Crocs launch upmarket Stefano Furiani collection

For years Crocs have been a staple item on many a fashionista’s ‘No’ lists (fashion consultant and “Project Runway” host Tim Gunn once described the shoe as “a plastic hoof”). Still, all the stiletto-shod opprobrium never hurt the Colorado-based brand, which saw exploding global sales in the second half of the last decade with their uber-comfortable shoes constructed from molded foam resin (called ‘croslite’).

Now Crocs have developed a new range of more fashion friendly options set to hit stores in March next year. It’s a bold step for the company which will sell the new collection (which ranges in price from $80 to $120) in separate locations from their classic Crocs.

Named the after the research and development director for Crocs Italy, the Stefano Furiani collection won’t sell on the main Crocs site either, but will be stocked in multibrand boutiques including The Tannery in Boston and Harry’s Shoes in New York as well as online via Zappos.com.

“Our vision is to set new expectations in product creation using mixed materials in unexpected ways, but inspiring ways,” Furiani told WWD. “The Furiani line is curatorial footwear — product with clearly defined and coherent contemporary art themes [coupled with] true innovation and artistic impact.”

With an inner sole in ‘croslite’ and TPU uppers, the shoes match their older brothers and sisters, but feature some radical differences including high heels. We can’t wait to see what the fashion world makes of them! 

Crocs aren’t the only big name in plastic shoes. Brazilian brand Melissa has produced a number of fashion-forward capsule collections with major designers including Gareth Pugh and Karl Lagerfeld. 

jt/cm