BOTTER is a fashion design studio that represents the fusion of music, literature, cuisine and origins, which form a rich and hybrid Caribbean culture. The studio founded by Lisi Herrebrugh and Rushemy Botter combines its spirit of ‘Caribbean Couture’, its view towards the philosophy of Arte Povera and a strong awareness of sustainability. His latest creation, presented at Paris Fashion Week, is a collaboration with Reebok and HP 3D Printing to create a revolutionary footwear collection called the Venus Comb Murex Shell Sneaker.
As a brand whose DNA derives directly from one of the most biologically diverse marine regions in the world, BOTTER is always close to topics related to the ocean (and its protection). The new sneaker is inspired by the Venus Comb Murex, a beautiful-looking predatory marine snail whose shell has a very long siphonal canal and numerous spines.
The creative duo also combine their multicultural influences and their mastery of Belgian and Dutch tailoring to infuse their menswear brand with a distinct sense of luxury. Edgy yet inclusive, their creative outlook is an extension of their own personalities: daring, colorful and refreshingly positive. BOTTER is a look into a personal diary; view and opinion about the world expressed under the direct vision of Lisa and Rushemy.
The story of the BOTTER x Reebok (with HP) Venus Comb Murex Shell collaboration was “exclusively” reported by sneaker and fashion portals Sneaker News and HighSnobiety, as well as BOTTER’s Instagram. High Snobiety writes that “the sneaker — which comes in a myriad of wavy colors — feels like a fresh look at the future of sneakers and is arguably one of BOTTER’s most impressive creations to date.”
Sneaker News quotes an official press release it received from BOTTER, in which the founders of BOTTER say that “Reebok x Botter sneakers are the beginning of a wonderful [sic] project. The new partnership with HP 3D printing aims to create a product that sits at the intersection of innovation, sustainability and luxury, and this is just the first step.”
The show certainly marks a new first step in the use of 3D printing in fashion, something that has been developing rapidly in recent years. Footwear in particular is a very sensitive segment, with clear examples of mass production already underway at Adidas with the FUTURCRAFT 4D product line. In the past, market leaders Stratasys and 3D Systems have experimented with exclusive 3D printed footwear, including designs by Iris Van Herpen and Zaha Hadid, while Formlabs and EOS have collaborated with New Balance and Under Armor on (more or less successful) commercial projects.
Now HP is taking a serious look at the footwear segment as the company’s polymer MultiJet Fusion technology could enable higher productivity at lower costs, potentially compatible with high-end and even mid-range sneakers and other types of footwear (similar to the implementation of Carbon’s DLS technology by Adidas suppliers). . This latest collaboration could be the first step in that direction.