Birkenstock 1774 Arrives in South Africa
Birkenstock 1774 Arrives in South Africa with Ensemble 1774 Creative Initiative
Birkenstock has officially launched its exclusive 1774 super-premium line at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, marking a significant moment for the storied footwear brand in the South African market. The debut coincides with an ambitious new venture: Ensemble 1774, an innovative creative platform that partners the German heritage brand with international design visionaries to reimagine its most luxurious offerings.
A Paris-Driven Creative Ecosystem
Ensemble 1774 operates as a collaborative design incubator, headquartered at a Paris-based creative studio that curates and amplifies the voices of emerging and established design talents. Rather than solely relying on internal development, the platform opens the doors to imaginative designers who are invited to conceptualize entirely new footwear silhouettes that honor Birkenstock's legacy while pushing creative boundaries.
Thibo Denis: A Master of Luxury Footwear
For the premiere chapter of Ensemble 1774, celebrated designer Thibo Denis has been selected to lead the inaugural collection. With over 15 years of expertise in luxury footwear design, Denis brings an impeccable pedigree rooted in some of fashion's most prestigious houses.
Denis launched his professional journey at renowned Belgian designer Kris Van Assche before transitioning to the LVMH universe in 2015. At Christian Dior Couture, he distinguished himself through pivotal collaborations on footwear collections alongside legendary designer Kim Jones, while simultaneously contributing to high-profile Ready-to-Wear capsules including the groundbreaking Air Dior and ERL projects. His visionary work extended to the landmark Dior by Birkenstock collaboration, unveiled in January 2022—a watershed moment that foreshadowed his deeper engagement with the brand.
Most recently, Denis joined the Louis Vuitton Men's Studio in 2024, where he continues to shape collections under the creative direction of Pharrell Williams, the Men's Creative Director.
The Stroedt: Exclusive South African Premiere
The first Ensemble 1774 creation to reach market is the Stroedt, a striking reinterpretation of Birkenstock's iconic silhouette. The model features a distinctive lace-up construction with a wrapped single strap that travels across the upper, creating a contemporary dialogue between classic Birkenstock design vocabulary and modern footwear innovation.
Exclusively available at the BIRKENSTOCK V&A Waterfront flagship location from October 2, 2025, the limited-edition Stroedt is offered in three sophisticated colorways: classic black, pristine white, and a bold lime accent. The collection spans sizes EU40 (UK7) through EU45 (UK10.5), positioned at R 11,999 per pair.
This South African exclusive marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Birkenstock, where artistry and heritage converge in the pursuit of contemporary luxury.
