Natacha Ramsay-Levi and Ecco’s alliance heralds an era where luxury, innovation, and craftsmanship meet.
Ramsay-Levi’s appointment as Ecco’s first creative partner is a testament to the brand’s foresight and a strategic move, marking Ecco’s significant stride into realms where luxury and everyday wear coalesce. With a history enriched in luxury goods and a notable stint as the Creative director of the Richemont-owned Chloé, Ramsay-Levi’s entrance into the Ecco family is anything but ordinary.
Ramsay-Levi’s collaboration with the Danish brand Ecco is not new. Previously, she was part of the inaugural group of designers in Ecco’s At.Kollektive project, gaining insights into the brand’s research, development and crafting unique designs.
”There is something very special, super authentic, super true about Ecco; a quiet confidence which I love,” shared Ramsay-Levi. ”They know who they are, what they do, and control how they do it. And because they have this trust and awareness and knowledge, they can take risks. I’m very impressed by the way everything is done – from technical innovations to the brand culture.”
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In her role as creative partner, Ramsay-Levi unveils the ”NRL” collection for Ecco, whose launch coincides with Frieze London 2023, with 15 distinct shoe styles. She infuses classic designs with amplified proportions and vibrant colors, crafting a more striking visual expression. The offerings range from monochrome heeled loafers and ”Biom” trail shoes reenvisioned as color-block pumps, to versatile lace-up, block-heeled walking boots. The collection, characterized by a convergence of art and technology, flaunts a 4K color palette featuring bubble-gum pinks and cherry reds accentuated with rubber-look leather.
Ramsay-Levi emphasizes, ”This is not about a designer coming in and changing everything. It’s about highlighting what already exists with another point of view.”
Since its establishment in 1963, Ecco has grown into a family-owned enterprise, seamlessly handling its manufacturing and sales processes. Offering a diverse range of footwear for all ages, Ecco boasts 2,000 stores globally and generates an annual revenue of 1.7 billion euros.
Natacha Ramsay-Levi left Chloé in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of edgy elegance from her four-year tenure. Her contributions extended beyond design; she enhanced the brand’s focus on social sustainability and women’s advancement. Her journey with Chloé began in 2017, following her role as the creative director for women’s ready-to-wear at Louis Vuitton since 2013. Ramsay-Levi’s career took off at Balenciaga in 2002, where she ascended to be Nicolas Ghesquière’s chief design deputy. Post-Balenciaga, her expertise benefited brands like Hermès and Acne Studios before her reunion with Ghesquière at Vuitton.
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