Sustainable footwear brand ‘ekn’ presents the world’s first sneakers made in Europe and designed in Bangladesh by a rising women’s fashion designer from Dhaka.
New limited edition vegan sneakers launched to overthrow exploitation in the global footwear industry.
In a step that changes the status quo of fashion design, Frankfurt-based sustainable footwear brand know is launching the world’s first unisex shoe designed in Bangladesh and made in Europe. The new one know Kamthala is a limited edition vegan sneakers made in Portugal and designed in Bangladesh by a rising female Bangladeshi designer, Rokaiya Ahmed Purna.
Named after Bangladesh’s national fruit – the jackfruit – ekn Kamthala makes a bold statement for the industry to rethink how it works with the Southern Hemisphere, changing the conventional ‘pattern’ Designed in the Northern Hemisphere, Made in the Southern Hemisphere’.
The idea is to ‘create a pair of sneakers as a symbol of respect’ – aiming to reverse some of the unethical, polluting and exploitative supply chain practices synonymous with the footwear industry for decades – exploiting the young generation’s desire for meaningful change.
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Bangladeshi designer Rokaiya Ahmed Purna is committed to gender equality, responsible consumption and production, promoting indigenous textiles and innovation, and empowering women and girls at home.
“In Bangladesh, we have a very rich tradition and cultural heritage, which I try to apply to all of my work,” she said. My roots and childhood memories also influence my designs; the inspiration for ekn Kamthala came from jackfruit, the national fruit of Bangladesh, with which I have a deep relationship. When I was a child, there was a tree on my doorstep where I used to play, draw and sleep under it. We are used to the term ‘Made in Bangladesh’, not ‘Designed in Bangladesh’, but the new generation of Bangladeshis is starting to think differently and act differently. As part of this generation, I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to make a difference. I’m living the dream of a lot of people, so it’s an opportunity that comes with a lot of responsibility.”
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Put respect first
ekn was founded in 2013 by Noel Klein-Reesink, after years of searching for the perfect skate shoe and design for New Balance and adidas. His experience has taught him that there is a serious need for a well-designed, thoughtful, and sustainable sneaker, hence ekn’s long-term mission statement “Made in Friendship” ” – an alternative to inhumane and environmentally degrading practices.
“The Kamthala ekn shoe is a statement – a sign of respect. Because in a just world, no arrangement is privileged. If fairness is the goal, we should share our aspirations.” Klein-Reesink said.
Alexander Grapp, Group Creative Director at Accenture Song and the originator of the concept, said: “The ‘Made In’ label not only erases the unjust conditions that people in the Southern Hemisphere often have to do. work – they also reinforce harmful stereotypes about creativity and production in the so-called ‘First World’ and ‘Third World’. They claim that American and European designs are superior to designs from countries where brands outsource production, which is simply not true. All of this is what we want to challenge with this statement. And along the way, we’ve learned and are continually inspired by the creativity and resilience of designers from Bangladesh like Rokaiya. We hope this makes people think! We want to invite more companies and brands to work in a different way from countries like Bangladesh and beyond – and to tap into the talent and creativity that clearly awaits wider recognition.”
All ekn shoes are made in Portugal from sustainable materials, with the aim of providing high-quality footwear that does not harm society and the environment like similar manufacturers do.
All profits from shoe sales will be used to establish an NGO to provide Dhaka’s creators with a new place to work and for a development program looking for female designers. talent in Bangladesh and other countries to create an ongoing ekn shoe series.
Limited Edition ekn Kamthala will be available worldwide from January 21, 2023 with retail price of $215.00 by visiting www.eknfootwear.com/en.
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Rokaiya Ahmed Purna.
