Valentino Takes Knitted Uppers Very Seriously
Brand: Valentino
Model: Valentino Garavani Crochet Sneakers in woven fabric
Release Date: Available Now
Price: $1,100
Buy: Valentino
Editor’s Notes: As seen at the Valentino Collezione Milano SS21 fashion show, Pierpaolo Piccioli’s fully-knitted Garavani Sneaker is finally available for purchase.
The experimental, almost folkish design features an intricate, handmade upper woven with tubular fabric ribbons. The macramè crochet work sits atop a pared-back rubber heel, with each pair taking over 10 hours, 88 needles, and 100 meters of wire to complete.
Macrame and crochet are used across various pieces in the collection, most notably on the woven leather tote bags. However, it is here, adorning the Garvani Sneaker that it is most playfully and effectively utilized.
Sneakerheads will be familiar with other knitted technologies from some of the bigger sports brands, such as Nike’s Flyknit or adidas’ Primeknit materials. Valentino’s full-on knitted upper is a totally different monster and proves that the Italian fashion house takes its knitting very, very seriously.
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