Veronique Branquinho x Camper Preview

Despite close shop on her own self-titled brand, designer Veronique Branquinho’s talents will be kept busy with the upcoming release of a collection of men’s footwear with Spanish footwear Camper. A preview includes a series of derby styles with the partnership set to span two seasons.

Designer Veronique Branquinho has created a capsule collection of men’s shoes in collaboration with Spanish footwear maker Camper, set to hit U.S. stores and international markets in February.

The spare, elegant designs are part of Camper’s Together initiative, which has included previous collaborations with fashion and industrial designers such as Bernhard Willhelm, Jaime Hayon, Maria Blaisse and Alfredo Häberli.

Antwerp-based Branquinho shuttered her own 11-year-old label this year, citing financial difficulties related to the economy, including a sharp downturn in orders and nonpayments from retailers. Branquinho has since been appointed artistic director of the 180-year-old Belgian leather goods maker Delvaux.

The footwear project with Camper was planned before Branquinho’s label closed and did not affect the decision to move forward with its execution, the company said.

The genesis of the project began when Branquinho took a vacation to Mallorca, Spain, where Camper is headquartered. An admirer of the brand, the designer took a tour of its facilities, meeting with Lorenzo Fluxá, the founder and owner, and they came up with the idea of working on the men’s line together.

“She was very enthusiastic about the island, the brand and its roots, sharing the same values regarding creativity, design, good quality, simplicity and austerity,” said Dalia Saliamonas, sales director for the Camper Together collections. “The result was an elegant and subtle Derby shoe with refined detailing.”

The spring collection includes three men’s Derby styles: a leather lace-up, a similar model with a step-down heel, and a third version in leather and linen materials. The shoes, which retail for $375 to $400, will be available in the Camper store on Madison Avenue in New York. Globally, they will be available in Camper stores in key markets, Camper.com and select wholesale partners.

Camper operates four stores in the U.S. and more than 200 globally. The collaboration with Branquinho is scheduled for two seasons.

Source: WWD