Gorpcore Trend: Rubber Shoes and Sustainability Concerns
The article discusses the rise of 'Gorpcore' fashion, characterized by outdoor and garden wear worn in urban settings, with rubber shoes becoming a luxury accessory. It highlights the environmental impact of rubber footwear, noting that vulcanization makes it non-biodegradable. Bottega Veneta's puddle boots from the fall/winter 2020 collection and Balenciaga's collaboration with Crocs for spring/summer 2022 are cited as key examples. Balenciaga's creative director Demna Gvasalia previously designed a limited-edition Crocs model in 2017 priced at $850, which sold out. JW Anderson also featured colorful rubber sandals in a recent presentation. The article notes that Bottega Veneta claims its rubber boot is the first piece available in biodegradable polymer and plans a new iteration using recycled thermoplastic polyurethane. It concludes that luxury fashion must adopt more expensive, truly circular materials to meet growing consumer demand for sustainability.
Key facts
- Gorpcore is a neologism for outdoor wear worn in urban settings.
- Rubber shoes have become a luxury fashion trend.
- Bottega Veneta's puddle boots from fall/winter 2020 feature a one-piece mold and voluminous toe.
- Balenciaga collaborated with Crocs for spring/summer 2022, featuring rubber shoes with heels and shopping bags.
- Demna Gvasalia designed a limited-edition Crocs model in 2017 with a maxi platform and applications, priced at $850, which sold out.
- JW Anderson showcased colorful rubber sandals in a recent presentation.
- Rubber can be natural (plant-based latex) or synthetic (petroleum-based).
- Vulcanization makes rubber non-biodegradable.
- Bottega Veneta claims its rubber boot is the first biodegradable polymer piece and plans a recycled thermoplastic polyurethane version.
- Luxury fashion must use more expensive, circular materials to meet sustainability demands.
Entities
Artists
- Demna Gvasalia
- Miuccia Prada
- JW Anderson
Institutions
- Bottega Veneta
- Balenciaga
- Crocs
- Snowpeak
- Artribune