In a world where sneakers have become fashion’s favorites, Patrick Rüegg and Stefan Rechsteiner of Velt are instead focusing on the classic leather shoe. While leather shoes have long been considered perhaps too smart for everyday wear, or as being more for the older generation, the two Swiss designers take great pleasure in working with typically unchanged styles made from the finest European leather, and lovingly adapting them for a more contemporary client base. In their Kreuzberg studio, part of the large Velt co-working complex where they design and stock their Swiss-made products, traditional leather shades and tones are transformed by a more fashion-focused silhouette, or with the addition of brighter colored details. While they have yet to be stocked in Berlin stores, you can browse their online shop, or make an appointment and drop by their studio if you want to buy directly from them. Furthermore, don’t worry about the lack of shoes for women; their newest collection, soon to be released, will be dedicated to providing the same attention to design towards the female version of a much loved classic shoe. (Text: Antonia Harris / Photo: (left) Andreas Zimmermann, (top) Raphaela Pichler)
Velt, Urbanstr.71, 3.Hof, 10967 Berlin-Kreuzberg; map
Studio visits by appointment only.
