Birkenstock's 250th Anniversary Event
In early November, the Birkenstock Australia and Birkenstock New Zealand teams co-hosted a three-day event and activation in Sydney, celebrating 250 years of family tradition in shoemaking.
The Apartment at the iconic Chinatown Country Club was transformed into a dynamic showcase of Birkenstock's heritage, innovation, and cultural significance. The event brought together media, retail partners, friends of the brand and loyal customers to commemorate this remarkable milestone.
Media Launch
The celebrations kicked off on the 7th of November with a media launch, setting the tone for the weekend. Guests were greeted with cocktails, canapés and music.
The event brought together a series of immersive exhibitions and engaging activations, each offering a unique look at Birkenstock's history, innovation through time and new products.
The Hourglass Archive Exhibition
This exhibition delved into Birkenstock's heritage in shoemaking. Guests explored early sandal styles, shoemaking tools and artefacts, as well as special-edition Birkenstock 1774 collaboration styles, each reflecting the craftsmanship and innovation that have shaped the brand for over 250 years.
Kyoto Tradition
To celebrate 250 years of Birkenstock, the special-edition Kyoto Tradition sandal, limited to just 250 pairs worldwide, was a highlight of the event. Crafted from premium Kolesch deerskin leather and cork harvested from a 250-year-old Cork Oak tree, the sandal features embossed strap details inspired by hunting and lederhosen motifs.
The 250 Exhibition - Walk This Way
Curated by Henry Leutwyler, this exhibition offered a visual journey through Birkenstock's evolution. A collection of archival prints highlighted key moments in the brand's history.
Birkenstock Personalisation
One of the most popular experiences at the three-day activation was the letter monogramming station, where the Birkenstock Australia team personalised new sandals for guests, adding a memorable touch to their experience.
The Launch of Birkenstock Care Essentials
The event also marked the Australian launch of the Birkenstock Care Essentials range, a six-product foot care collection designed to relax, exfoliate, and nourish the skin. Offering a complete foot care routine, the COSMOS-certified vegan products are crafted from 100% natural-origin ingredients, combining active recovery with at-home indulgence.
Guests experienced the range firsthand in the Birkenstock Foot Spa, a serene and sensory space for relaxation. Skilled masseuses used the products to deliver the Care Essentials signature foot massage—a 20-minute restorative treatment developed with an expert reflexologist.
A Written Legacy - Birkenstock Books
At this event, we also launched three notable publications: The Book of Birkenstock, designed by Bureau Borsche and co-published by Steidl; Old Mills Never Die, a limited edition photo book set curated by Gerhard Steidl; and Birkenstock - The Evolution of a Universal Purpose and Zeitgeist Brand, edited by Dr. Andrea Schneider-Braunberger, published by Prestel. These books offer a deeper insight into Birkenstock's rich history.
Looking ahead, Birkenstock remains committed to honouring its rich heritage, passion, and purpose of 'walking as nature intended'.
