ROSE IN GOOD FAITH Plastic Soul "Endless Black"

Back in July, Los Angeles-based luxury label ROSE IN GOOD FAITH expanded beyond its usual limited-run hand-made capsule collections and sought-after collaborations with iconic music artists to introduce its Plastic Soul shoe. Serving as the label’s first footwear silhouette, the release quickly became viral thanks to its subversive sustainable construction. Continuing to evolve and expand its brand voice, the Plastic Soul shoe expresses a clog design made of thermoplastic/ethylene-vinyl acetate foam from unused or discarded sex toys from American sex toy manufacturer Doc Johnson.

Working with Doc Johnson on the project for almost two years, RIGF developed a unique recycling system that grinds down defective adult toys into millimeter-sized cubes of TPE. The cubes are then mixed with non-bleach EVA foam and injection molded into the shape of the Plastic Soul. The functional design of the shoe features a raised arch at the footbed to lessen abnormal stress on the knees and hips. While a natural cork insole that molds to the wearer’s foot shape for added support helps provide all-day comfort. Aside from the progressive functionality, the design expresses references to a chunky hiking shape with a runner-like low-cut profile for effortless versatility.

Following its debut release, ROSE IN GOOD FAITH will be introducing the viral Plastic Soul shoe in an “Endless Black” colorway. The sleek limited take is in reference to combining all primary colors, to create a deep color. The campaign for the release is inspired by RIGF’s journey in navigating its own “balance and form,” presenting elegant depictions of the female body. Hips, ankles, and back provide both expressive and contemplative displays of balance.

To mark the release, ROSE IN GOOD FAITH builds on the conversation around sexual health it has sparked, offering to reimburse three men who buy the shoe and get a vasectomy. Speaking on the formation of life, RIGF highlights the place of men in the creation of life and the sexual health conversation around reproductive rights.

“I’m always surprised when the conversations around reproductive rights don’t also fall on men. There’s not enough attention around vasectomies which have gotten so advanced over the years, they are almost painless and, guess what, reversible. As someone who doesn’t want kids myself, the responsibility is not fully on my partner. If I’m part of the equation to make a child, I should also be part of the solution, said David Teitelbaum, Founder, ROSE IN GOOD FAITH.

“We are so proud of this partnership with ROSE IN GOOD FAITH to promote sex positivity through fashion and innovation. It was important to us that we create a shoe that was conscious of environmental impact, which is why we are beyond thrilled to make these using our up-cycled sex-toy materials. We can’t wait to get these out in the world as part of our global movement to destigmatize sexual health and wellness, said Chad Braverman, Doc Johnson COO.

Priced at $145 USD, the Plastic Soul “Endless Black” will be limited to 500 pairs and released on ROSE IN GOOD FAITH’s website and featured at Fred Segal’s Los Angeles flagship location.