italian footwear brand Diemme, including a shoe with a detachable upper that also functions as a bag.

Famous for molding mundane, unsuspecting items to her imagination's whim, McLaughlin has an energizing ability to transform almost anything, from reconfiguring JanSport backpacks into bras or tennis balls into oven mittens. Off the heels of a partnership with Reebok in which she added handy pockets to the Club C Geo Mid, McLaughlin's utilitarian and inventive approach undoubtedly sharpens the cutting edge of upcycled footwear. Starting with a suede mule base, the release features three removable uppers, arriving in a nature-inspired color palette of a true blue, soft beige and deep khaki. Crafted from waterproof ripstop, the versatile piece boasts handy metallic clasps and toggles where laces might otherwise appear, allowing the wearer to adjust the size and fit of the soon-to-be carryall.

Take a look at Diemme x Nicole McLaughlin's collaboration in the gallery above, which will be available to purchase on January 18 on Diemme's online store.