BOTH PARIS

Originally from Singapore, chemist George Zhu has spent the last thirty years taking particular interest in rubber. Joined by a creative studio in 2016, he launched the sneaker brand both with the aim of "restoring the natural beauty and the incomparable properties of rubber". The signature material comes in all varieties, sometimes with coloured panelling, sometimes with notched treads, transforming trainers into a perfect alternative to Wellington boots. Always striving further in creativity, Both Paris combines rubber with individual materials such as Ventile (a water-repellent cotton) and leather, available in monochrome nude, white, khaki and black tones.
Both Paris is also known for collaborating with other creative minds on innovative capsules, such as the French designer, Clergerie and David Mallon de Souvenir, an independent Berlin label. The latest collaboration is an opportunity for both to tackle some political topics. Indeed, the blue EUnify sweatshirt is printed with the European Union's flag, without the United Kingdom's star. A red model is also available in tribute to Both's Chinese roots. The Paris-based brand with an anonymous creative team now has a long list of fashionable followers: Jaden Smith, the Hadid sisters along with Skepta and Jack White from The White Stripes. Names likely to propel the label to the top...