A brand that's been loved since the 90's by both New Zealand and Australia alike, it only made sense that the Australasia joined forces to celebrate the 250 milestone. Taking place at Sydney's Chinatown Country Club with an eclectic range of guests, Birkenstock NZ invited long-time brand lovers Karen Walker, Hercules Noble and Laura Hadlow to name a few. The diverse guest list is a nod to the simple fact that Birkenstocks are designed and loved for everyone, and highlights the brand's purpose of human reconnection.
As the elevator doors opened, guests were met with a glass of champagne and canapes as they wandered through the Hourglass Exhibition and Travelling Photo Exhibition within the character-filled interior of the Chinatown Country Club. A DJ set the scene as guests shared their fond memories of Birkenstock, flicked through the Book of Birkenstock book display, and enjoyed special personalisation to their pair of sandals.
To top off the event, a tranquil and zen retreat was nestled through a cove-like opening for guests to experience the new Care Essentials Range with Birkenstock's Signature foot massage. Designed as a hybrid offer between traditional massage and foot reflexology, the 15 minute massage highlights the three pillars of the Care Essentials Range - Exfoliate Care and Recover. The range is set to launch in New Zealand in 2025.
The Hourglass recounts a journey beginning in 1774 when the BIRKENSTOCK shoemaking tradition originated. It’s a history paved with many milestones, but marked with a clear mission – to provide people with the most natural way of walking through innovative footwear. BIRKENSTOCK first pioneered with its remarkable footbed and later with its MADRID sandal in the 1960s. The brand’s origin story is a trailblazing tale. While today BIRKENSTOCK might be synonymous with the sandal, its success has been defined by a daring company culture. Our guests enjoyed a foray through this fascinating history, discovering priceless artefacts from the Birkenstock archive.
The Hourglass recounts a journey beginning in 1774 when the BIRKENSTOCK shoemaking tradition originated. It’s a history paved with many milestones, but marked with a clear mission – to provide people with the most natural way of walking through innovative footwear. BIRKENSTOCK first pioneered with its remarkable footbed and later with its MADRID sandal in the 1960s. The brand’s origin story is a trailblazing tale. While today BIRKENSTOCK might be synonymous with the sandal, its success has been defined by a daring company culture. Our guests enjoyed a foray through this fascinating history, discovering priceless artefacts from the Birkenstock archive.
Featuring 140 photographs by Henry Leutwyler, Birkenstock’s global photo exhibition, Walk This Way showcases the craftsmanship, people, and legacy behind the brand through the ages. Shown in cities like Tokyo, Paris, and London it has toured more than 25 locations worldwide. We were lucky enough to display a curated selection of prints at the Sydney exhibition, where they hung suspended from wire fixtures from the ceiling.
Featuring 140 photographs by Henry Leutwyler, Birkenstock’s global photo exhibition, Walk This Way showcases the craftsmanship, people, and legacy behind the brand through the ages. Shown in cities like Tokyo, Paris, and London it has toured more than 25 locations worldwide. We were lucky enough to display a curated selection of prints at the Sydney exhibition, where they hung suspended from wire fixtures from the ceiling.
For the first time, guests were able to experience the total bliss of the new Birkenstock Care Essentials Collection. To connect to the brand's pillars of active recovery, indulgence and appreciation of nature, the signature massage was developed to encourage consumers to take care of their feet and, consequently, of their overall well-being and body/mind balance. Developed in collaboration with an expert reflexologist therapist (@lucie.reflexologie), the signature massage is a hybrid offer between traditional massage and foot reflexology designed to treat the feet and unfold the products´ functions and experience its full sensorial effect.
For the first time ever, Birkenstock’s rich history is beautifully captured in The Book of Birkenstock. This 688-page masterpiece, designed by the renowned Bureau Borsche and co-published by Steidl Publishers, takes readers on a visual exploration of the brand’s archives. On display at the event, guests flicked through the pages of original advertising sketches to iconic campaigns and fan snapshots. The book reveals the essence of Birkenstock through stunning imagery and compelling narratives. Printed with exceptional craftsmanship, it’s more than a book—it’s a collector’s item that showcases Birkenstock’s enduring influence on footwear, fashion, and culture.
Shop NowFor the first time ever, Birkenstock’s rich history is beautifully captured in The Book of Birkenstock. This 688-page masterpiece, designed by the renowned Bureau Borsche and co-published by Steidl Publishers, takes readers on a visual exploration of the brand’s archives. On display at the event, guests flicked through the pages of original advertising sketches to iconic campaigns and fan snapshots. The book reveals the essence of Birkenstock through stunning imagery and compelling narratives. Printed with exceptional craftsmanship, it’s more than a book—it’s a collector’s item that showcases Birkenstock’s enduring influence on footwear, fashion, and culture.
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As Birkenstock marks 250 years, it’s more than just a celebration of shoes—it’s a celebration of people, history, and design. From its humble beginnings to becoming a cultural icon, Birkenstock’s story reminds us that true craftsmanship and innovation never goes out of style.
Here’s to the next 250 years of walking boldly into the future!
For a deeper look into Birkenstock's history, click here.
