Danish footwear maker ECCO has partnered with British designer Craig Green to reinvent its 1970s Joke shoe, marking the latest project from the brand's ECCO.kollektive platform. The collection, which first appeared at Green's SS25 London show, explores new possibilities in leather design through four distinct models.
The centerpiece of the collaboration is Green's interpretation of the Joke FSDX, where he layers ECCO's Apparition leather - a see-through material - with soft suede reinforced by ultra-strong fibers. This combination creates a shoe that balances visual lightness with practical durability.
"We wanted to respect the original Joke design while pushing it into new territory", says Green, whose previous work includes collaborations with Moncler and adidas. His approach involved close work with ECCO's Leather Atelier, where the team developed what they call "leather exoskeletons" - structured outer layers that give the shoes their distinctive shape.
The collection includes three additional styles: the APRITN, featuring contrasting leather panels; the minimalist CONCEPT; and the Pull-on, a slip-on version of the original design. Each model maintains elements of the 1970s Joke silhouette while incorporating Green's characteristic focus on technical construction.
ECCO's decision to revive the Joke comes as fashion continues to mine its archives for inspiration. The shoe's chunky proportions and utilitarian design align with current trends toward functional footwear, while Green's modifications add contemporary appeal through innovative materials and manufacturing techniques.
The collaboration represents an expansion of ECCO.kollektive, the brand's platform for creative partnerships. Through these projects, ECCO aims to showcase its leather-making capabilities while giving designers space to experiment with traditional shoe construction methods.
Retail availability and pricing details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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Eric Grischott
Born in Groningen in 1991, Eric Grischott is a linguist with a deep-rooted passion for art, music, and fashion. His academic journey led him to graduate in languages, further enriching his linguistic prowess. His thirst for knowledge and cultural immersion took him abroad, where he gained invaluable experience and insights. Eric’s linguistic expertise is not confined to just theory. He has honed his skills in French and German through specialized DELF and DELE courses, demonstrating his commitment to mastering these languages. His passions extend beyond languages, encompassing the creative realms of art, the rhythmic world of music, and the dynamic sphere of fashion.