Art and Design / October 1, 2021

ilk x Padmore & Barnes: A collaboration 21 years in the making is released

Art and Design / October 1, 2021

ilk x Padmore & Barnes: A collaboration 21 years in the making is released

Legendary designers ilk remake a line of classic shoes with Kilkenny based Padmore & Barnes

A collaboration that’s been shuffling along in the background between two design houses, has finally been released. 21 years in the making, the partnership between Irish shoe manufacturers Padmore & Barnes and Portugues designers ilk, has produced the P204 Wallabee shoe.

The Wallabee shoe was first produced by Padmore & Barnes 60 years ago, has been reworked with help from ilk.

Entirely hand-stitched, the moccasin is made with soft suede and has a durable crepe sole.

Ilk have said this men’s shoe is designed for “dressing up for a special event or meeting up with mates for a drink”.

Padmore & Barnes were the first to make the iconic Wallabee shoe in their factory on the banks of the River Nore in Kilkenny. This rework of the shoe is being produced by hand, in ilk’s factory in Felgueiras in northern Portugal.

For its first Irish brand collaboration, ilk has chosen a pedigree brand that has worked alongside international brands like Supreme, Comme des Garcon, and Stussy in the past.

The shoes are priced at €160 and are available from ilk’s online shop.

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