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Sneaking In
Flat-of-the-moment maker Le Monde Beryl surprises us with some modern sneakers
Just Because... | Sept 20, 2024
Might this become the trainer of the season?
Do you still wear a sneaker? Last season of London Fashion Week, it was fascinating to see the percentage of sneakers on the front row halve from it's dominance a few seasons back (okay, so this is qualitative research, using our eyes!). But post-Covid, the want for a heel (even if just a kitten) has krept back. BUT. The desire for the perfect flat that wasn't a sneaker was possibly stronger, which supercharged the Venetian-inspired slipper brand Le Monde Béryl to become THE flat of the walking woman in the past few years.
So the fact they have launched its latest creation, the Slim Runner, as a luxury sneaker is a bit of a shocker. It also marks the brand's first fully unisex design. The new design represents a shift for the brand, with its Slim Runner taking inspiration from 1970s running shoes but features luxurious materials and surrealist detailing.
In the highly competitive luxury sneaker market, the Slim Runner embodies Le Monde Béryl’s distinctive approach. Brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Dior have long dominated the conversation, turning sneakers into coveted items until recently when this has fizzled out. In this landscape, Le Monde Béryl audaciously says "it's not over yet" and is carving out a niche for itself by offering a sneaker that is sporty yet elegant, designed to be as at home at the Venice Biennale as it is in everyday life.
"Our latest design echoes the original inception and evolving principles of Le Monde Béryl where shoes are designed with integrity to celebrate both movement and beauty," founders Lily Atherton-Hanbury and Katya Shyfrin say. This ethos is evident in the sneaker's use of Bevilacqua velvet and satin, materials rarely associated with athletic shoes. The Slim Runner comes in four distinct styles, including Bevilacqua leopard velvet, tiger velvet, black satin, and chocolate satin.
You read that right! Tiger velvet! Chocolate satin. These are sneakers, but not as we knew it. So maybe we'll see that front row back up to 90% sneakers after all.
In the highly competitive luxury sneaker market, the Slim Runner embodies Le Monde Béryl’s distinctive approach. Brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Dior have long dominated the conversation, turning sneakers into coveted items until recently when this has fizzled out. In this landscape, Le Monde Béryl audaciously says "it's not over yet" and is carving out a niche for itself by offering a sneaker that is sporty yet elegant, designed to be as at home at the Venice Biennale as it is in everyday life.
"Our latest design echoes the original inception and evolving principles of Le Monde Béryl where shoes are designed with integrity to celebrate both movement and beauty," founders Lily Atherton-Hanbury and Katya Shyfrin say. This ethos is evident in the sneaker's use of Bevilacqua velvet and satin, materials rarely associated with athletic shoes. The Slim Runner comes in four distinct styles, including Bevilacqua leopard velvet, tiger velvet, black satin, and chocolate satin.
You read that right! Tiger velvet! Chocolate satin. These are sneakers, but not as we knew it. So maybe we'll see that front row back up to 90% sneakers after all.
The AW24 collection features a highly anticipated collaboration with British brand, Baracuta. Kumra reimagines the classic G9 Harrington jacket, incorporating quilted fabrics and handloomed checks that speak to India’s artisanal heritage. This meticulous craftsmanship is a hallmark of Kartik Research, where every piece undergoes some form of hand processing, celebrating the expertise of over 150 artisans from across India.
Sustainability remains a cornerstone of the brand’s philosophy. Over half of the dyes used in the collection are natural, and a significant portion of the garments are upcycled from vintage textiles. The knitwear, crafted by a community of women in Uttarakhand, exemplifies the brand’s commitment to supporting local craftsmanship and reducing environmental impact.
Kartik Research is not just about fashion; it’s about fostering a dialogue between the old and the new, the local and the global. We love the collection images so much - shot by photographer Aaryan Sinha - that we wanted to share them here. Because in a world that often pushes for homogenisation, Kumra’s work stands as a testament to the power of embracing one’s roots while looking forward, creating garments that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.