Our designer, Kasey Gibbs, was featured this week in Footwear News, a leading shoe industry publication. She shares the benefits and challenges of creating eco-friendly shoes that are beautiful and comfortable. To learn more about Kasey, click here.
10 Questions for Naya’s Kasey Gibbs
by BARBARA SCHNEIDER-LEVY
From FOOTWEAR NEWS ISSUE 03/08/2010
Kasey Gibbs, Photo by John Alquino
Brown Shoe Co. took an environmental stand with the launch of Naya this spring.
The new brand, which provides fashion-comfort looks with a nod to Mother Nature, takes its name from the Hindi word for “renewal.” And it’s the first step in the St. Louis-based parent company’s green initiative, according to director of product Kasey Gibbs, who divides her time between Naya and sister brand Naturalizer.
“We all think of Naya as an ‘eco lab.’ When we see something we can do that would work for Brown’s other lines, our sourcing team will implement it,” she said.
Naya boasts product made using water-soluble cement, vegetable-tanned leathers and cork footbeds, as well as nickel-free hardware. Recycled packaging completes the offering.
Pat Hogan, GM at Naya, said the company is invested in Naya for the long term. “Brown is cutting its teeth on eco-friendly footwear,” he said, adding that he hoped the initiative would encourage the industry at large to be more green-minded.
With sustainability a priority, Naya is also focused on creating trend-driven styles. “We want the shoes to be beautiful, expressive and artfully made,” said Gibbs. And as a comfort brand, Naya incorporates cushioned footbeds and lightweight unit bottoms. Naya debuted in stores last month and retails for $100 to $150, with boots up to $250.
Here, Gibbs reveals her vision for being fashionably green.
1. Is the eco-movement here to stay?
KG: It’s time to start thinking about ways to make products easier on our environment. The home goods industry is way ahead of fashion in this area. It’s a totally new way of thinking about design, and many designers are taking on this challenge. This takes awareness and a thoughtful approach to designing, packaging, manufacturing and distribution. We’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg.
To read the full article, visit Footwear News.
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the shoes, pointed out how beautiful the shoes are and explained why they’re eco-friendly.
