Sneakers , although new, that look as if they have been through all the skateparks of the world, handmade by the best Italian craftsmen, from planet-friendly materials, aged by the harsh sun of Italy - these are the flagship products of Golden Goose.
Italian couple Francesca and Alessandro Gallo dreamed up the fashion brand in the late 1990s. They wanted their clothes to be a conglomeration of their stories, experiences and memories. Together with a tailor friend they began to turn the dream into reality in their hometown of Venice. In 2001 their first collection was ready. Today, the brand offers not only shoes, but also clothes, bags and other accessories.
Old is beautiful
Golden Goose's designs can be described as combining a sophisticated and modern american style with a vintage spirit, all supported by the italian tailoring tradition. It is very important to the brand that all its models and the materials, including natural leathers, used to create them, are produced in their homeland. "We have a strong desire to preserve traditional craftsmanship, taking the opportunity to channel the warmth of the craftsman's hand into perfect imperfections," they declare rather poetically. You'll recognise Golden Goose sneakers by the imperfect star missing one shoulder.
The materials used to create Golden Goose's latest collections are environmentally friendly: vegan, having nothing to do with animals at every stage of production and handmade in Italy. "This is our step forward - to create a better future for everyone," declare the brand's representatives. Without throwing words to the wind, the Yatay Model 1B shoes use YatayTMB - an innovative bio-based material developed in its own laboratory, obtained from plant sources, with a biodegradable, handmade sole, making each piece unique. At the same time, their production process significantly reduces water consumption and carbon emissions. By buying these shoes you can also support a great initiative by the Treedom organisation, which will plant a tree on your behalf in an area of the world that needs it most.
Flagship models
Superstar is the brand's most recognisable model, adorned with a colourful star, printed logo on the heel and distinctive aged details. Maintained in a unisex style, they are made from smooth leather and available in a variety of colours and prints, making it easy to find a pair that fits you perfectly.
High Tops reach past the ankle. Available in a variety of unisex designs, including Francy and Slide, thanks to their colourful stitching, star motif and iconic aged design, they pair perfectly with jeans and a T-shirt to keep you completely comfortable.
Purestar are clean. They have no aged effect, they are pure sporty elegance. Made from smooth leather, the low-top shoes feature a Golden Goose star, round toe, foil-stamped lettering and a detail on the heel.
Ball Star draws on the culture of the 1980s and american basketball, combining modern style with a vintage aesthetic. Handcrafted in Italy, they are made from aged calf leather and finished with a distinctive star appliqué on the outside of the foot with the "sneakers" slogan split across both heels.
Space-Star have a soft sheepskin lining and a foam insole that remembers the shape of the foot, guaranteeing unparalleled comfort from the first step. They are marked with the iconic star on the upper and logo. In addition to the tobacco-coloured suede version, new versions are now available: leather panther, silver brocade and quilted black nylon.
Stardan was created for those who played basketball on estate courts in the 1990s, passionately watched NBA games and exchanged cards with images of the most famous players. Particularly noteworthy is the Gold model with gold inserts.
Dad-Star evokes the emotions of sneakers passed down from generation to generation. Like the sole, which refers to the idea of hanging the trainers in the sun to get the typical yellowed shade, the rest of the shoe is heavily aged. These treatments make the Dad-Star unique trainers with a soul full of history.
Golden Goose Kids may be small, but they have a lot of style! The children's collection includes adorable Velcro and lace-up models, suitable even for babies. Made from soft leather, they are super-comfortable and finished with a non-slip sole to help children when walking.
Exactly the way you want them
If you already have shoes that are perfect in their imperfection, you don't have to worry about them getting dirty because they are already aged, so you can include a part of yourself in them and, for example, write some of your life motto on them. Or collect your friends' signatures, as you used to do on a plaster cast stiffening your arm as a result of youthful hanky-panky. Don't have an idea for an inscription? Opt for a Ball-Star model with the inscription "Never stop dreaming" and - like the brand's creators - never stop dreaming.
In 2014 Golden Goose focused its attention on retail development, opening its flagship shops in many locations around the world. By 2020 there were 158 across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and America. The company's products are also offered by boutiques and luxury department stores like Vitkac.
On February 2nd 2019 Golden Goose opened a LAB in its Milan shop at Via Ercole Marelli 10, created to bring the brand's venetian tradition of craftsmanship directly to the consumer. A Golden Goose artisan demonstrates on site how the products are made and aged by hand using professional tools and treatments, and customers can immediately give their sneakers a personal touch. The multitude of trainers hanging from the ceiling of the shop's lamplight is reminiscent of the phase of the process where trainers are hung in the sun to give the soles a vintage yellow hue.
Not just shoes
For a long time Golden Goose collections have not only featured shoes. The brand's designers argue that double-breasted jackets and coats with gold buttons, playfully decorated with the brand's symbol on a sleeve patch, go well with sneakers. They are perfectly complemented by other specialities of Italian craftsmen - hats. Tracksuits in the style of the American sports pioneers, with long or short trousers, are stylish and comfortable. Jumpers and hats, although also looking like they have been bitten by the tooth of time, are made with the utmost care from high-quality wool. Cotton blouses and T-shirts are not without their faults either, but that is what they are supposed to be! A small hole here, a print "mistake" there - yet all under control. You too can be perfectly imperfect!
Controversy
The company's history has not been without controversy. In 2018 Golden Goose found itself at the centre of a social media storm, accused of mocking poverty. It was about a model of Originals taped together with silver tape and with scratch marks, priced at $600 a pair. They were deemed by internet users to be an insensitive design that hits people in crisis of homelessness who are thus saving their, often only, footwear. And these shoes were designed as a tribute to all the skaters around the world, who very often tape up their ramp-damaged trainers for as long as they can.
Ownership
In 2010, with revenues of €30 million, the company was bought by the Style Capital group. In May 2015 the majority of the company was acquired by a group of investors led by Ergon Capital. In February 2017 the Carlyle Group acquired 100% of Golden Goose. In February 2020 Golden Goose, Permira and The Carlyle Group announced that the Permira fund-backed company had agreed to acquire Carlyle's majority stake in Golden Goose.
Golden Goose for men:
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