Birkenstock 1774 is taking a bold step forward with the launch of Ensemble 1774, a new Paris-based creative platform inviting visionary designers to reimagine the brand’s footwear. For its first chapter, the German heritage label tapped acclaimed French designer Thibo Denis, whose track record includes groundbreaking work at Dior and his current role alongside Pharrell at Louis Vuitton.
Denis is no stranger to Birkenstock—he previously co-designed Dior’s Birkenstock sandals—but this time, he’s breaking new ground. Instead of leaning on the brand’s iconic sandals, Denis chose to design sneakers that fuse Birkenstock’s DNA with his own love of hiking, climbing, and skateboarding aesthetics.
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“Birkenstock has always been famous in the US as a resting pair. My idea was to create Birkenstocks that could be used for that effort,” Denis told Highsnobiety. “Even if my name isn’t on it, it still looks like Thibo.”
The collection embraces the theme of “climbing the city,” drawing from a 1970s Yosemite-inspired color palette while staying true to Birkenstock’s craftsmanship. Three silhouettes headline the drop:
- Uerzell – a slip-on mule with suede uppers, cork midsoles, and thin laces, available in taupe, plasma, and maroon.
- Stroedt – a sleek low-profile lace-up with a single strap detail nodding to classic Birkenstock sandals, offered in black, bone, and plasma.
- Goerlitz – a voluminous sneaker with chunky laces and a suede build, coming in black, brown, and mink.
Each pair features Birkenstock’s signature cork footbed, a bone-pattern outsole, and a blue 1774 stamp that signals the luxury imprint. Though they break from tradition, Denis ensured they still feel “obviously Birkenstock.”
The Thibo Denis x Birkenstock 1774 collection will see its exclusive pre-launch on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Dover Street Market and the DSML E-SHOP, before rolling out more widely on Birkenstock 1774’s website.
Blending Birkenstock’s heritage with Denis’ forward-thinking approach, Ensemble 1774 is setting the stage for future designer-led projects—and perhaps a new era for the German footwear icon.
