Dear Shaded Viewers,
In the serene heart of Dover Street Market Ginza, there unfolds a tale of sustainable elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. This narrative begins with Walter, a master cobbler whose hands are fluent in the age-old language of shoe repair. Tasked by VEJA, a brand not just known for its footwear but its dedication to eco-conscious practices, Walter embarked on a unique challenge: to sculpt a limited collection from the remnants of luxury.
VEJA’s ethos of mindful production finds its pinnacle in this exclusive series, limited to a mere 20 pairs, which will grace the shelves of Dover Street Market Ginza since Saturday, 28th October. This initiative is more than a commercial venture—it is a poignant homage to the artisans often overshadowed by the dazzle of consumerism. Here, skill is not only preserved but revered, and waste is not discarded but transformed.
Within this project, we witness a convergence of tradition and innovation. Walter, whose expertise was honed under the vigilant eye of the Compagnons du Devoir, now channels his knowledge into the VEJA family. From his bench, he not only breathes new life into worn soles but also imparts wisdom to those seeking to extend the lifespan of their cherished companions—footwear.
The exclusive sneaker at Dover Street Market Ginza epitomizes the quilt-maker’s craft, intertwining the V-90 silhouette with the discarded fragments of VEJA’s leather, each piece narrating its own story. This process not only ensures that no two pairs are identical but also that each step taken in these shoes is a step towards a more sustainable future.
At the core of this collection lies the V-90, a model that boasts the softest leather sourced to date by VEJA—Organic Traced leather from the pastoral expanses of Uruguay, celebrated for its organic certification. Processed through a method that eschews harsh chemicals, this leather stands as a testament to VEJA’s commitment to reducing environmental impact.
What we witness here is more than a product; it is a testament to the craft of cobbler Walter and his ilk, a salute to their indispensable role in a world where resources are finite and the artisan’s touch is invaluable. VEJA’s venture, culminating in the Dover Street Market Ginza event, is not just about selling shoes—it’s about walking the talk of sustainability, one step at a time.
