Louis Vuitton Turns Towards Eco, Recycled Design With Its First Unisex Sneaker

By Alexa Heah, 27 Jul 2021

Image via Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton is debuting the ‘Charlie’, it’s first-ever unisex sneaker, of which 90% will be made using recycled and bio-sourced materials. The luxury fashion house decided to turn towards an eco-conscious sneaker after analyzing the life cycle of five of its men’s shoes.

The Charlie will be part of the brand’s ongoing trial to transition towards an eco-design process throughout the company. The eco-friendly sneakers will launch on November 12, featuring a sole made up of at least 94% recycled rubber. The shoe will be available in both low-top and high-top styles.

The shoe’s upper will be composed of smooth and grained synthetic material produced from recycled polyester and Biopolioli—a corn-based plastic. The tongue patch, LV logo, and rear of the shoe will also be crafted from Econyl regenerated nylon, which is made from nylon waste such as fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial plastic waste.

According to WWD, Louis Vuitton aims to use 100% responsibly-sourced raw materials by 2025. It doesn’t just want to stop there—the luxury brand hopes to be able to switch to 100% renewable energy in all its production and logistics sites, and have all its offerings comply with an eco-design process.

Christelle Capdupuy, the brand’s global head of sustainability, told WWD that at the end of 2020, 52% of Louis Vuitton’s raw materials were already responsibly sourced. 78% of the leather used came from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries, and 67% of its cotton was certified.

“The Charlie is the result of a collaboration between marketing, the environmental division, our production site in Italy and our suppliers. It’s allowed us to test and source the most ambitious raw materials, in terms of environmental impact, and now we’re learning,” Capdupuy said.

Take a look at the upcoming eco-friendly sneaker in both styles below.