Photo: Courtesy Birkenstock x Tekla
Fact: No one does comfortable footwear like Birkenstock. So strong is the appeal of the seemingly humble two-buckle sandal, that it even played a major role in the recent Barbie flick. Once considered as the ultimate pared down pick for days off, Birkenstocks have now earned It Shoe status with multiple new renditions of the classic style. And if you’re a bonafide comfort connoisseur, the German shoe brand’s latest collab was made just for you.
For its latest drop, Birkenstock has joined hands with Tekla, the Danish textile house best known for its sleepwear, bedding and home linens. The collection seamlessly blends that unmistakably cosy Birkenstock fit, with an elevated level of luxe, all in soothing shades of creamy white, pink, and deep navy blue. “When designing, we were looking at the idea of rest as a form of inspiration,” explains Kristoffer Juhl, co-founder and managing director of Tekla. “Ideals of contemplation, comfort and finding stillness of mind were concepts the teams worked with, so we also hope to inspire these feelings in people when wearing the collection – whether at home resting or outside.”
Dropping this month, the footwear and sleepwear collection is one worth investing in for the cozy months ahead. Below, Juhl tells us more about what to expect from the Birkenstock x Tekla pieces.
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Tell us a little bit about Tekla as a brand, and how you started off.
Tekla was born from a desire to bring modernity and freedom of expression to homewares. Our journey began with an uncompromising commitment to design and quality; to create home textile products that are not just beautiful but also enduring. We draw inspiration from diverse sources, including art and architecture.
With a foundation in bedding, the full collection now comprises pieces for the entire home, grounded in minimalistic aesthetics. We create colourways and patterns that complement and contrast effortlessly to elevate living spaces.
What inspired you to join hands with Birkenstock?
Our decision to partner with Birkenstock was inspired by the alignment of our values and shared appreciation for quality, durability and craftsmanship. Both our brands place a strong emphasis on comfort, making it a core aspect of our products. Given Birkenstock’s reputation for functional, high-quality footwear, this collaboration felt like a natural fit from the beginning.
From home and sleepwear to footwear – how has your journey been so far? What does it feel like to expand beyond your realm into new territory?
This collection serves as a holistic embodiment of our shared values while exploring our point of inspiration. Working in this new category has allowed us to translate a concept fully, offering an overall sense of comfort when these pieces are worn together. The expansion into footwear has truly been a journey of artistry and collaboration, resulting in a collection that reflects the essence of both Birkenstock and Tekla.
Your new collaborative collection with Birkenstock offers up shoes that aren’t like any the brand has done before. Can you pinpoint where Tekla’s magic touch can be noticed in the new offerings (maybe through the soothing colour palette, or the fuzzy inner soles of the shoes)?
Colors are a key aspect of the Tekla universe, which can be felt in the shoes’ carefully chosen color palette. These saturated and subtle colorways are used across a material mix to provide a serene “dipped in color” effect. We also added distinctive elements like elongated straps, hand-stitched finishings and shearling on Birkenstock’s iconic footbed, allowing a sense of elevated comfort.
Lastly, what is your hope with the new Birkenstock x TEKLA collection?
The collection aims to reflect the point of commonality between Tekla and Birkenstock; our natural synergy when it comes to quality, longevity and craftsmanship.
