Big shoes to fill

Riding a wave of recent success, iconic German footwear brand Birkenstock is looking to leverage its democratic appeal to expand its presence in China, Zhang Lei reports.

It's rare for Birkenstock to be seen at the forefront of fashion, especially since the German footwear brand's iconic shoes are viewed by some as the ultimate anti-fashion statement. Yet, in recent years the brand has become a mainstay for many upscale retailers, and its latest collection has struck a chord with fashionistas the world over.

The inspiration for their new collection derives from urban society and the zeitgeist for conscious wellbeing, where quality elements from last season's men's collection, such as the leather soles have been continued into this season's women's collection.