This year Amsterdam International Fashion Week held a lot of surprises for the spectators that couldn’t believe their eyes when OAT shoes presented their Virgin collection, consisting of shoes that are absolutely biodegradable. After using them for a long time, you have the option, instead of throwing them away, to plant them and watch them bloom! For the needs of the show, OAT’s new models were planted in a white wheelbarrow pushed forward by a semi naked Adam and Eve. The show was titled ‘Saved from the garden of Eden’ in an attempt to portray the return to mother nature. Their proposal was received with such a great enthusiasm that they even won the second prize at the Green Fashion competition that was held inside the Amsterdam International Fashion Week. Let’s find out all the details.

OAT is a young innovative shoes company founded two years ago by designer Christiaan Maats with the aim to create products that connect people with their environment in an imaginative way. That’s why in every product there is a story for the buyer to share.
The guys at OAT explain: “Our goal is to make products that are part of the planet we party on. We all like the nice bits in fashion, so why not make those bits fully biodegradable?”

It comes of no surprise that for such an innovation OAT had to spend two years in search of the most appropriate materials, focusing at the same time on clean design: “The challenge was to make a sneaker that’s got fresh style, with materials that break down when you bury them. There were no real alternatives on the market, so we had to develop and source our own materials and processes.”

The final result is more than rewarding, offering a true green alternative to the sneaker world. All models embrace natural shades, fine classic lines and popping spring colors that make them an ideal companion for the sunny days. The “holly” Virgin Collection for men and women will be available in European stores this spring in a limited edition run of 900 pieces, so stay tuned for more details. Aren’t you curious about the plant that will grow out of your sneaker? We definitely are!