Stefan Mathys, Co-Founder of VYN / Bespoke Renewable Sneakers
06/11/20 • 24 min
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VYN is the first repairable sneaker in the world. The brand was founded by Catherine Meuter and Stefan Mathys in 2019. Their goal is to encourage the customer to re-evaluate expenditure and move away from a disposable mind-set, to one where they take care of sneakers, enjoying them for longer. Together they have designed over 40 collections for various brands in Italy, UK, and Norway. VYN came to life over a discussion about the sneaker industry being one of the most polluting in the fashion industry. Production costs are increasing, and the consumer is being asked to pay more, accept lower quality and less longevity. VYN is the footwear industry’s answer to creating a sneaker that is made to last a lifetime.
With the combined expertise of over 15 years in the footwear industry as designers and developers of world leading footwear brands, Stefan and Catherine wanted to answer a burning question: ‘how do you create a sneaker that is made to last?’ They listened to friends, relatives and experts and based on those insights they started to explore solutions to add longevity to shoes. Besides choosing the right components, materials and adapting the construction, their focus became a repair-solution for the sole unit. VYN sneakers are made to be worn, cared for, and can be repaired by the owner.
In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Co-Founder Stefan Mathys to find out about his fashion background and how the repairable sneaker brand idea was born. Fed up with the season approach the footwear industry traditionally follows, Stefan wanted to create a timeless sustainable sneaker with replaceable pieces. Our host Peter Brooker and Stefan also discuss design challenges, product development, research trips and manufacturing.
Whilst we have your attention, be sure to sign up to our daily MenswearStyle newsletter here. We promise to only send you the good stuff.
Graphite ProGRAPHITE is a platform for creatives and trailblazers aiming to elevate their work....
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VYN is the first repairable sneaker in the world. The brand was founded by Catherine Meuter and Stefan Mathys in 2019. Their goal is to encourage the customer to re-evaluate expenditure and move away from a disposable mind-set, to one where they take care of sneakers, enjoying them for longer. Together they have designed over 40 collections for various brands in Italy, UK, and Norway. VYN came to life over a discussion about the sneaker industry being one of the most polluting in the fashion industry. Production costs are increasing, and the consumer is being asked to pay more, accept lower quality and less longevity. VYN is the footwear industry’s answer to creating a sneaker that is made to last a lifetime.
With the combined expertise of over 15 years in the footwear industry as designers and developers of world leading footwear brands, Stefan and Catherine wanted to answer a burning question: ‘how do you create a sneaker that is made to last?’ They listened to friends, relatives and experts and based on those insights they started to explore solutions to add longevity to shoes. Besides choosing the right components, materials and adapting the construction, their focus became a repair-solution for the sole unit. VYN sneakers are made to be worn, cared for, and can be repaired by the owner.
In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Co-Founder Stefan Mathys to find out about his fashion background and how the repairable sneaker brand idea was born. Fed up with the season approach the footwear industry traditionally follows, Stefan wanted to create a timeless sustainable sneaker with replaceable pieces. Our host Peter Brooker and Stefan also discuss design challenges, product development, research trips and manufacturing.
Whilst we have your attention, be sure to sign up to our daily MenswearStyle newsletter here. We promise to only send you the good stuff.
Graphite ProGRAPHITE is a platform for creatives and trailblazers aiming to elevate their work....
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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1 RecommendationsGenevieve Sweeney is a premium British knitwear label that truly emphases the high level of skills and quality of knitwear manufacturing in the British Isles. The brand fuses contemporary design with innovative technical processes and embraces heritage skills found in the Scottish Borders. Made exclusively in the UK, Genevieve is writing a new chapter for the knitwear industry, marrying contemporary design with exceptional hand finishes. Indebted to the time-honoured techniques of artisan makers, the brand has reimagined the possibilities of knitwear. While working in knitwear design and development for luxury brands across the globe, Genevieve gained a unique insight into the dialogue between designer and maker. Inspired by the relationships she built with local British mills and suppliers; the Genevieve Sweeney brand was born.
Colour blocking, clean lines and unusual yarn blends define the Genevieve Sweeney aesthetic, while geometric hand intarsia jumpers have become a brand signature. This handcrafted technique threads a unique narrative through each individual piece. Complex jacquards and metallic accents sit amongst muted tones and natural fibres for timeless unisex pieces that defy seasonal trends. With a naturally innovative approach to knitwear design, she creates custom yarn blends, sources British spun natural fibres as well as selecting eco and sustainable blends from Italy. Each piece is finished by hand with uncompromising attention to detail, transforming everyday knitwear into a premium investment piece. Genevieve Sweeney is committed to sustainability and with the fashion industry now placing great importance on provenance, the brand embraces ethical practices.
In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview knitwear designer, Genevieve Sweeney, and discuss how she came to set up her own brand after working for high end brands across the world. It was whilst on a mission to help small handcrafted knitwear manufacturers in Scotland when her brand was naturally born. She was quickly stocked by The Shop at Bluebird and Fortnum & Mason, and then set up her website with the help of her graphic designer friends. Our host Peter Brooker and Genevieve also chat about the brand's unique geometric knitwear designs, sock subscription club, Alpacas, sustainable focus, and how she has coped with a newborn baby during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Whilst we have your attention, be sure to sign up to our daily MenswearStyle newsletter here. We promise to only send you the good stuff.
Photo: Diana Patient
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Whilst we have your attention, be sure to sign up to our daily MenswearStyle newsletter here. We promise to only send you the good stuff.
GRAPHITE is a platform for creatives and trailblazers aiming to elevate their work....
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Menswear Style Podcast - Stefan Mathys, Co-Founder of VYN / Bespoke Renewable Sneakers
Transcript
Hello, and welcome to another episode of The menswear style podcast. I'm your host Pete broca. And today I'm going to be speaking to the co founder of Vin, Stephen maphis. Ben, are sneaky or brown like no other, co founded by Catherine Muta and Stephen, who will be speaking to shortly. Together they have designed over 40 collections for various brands in Italy, UK and Norway. So Ben came to life over discourse about the sneaker industry being one o
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