Fast, trend led, fashion may be rampant on the high street but brands that create with a visible sense of purpose stand the true test of time. While Teva‘s purpose is predominantly lifestyle focused, Han Kjøbenhavn aim more for aesthetic purpose; thus a collaboration between the two brands strikes an ambitious balance between traditional Teva design and daring Danish aesthetics.
In order to better understand the overarching creative purpose behind the partnership we spoke to Tim Hancock and Jannik Wikkelsø Davidson of Han Kjøbenhavn, who launched the brand together in 2008.
What’s the story behind the collaboration?
Teva supported us at our AW15 and SS16 Copenhagen Fashion shows. We wanted to create one of a kind footwear for the shows, and TEVA were very open minded and supportive with styles for our runway. After our shows the dialog was on-going, we decided to see what we could create together and if we could combine the very different worlds of outdoor footwear and Han Kjøbenhavn.
What makes this collaboration different? Why TEVA and why now?
We felt that the footwear collab was the right match for us. We’ve done collaborations before; a beer bottle for Carlsberg, the remake of the Arne Jacobsen “Grand Prix” Chair for Fritz Hansen but never footwear.
Since we both grew up in the Danish suburbs wearing sandals with classic white tennis socks daily, we wanted to create a one off collection from scratch with a mix between the traditional Teva design and our aesthetic. The result is a footwear collection that encapsulates our Danish design. Besides our eyewear it’s also the first unisex product that we’ve done.
What were your influences, both as separate brands and while working together, that guided this project? What did you want to achieve?
We wanted to maintain our signature minimalist aesthetic. We started with the classic Teva sandal shape and aimed to create something new using flatform styles, cork soles, unexpected shapes and a monochrome colour palette.
Outside of this collaboration, can you talk about your work and your recent collections more broadly? How does this collaboration sit with HK’s current season and where the HK brand is right now?
Han Kjøbenhavn collections reflect our current state of mind but are also influenced by our upbringing during the mid-90’s in the Danish suburbs.
During this time gear from the local football club was an important part of our wardrobes. Our fathers ingrained within us the importance of the footballing crest. Football shirts and training jackets were worn with leftovers from the old mans closet, we wanted the sandals to compliment this nostalgic look.
The collection is available from the 17th of May in the HK retail stores in New York, Paris, Copenhagen and Han Kjobenhavn Online, and from the 18th of May through the Teva website and selected retailers.
Judge for yourself just how well the collaboration compliments Han Kjøbenhavn’s SS16 collection.