Rick Owens Is Still Digging Comfy Sandals

DOWN TO EARTH: While practically synonymous with towering Frankenstein boots in recent years, Rick Owens is also having an extended Cinderella moment with earthy sandals.

Birkenstock has extended its partnership with the Paris-based designer for a third season, characterizing it as more than a collaboration, “his voice being totally unique and more relevant than ever,” according to Birkenstock chief executive Oliver Reichert.

All the sandals are black as the designer’s poker-straight hair, and he’s added a “sprinkling of riveting on sandals that could have come from one of my favorite Fritz Lang movies.”

The collection is to debut Sept. 14 in a virtual showroom format, and arrive in stores in March 2021.

Owens added extended straps to the Arizona and Boston styles — also available in iridescent foiled leather — while the Rotterdam model got the rivets and other hardware. Napa leather cover Birkenstock’s anatomically shaped footbed, usually the natural color of cork.

Posing for a thank-you selfie.
Posing for a thank-you selfie.

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