French footwear label VEJA has partnered with Dover Street Market Ginza to unveil a special capsule of one-of-a-kind pairs hand-stitched by the Sashiko Gals, a group of artisans specializing in customizing and repairing garments using traditional methods. Ten limited-edition pairs of VEJA’s new “Panenka” will be sold exclusively at Dover Street Market’s Tokyo outpost next week.
The body of the shoe, which draws its inspiration from vintage football trainers, is imbued with craft-forward character through the traditional Sashiko mode of repair. Dating back as early as the 8th century, the method of reinforcing used garments has developed a uniquely Japanese aesthetic manifesting in meticulous shapes and different thread colors. Based in Otsuchi within Iwate Prefecture, the Sashiko Gals comprise a group of women in their 40s to 80s, who are highly skilled in the ancient art form.
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Part of VEJA’s “Clean, Repair, Collect” initiative, the limited edition release promotes circularity through repair to combat the fashion industry’s waste crises. The brand’s initiative began four years ago as environmental issues became increasingly urgent, launching its cobbler project in Bordeaux France. in June 2020. As VEJA brings its efforts to Japan it has catered the project for its Japanese audiences, keeping an intricate tradition of textile repair alive.
At 165,000 yen, the extremely limited pairs retail for roughly $1000 USD due to the careful craft that the process entails. Dover Street Market Ginza will have the shoes for sale in-person on March 28-29 while supplies last.
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