Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - May 21, 2003
Birkenstock symbolizes individuality and freedom of expression and the shoes created by our guest designers embody those ideals. The sandals were decorated by a variety of people including Chris Isaak, Cindy Crawford, Danny Glover, David Grisman, Jeff Probst, LPGA golfer Jen Hanna, Mickey Hart, organic chef Nora Poullion, Ray Romano, Robin Williams, Self Magazine editor Rachel Ezrin, This Old House host Steve Thomas, and more. All participants' canvases were a pair of Cocoa Nubuck Arizona's in size 41 and the designs were created using unique fixings specific to each celebrity as well as paints, markers, and charms. The artists have all signed their shoes and the auction bidding will start at $100 a pair.
"We wanted to showcase the impact this sandal has had throughout our culture these past 30 years," said Birkenstock spokeswoman Jenny Mirmelstein.
"By collaborating on this unique promotion with well-known artists who embody our brand, we hope to raise money for a charity our organization believes in, and at the same time celebrate consumers' awareness of Birkenstock as a lifestyle icon."
The Birkenstock Arizona has made countless feet happier through every bend in the long road. Birkenstock sandals have paved the way for peace protestors, college co-eds, disco balls and modern technology, giving the brand meaning beyond the shoes simple physical attributes. Once only sold from founder Margot Fraser's garage in Santa Cruz, CA, the sandal is still the best-selling style for Birkenstock and can now be found in more than 2500 retail outlets across the country, in more than 20 different colors.
Commemorating the anniversary, Birkenstock has introduced three new colors for spring '03, a palate of light tumbled leathers in amber light, golden sunlight and stone blue, all with white footbeds and soles -- a first for the Arizona.
Facts about Arizona
-- The Arizona was the first style developed through a collaboration of Birkenstock Germany and Birkenstock USA founder, Margot Fraser. Fraser "discovered" the style when visiting the factory in Germany. She noticed one of the shoemakers had made a test pair of "two-strap" sandals only for him, and Margot saw his idea and realized the tremendous opportunity they had to market it to the public.
-- The Arizona was the third sandal style Birkenstock ever made.
-- The Arizona is the most functional sandal by Birkenstock. The two straps make it extremely adjustable and hold the foot to the contours of the footbed. The materials are soft and move with the foot, helping the footbed function the way it was designed to perform.
-- Margot Fraser introduced the name "Arizona" because the sandal's material reminded her of desert country and Arizona, and it was easily translatable in German.
-- When most people think of Birkenstock, the picture that enters their mind is the Arizona. It is the most requested style and the company sells more Arizona's than any other style in the US each year.
About Birkenstock
Birkenstock Footprint Sandals, Inc., based in Novato, CA, is the original U.S. importer and distributor of Birkenstock footwear made in Germany. Birkenstock is a mindset of free spirit and individual expression that starts from the ground up. We believe that comfortable footwear leads to happiness and well-being, which is why our products are designed around the concept that the shape of the shoe should follow the shape of the foot. Birkenstock has more than 400 styles, colors, and textures of sandals, clogs and shoes, and a line of insoles and arch supports, all designed around our original footbed concept. People who wear our product appreciate high quality, comfortable footwear, and have their own distinctive style. To locate a nearby retailer, or to receive a current catalog, call 1-800-761-1404, or visit the Birkenstock web site at http://www.birkenstock.com.
About Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation creates a future that offers hope through pediatric research and programs worldwide to ensure children are at the forefront of every scientific breakthrough. Their mission is to identify, fund and conduct critical pediatric research that will lead to better treatments and prevention of HIV infection in infants and children, to reduce and prevent HIV transmission from mother to child and to accelerate the discovery of new treatments for other serious and life-threatening pediatric diseases.
SOURCE Birkenstock Footprint Sandals Inc.
Web Site: http://www.birkenstockusa.com
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