“When one hears his name on a product, one thinks of beauty, timeless elegance and minimum-simple, not heavy; no attachments, and very sleek,” says president of ELRO Retail Corporation Francisco Elizalde about Philippe Starck, the famous French designer globally known for his designs on various items and infrastructure, during the launch of Ipanema’s latest collaboration with the designer.
From interior, home products and furniture, industrial and architectural design, Starck’s signature minimal design in elegance is now brought into the world of sandals through the Brazilian shoe brand Ipanema. Finally available in the Philippines, this dynamic collection is inspired by the different facets of a woman, with the lines ranging from Arty, Glamour, Nature and Sophisticated Chic, allowing women the freedom to choose from the many options it offers.
The collaboration started when the Ipanema owner met Starck at a social gathering. One thing led to another and after four years in development comes now an environment friendly line of sandals, flats and flip-flops using 30 percent recycled materials. The signature design comes in black and white, neutral and citrus tones, and each sole bears the Starck symbol of elegance. The careful simplicity in each design makes it look like a sophisticated piece that every woman would want, especially for the summer. No buckles, no heavy trimmings, no elaborate design, just sleek, functional sandals perfect for wear while on a bikini, maillot, or a summer dress. With the neutral and citrus tones, there are so many style options and pairings you can do for the summer.
The Glamour pairs are perfect for that summer beach wedding, soles are mostly in sleek black with thin straps in citrus tones, black and white, acid yellow, orange, rose, transparent yellow, and transparent orange. Sophisticated Chic, as the name suggests, is indeed very sophisticated. The soles and straps are all in black or white, and one can probably pull it off with a quirky club get-up and actually head out for the night. For fun and quirky women, colorful offerings are in the Arty range, with soles and straps that are designed in neon and bright tones, while the dainty neutral lover can choose from the Nature category with earth tone straps and white soles.
“It is a privilege to work with renowned designer Philippe Starck in our newest Ipanema collection,” says Cecille Loretizo, marketing manager of ELRO Retail Corp. “His passion, creativity and commitment to the environment give us a certain pride that he will create timeless and accessible elegant designs ideal for our wearers.”
Currently, the collections are mainly for women, but the Ipanema collaboration with Starck may soon create a line specifically for men. Now, that is something we can all look forward to so we can gift it to the men in our lives.
“The Ipanema with Starck collection explores the territory of high elegance paired with the utmost minimalism. When you reach elegance with a few dollars or euros, this is no longer magic; it is a modern miracle,” says Philippe Starck.
To see more designs, catch #IpanemawithStarck on Instagram and visit IpanemaPhilippines on Facebook for more updates.
