The journey began with Botter’s graduate collection in 2017. Founders Rushemy Botter and Lisi Herrebrugh were unable to find the perfect shoes to complement their vibrant post-tailoring menswear ensembles, so they took matters into their own hands and created their own.
“We absolutely adore surprises,” Botter and Herrebrugh exclaim to me over the phone as they drive through Amsterdam. Their voices brim with enthusiasm, intertwining their sentences seamlessly, merging ideas into a harmonious unity. Exploring new horizons in footwear design was a natural progression, driven by a genuine necessity.
Botter required oversized footwear. It transformed sportswear trainers into menswear soles, creating wonderfully unique double-stacked creations that defy categorization as either sneakers or shoes.
“We were captivated by the narrative of the younger generation surpassing the older generation,” the Botter designers explain with great enthusiasm, as it forms the very essence of their brand.
With a mischievous and rebellious spirit, Botter’s design language is influenced by fashion archives, libraries, and the vibrant Caribbean. Botter, hailing from Curaçao, and Herrebrugh, from the Dominican Republic, draw most of their inspiration from the younger generation.
“The younger generation holds immense potential and influence.” They often say that the youth holds the key to the future. “The younger generation is known for their fearlessness and boldness. This is truly inspiring. They confidently showcase their abilities and accomplishments. It’s truly a sight to behold.
The foundation of Botter’s process is deeply rooted in a bottom-upward ethos, which is evident in its playful and unrestricted approach to styling and the iconic super-wide polo shirts. It seamlessly extends to Botter’s collaboration with Reebok LTD, Reebok’s high-end line.
In just a few short years, Botter and Reebok LTD have crafted an impressive collection of shoes, including unique, 3D-printed sneakers that have a distinct H.R. Giger aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the intricate beauty of shells.
Recently, the duo unveiled a collection of stylish low-profile shoes that transform football boots into trendy streetwear. These shoes are eye-catching, enjoyable, and incredibly easy to wear. So popular, in fact, that the sneaker almost instantly sold out online. The previous design, produced using HP’s Multi Jet Fusion 3D printer, has not yet been released.
“Reebok evokes a sense of pure nostalgia,” Botter himself remarks. “I was a fan of Thierry Henry, who wore Reebok boots, but Reebok is also quite popular in the Caribbean.” It’s a kind of indulgence, handed down from one generation to another and worn with a sense of honor.”
Botter and Herrebrugh want to emphasize that their passion for football is not just a temporary trend or the sole focus of their brand. Football serves as a stylistic touchpoint within the Botterverse.
“Our bond with football is rooted in our emotions rather than something concrete,” they explain.
“It’s an emotion.” We explore the various aspects of coaches and players’ attire, from their dressing style to the way they lace their boots and wear their socks. It may appear uniform at first glance, but upon closer inspection, one can discern a distinct sense of [personality].”
Reebok LTD perfectly captures Botter’s sportswear aesthetic while also taming the boldness of Botter’s innovative footwear designs. The result is a collection of sneakers that bring the expressive shapes of Botter’s original footwear to everyday wear.
“Our original shoe designs are like works of art, created through experimentation. We cannot guarantee their wearability,” the designers explain. “Reebok LTD assisted us in transforming those concepts into practical footwear options.
“We truly sense the deep connection and shared affection, and there are still many aspects we are actively improving.” We have some truly remarkable plans.
BY JAKE SILBERT
source: https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/botter-reebok-collab-interview/
