Louis Vuitton presents the “Charlie sneakers”
With its eco-responsible design made of 90% recycled and bio-sourced materials, Charlie, revealed on 12th November 2021 is the first ever unisex sneaker by Louis Vuitton. Charlie introduces new perspectives to the world of nely crafted eco-designed sneakers.
Staying true to its innovative mindset, Louis Vuitton presents Charlie, a sneaker model vibrating at the pace of modern times. Available in sizes 34 to 47 (3 to 13 in US sizes) in a low and high-top version, this new must-have for all wardrobes, regardless of gender, is ideal for an everyday life encompassing mobility, comfort and high quality, values dear to the House. Charlie marks an important step forward in terms of eco-responsibility, as it challenges all the current standards thanks to its eco-conception featuring 90% recycled and bio-sourced materials.
The concept of circular creativity has been applied in a holistic way, from the studio sketches to Louis Vuitton's shoes workshop in Fiesso d'Artico, northern Italy. This is how Charlie’s sole — which accounts for 50% of the sneaker's weight —, made up of at least 94% recycled rubber, is record breaking while remaining supple and shock-absorbing. The upper part is composed of smooth and grained synthetic material, produced from recycled polyester and a layer of Biopolioli, a corn-based plastic. The entirely recycled laces echo the tongue patch made with ECONYL®,
a 100% recycled and 100% recyclable nylon derived from nylon waste, also used on the back of the Charlie and for the House’s signature. The inside sole and lining are respectively composed of recycled polyurethane and recycled polyester.
Pushing this approach even further, Louis Vuitton has redesigned the traditional packaging, protecting Charlie with a felt made with TENCELTM , branded fibers originated from renewable wood sources certified by FSC®(Forest Stewardship Council). FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. The shoe box, made up of 100% recycled cardboard, becomes a bag, transportable thanks to a handle, also in TENCELTM wood based fibers, thus making it possible to save around 70% of materials for the two available sizes. The use of plant-based inks as well as the shoe box’s interior, which has been left in raw kraft paper, also reduce the impact to the minimum of this innovative packaging.
“Our committed journey” is Louis Vuitton’s sustainable development plan, in line with the LIFE360 (LVMH Initiatives For the Environment) plan. Through six lines of action, it aims to preserve natural resources (sustainable supply of materials, contribution to climate protection, circular approach of creativity) and to have a positive impact on society (diversity and inclusion, commitment to local communities, development of know-how).
Find out about their commitments, targets and news on louisvuitton.com
