ECCO presents a fresh vision under new creative partner Natacha Ramsay-Levi

With a focus on innovation and culture, footwear and leather accessories brand ECCO has always pride itself on making comfortable shoes that exude modernity. Founded back in 1963 by Danish husband-and-wife team Karl and Birte Toosbuy, the brand has certainly gone under the radar over the decades with a flurry of newer brands and trends that have emerged into the scenes. Alas, it seems a revamp is happening.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, ECCO looks to reinterpret and amplify its long-standing house codes, injecting youth and freshness into its democratic people-first approach to design. As part of this new chapter, the brand has partnered up with renowned Parisian designer Natacha Ramsay-Levi to release a new capsule collection. Ramsay-Levi, whose former stints as the design director at Louis Vuitton and creative director at Chloé has catapulted her to the top of the fashion pyramid, has also previously worked with ECOO as part of the first batch from the At.Kollektive lineup—a revolving designer-collaboration programme.

Ramsay-Levi now showcases her creative prowess through her new collection, the first of a series of bi-annual ‘NRL’ collaborations with the brand. In a seamless mix of sportswear influences and contemporary urban-chic, the debut drop sees varying styles in bold colours and smooth detailing. Ramsay-Levi sums up the inspirations: “The influence of sport and technicality is always important to me, but now even more. It’s about bringing together colours usually seen on polyester or jersey fabrics and applying them onto ecological leather.”

There is something for everyone, from monochromatic platform heels to classic chelsea iterations that feature playful colour blocking. The signature ECCO Biom trail shoes are reimagined as sleek loafers and sock boots in warm shades of bubble-gum pink and cherry red, their streamlined silhouette offering versatility and functionality to the wearer. Shares Ramsay-Levi of her appreciation for the brand: “There is something special and authentic about ECCO, and I’m very impressed by the way everything is done from the management to the awareness.”

In line with the release of the NRL collection are a series of campaign images that exude the love and warmth from family, albeit highlighting how the traditional concept of family has evolved over the years. Titled “What Makes A Family”, three families are captured by photographer Sean Thomas; illustrious Japanese model Kiko Mizuhara and her sister Ashley Yuka, English singer and producer Pink Pantheress alongside her childhood best friend Bleona, and finally rider and stuntman Travis Pastrana featured with his wife and daughters. Panos Mytaros, ECCO’s CEO, adds to the sentiment: “Today, family is more than its stereotypical definition, it’s more about the energy of unity. You have to think more inclusively, it can be anybody and everybody.”

The NRL debut collection is truly an organic expression of individuality and technology. Scroll on for Vogue Singapore’s favourite picks from the collection, which will be available in stores from October 2023.