Birkenstock: Barbie effect
Birkenstock: German Sandals, Iconic Style and Financial Value on the Rise
Birkenstock: From Prejudices to International Fame
A revolution in the world of footwear fashion came to life with the unexpected success of the Birkenstock , the German sandals that have long carried the label of "not beautiful but comfortable". However, these iconic sandals proved that comfort and style can go hand in hand, winning not only the hearts of those seeking maximum comfort but also the attention of a style icon: Barbie. In the recent film dedicated to the famous doll, Birkenstocks found their place, overturning expectations and demonstrating that the world of fashion is constantly evolving.
Online Search Increasing and Sales Growing
The popularity of Birkenstocks is constantly growing, with online searches for the Arizona model showing an astonishing 110% increase. A tangible sign of their impact also emerged in the previous year's sales, with a notable increase of 29%. The turnover reached the exciting figure of 1.2 billion euros, generating profits totaling 394 million.
Stock Market Listing Prospects and Economic Valuations
The rise of Birkenstocks has not gone unnoticed in the financial world. According to what was reported by Il Sole 24 Ore, the L. Catterton fund, which is the owner of the brand, is considering entering the stock market and is planning the launch of an 8 billion dollar public offering by the end of summer.
However, the prospects could be even more ambitious. Forbes suggests the valuation could reach a staggering $10 billion. L. Catterton is working with leading financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. to prepare for this bold step into the world of finance.
A Union of Style: Birkenstock and the World of Barbie
Not only a financial success, but also a triumphant entry into the film industry. Birkenstock found a place in the Barbie movie, a film that grossed over a billion dollars (1.03) worldwide in just three weeks after release. Official Warner Bros. sources, cited by CNN, have confirmed this incredible achievement.
In one scene of the film, Kate McKinnon, who plays a "weird Barbie," confronts Barbie (played by Margot Robbie) with the choice between German sandals and heels. This homage to a famous scene from The Matrix adds further appeal to the connection between Birkenstocks and pop culture.
The Evolution of Birkenstock: From Shoemaking to Fashion
The origin of the Birkenstock dates back to 1774, when Johann Adam Birkenstock registered as a shoemaker in the ecclesiastical register of Langen-Bergheim, in Hesse, Germany. Over the next few centuries, the brand developed flexible insoles and, in 1963, launched the first sandal with a flexible footbed, laying the foundation for today's comfort footwear industry.
Birkenstock is not only synonymous with comfort, but has also been adopted by the world of fashion and glamour. Prestigious brands such as Valentino, Jil Sander, Dior, Manolo Blahnik and Proenza Schouler have collaborated with Birkenstock, proving that their impact goes beyond simple comfort.
From Kate Moss to Steve Jobs, celebrities from every industry have embraced Birkenstocks, giving them an authenticity that goes beyond the runway. Even in the auction world, a pair of Birkenstocks that belonged to Steve Jobs sold for a record price of $218,750, underlining the iconic value of this footwear.
In conclusion, Birkenstock has proven to be much more than just German sandals. Their impact extends from fashion to cinema, from finance to popular iconography, making them a fundamental element in the history of footwear design.