This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on April 7, 2016.
The new Spring/Summer line from Brazilian casual footwear brand Ipanema has received a ‘Starck’ makeover from its usually vibrant and vivacious styles, famously inspired by the sights and sounds of the world famous beach. A new collection created in collaboration with the storied French designer features a completely new aesthetic, inspired by Starck’s simplistic but inventive design philosophy. The 67-year-old’s creations and products are unmistakable, and run the gamut from furniture to restaurants, hotels, windmills and even a revolutionary mega-yacht.
He lends his trademark aesthetic to the Ipanema’s Spring/Summer 2016 line with the new Starck collection. Featuring four distinct designs in 12 colours each, the Arty, Glamour, Nature and Sophisticated Chic lines have resulted in a delightful range of 48 sandals and flip-flops.
Employing a brutally minimalistic approach, the renowned designer almost deconstructs footwear and strips it down to its bare structure, before re-envisioning them into a particularly modern and innovative look in line with its concept of “timeless and accessible elegance”.
Playing with lines and silhouettes, the collection juxtaposes familiarity with a refreshing visual variety through its palette of neutral and in contrast, sharp citrus tones. Ranging from white, black, smoke, acid yellow, orange, rose, transparent yellow and transparent orange, there is a sense of organic beauty in the final product.
Adding an artisanal touch in its production, the shoes are adapted in its production process, with a proprietary plastique injection technique for better comfort and a handcrafted assembly of the straps. The collection also boasts 100% recyclability, and uses 30% recycled materials in its construction.
The Ipanema with Starck collection is now available in selected Samba boutiques, Stadium, Studio R and Royal Sporting House. Prices range from RM99.90 to RM130. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ipanema.my.