Engineered Garments x Sebago SS21 Release
Engineered Garments designer Daiki Suzuki has collaborated with American-founded shoemaker Sebago, reinterpreting Sebago’s classic artisanal value through his contemporary technical lens. The collaboration has resulted in a capsule collection in beige, black and dark brown, featuring full grain leather, suede or asymmetrically textured uppers, and Vibram EVA soles. Now available at Nepenthes New York store and website.
Suzuki cites his inspiration for the collaboration as wanting to take advantage of an opportunity to reshape a classic American style to the current times.
: Regarding the collaboration model this time, tell us the concept of each design.
DS: In regards of tackling the design, I wanted go a step further and do something more than just a material or color change approach to an existing model. As for the base to lay out my ideas on, I looked through their wide range of models - loafers, boat shoes, chukkas, boots - and came to a conclusion that I wanted the most basic model for the base. When I think “basic” , it’s a Blucher moccasin. With my personal favorite style of moccasins as the base, I added my own adjustments so the finish would be distinctively different from traditional SEBAGO.
Cover Deck
DS: By scraping off the designs, it looks more simple and stylish. It’s a more slick, sophisticated cool image of the Blucher moccasins. From casual to dressy, I think it can assist a wide range of styles.
Overlap
DS: The Blucher moccasin but with a mountain boots detail incorporated in it. I was imagining the 70s European mountain boots. The hook eyelets here are a good accent to the design, giving it a mode feel as well.
Zipper Deck
DS: For this model, I added zippers typically used for long lace up boots. This zipper component is originally made to facilitate the boots wearing process, so I don’t think there’s any use for it in this low-cut model. But disregarding the functionality, I adopted the component into the design for its unique shape.
DS: Actually, these three models are carefully chosen from a larger batch of samples that I created, so I really like the design of all three. The materials chosen are wax, suede, and leather embossed with reptilian pattens. I’m personally fond of the wax and suede because they’re reminiscent of the older American work boots and mountain boots. They’re full lining and made to be waterproof, so you can wear them barefoot and go wild with it. I hope you’ll enjoy the product.