Vibram’s Archival Exhibition Was a Reminder to Be One With the Outdoors

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For the Milan Design Week 2025, Vibram showcased a unique exhibition entitled “Nature-Inspired Icons: The Intersection of Contrasts,” emphasizing their continued commitment to designs inspired by nature.

For four days, the Vibram Connection Lab, a hub for research and development, showcased its distinctive design ideologies in its underground area. This location serves as a vibrant environment for innovation, where concepts are developed into products that are then available for purchase at Vibram’s European flagship store, which is nearby. As Giuseppe Grandinetti, Global Catalyst at Vibram, explained, “We’ve showcased some stages of our sole manufacturing process here, providing a hands-on experience to see how our high-performance soles are created.” However, it’s not just a workshop – it’s a collaborative space where we work together with other creative minds.

In this unique display of the company’s working space, there were only a few samples, shapes, and materials from various eras of the brand’s collection. However, these diverse elements combined to highlight the contrasting design principles that underpin the brand. One of Vibram’s most valued artifacts, the Carrarmato sole, was included in this showcase. This design, created 88 years ago by Vitale Bramani, initially designed for mountain treks, has been adapted for other lifestyle models, such as Snoop Dogg’s personal Timberlands. As Grandinetti noted, “We are the only brand solely dedicated to soles.

During the exhibition, TopMob met Abby Bucknall, Head of Global Marketing at Vibram FiveFingers, who was part of the co-curation. She explained that in earlier times, everything about FiveFingers was crafted artisanally, guided by instinct and a sense of primal simplicity. “The founder of FiveFingers would say, ‘Let your body guide you,'” she reminisced, highlighting decades of innovation. This isn’t just shoes; it’s a philosophy. A journey back to the authentic feel of movement: effortless, natural, and liberating. Each toe moves independently, enhancing every step with increased connection and awareness.

Vibram FiveFingers is a relatively new chapter in the history of Vibram, which dates back to 1937. The concept for Vibram FiveFingers was born at the start of the 20th century by Robert Fliri. He designed an early prototype by molding latex around a bare foot to facilitate natural movement. This exhibition showcases the evolution of the FiveFingers design, starting from this initial prototype and subsequent ones, demonstrating how its fundamental design philosophy has endured over time.

As a nature enthusiast, I couldn’t miss the captivating hut by Hank Grüner, adorned with vibrant flowers and mountain landscapes. Bucknall shared that their intention was to design a shelter, symbolizing protection and introspection, much like a mountain refuge. The flowers symbolize FiveFingers as a source of vital energy rising from the earth, while the mountains reflect Vibram soles. With its vibrant, playful strokes and fluorescent hues, it stirred a sense of childlike enchantment reminiscent of venturing into nature with Vibram footwear.

If you didn’t catch the “Icons by Nature: When Opposites Attract” show, don’t worry! You can still get a glimpse of it by browsing the summary photos available in the gallery above.

Shop Vibram’s latest releases by visiting its website or Milan flagship store.

Vibram Flagship Store
Via Raffaello Sanzio, 6
20149 Milano

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2025-04-17 18:56