Tracy Reese partners with Naturalizer to launch sustainable footwear collection

Tracy Reese, American designer and founder of Hope For Flowers, has announced a sustainable capsule collection with Naturalizer, a leading women’s footwear brand, as part of her continuous effort to inspire and give consumers more thoughtful style options. To the widely anticipated partnership, Reese adds her creative skill, slow-fashion knowledge, and devotion to using high-quality and eco-conscious materials.

On select Naturalizer sustainably manufactured designs, Reese’s characteristic floral patterns, hand-painted stripes, and joyous design flair will debut in March 2022, empowering customers to advocate for good change within the fashion sector. She based the collection on the things she loves to wear, the staples of her own wardrobe, and her unwavering optimism and love of color.

Nine versions will be available, ranging from flats and sport bottoms to espadrilles and kitten heels, and will have flashes of eye-catching hues including crimson red, sapphire blue, and fuchsia. Reese personally created each style as well as every component of the design and print in her Detroit design studio.

Reese said that it’s time for cheerful shoes; people should smile when they look at the shoes. The Tracy Reese x Naturalizer Hope for Flowers collection is all about celebration and self-expression. It’s all about looking nice while helping others. She is an advocate of responsible design and for her, it’s about making more informed decisions and purchasing goods that we like wearing and would never consider parting with.

Hope for Flowers’ social purpose represents Reese’s quest to empower women and young people via arts programs for youth and cooperation with local makers and craftsmen, which was inspired by her hometown community and driven to be more sustainable in every facet life.

Nest, a non-profit that promotes the artisan and maker economy, will benefit from the proceeds of this capsule collection. The funds will be used to support Nest’s Makers United program, which gives free tools and market access to tiny maker firms throughout the country with the goal of promoting diversity in local creative economies. Makers United initiatives are active in both Reese’s hometown of Detroit and St. Louis, which is home to both Naturalizer and Nest.

Reese added that Nest has been bridging the gap between craftsmen and ethical companies for 15 years, helping to develop a more human industry. Their capsule collection, developed in Detroit, is a fantastic way to support Nest’s growing work in the United States, providing resources and new market connections to the varied makers who are vital to local creative economies.

Naturalizer’s vice president of global design, Angelique Joseph, said that this collaboration is essential to both companies’ fundamental principles of sustainability and equality.

Naturalizer has been progressively committed to a more sustainable future by creating shoes that are more environmentally sensitive. For example, the business employs Leather Working Group-certified leather and environmentally aware packaging, with 100% of shoeboxes made from 80% recycled paper and printed with soy-based ink. Insole boards made from recycled molded plastic, recycled linings, and chosen fabric uppers created from sustainable yarns will all be part of this capsule collection.

Joseph added that Tracy’s message has inspired them and so many others via her real-life actions. They think that by working together, they can build a more sustainable future with our various perspectives, creativity, and skill. They’re privileged to be working with Tracy in order to learn from her and promote Naturalizer’s sustainable initiative.

Reese was approached by Naturalizer because her fundamental principles and design philosophy closely coincided with the objective of Naturalizer’s “Today We Will” campaign, which encourages women to make a difference via conscious acts and good social change. In addition, as part of its Today We Will campaign, the company has featured activists Rebecca Lee Funk, CeCe Olisa, and Candace Reels, as well as a body positivity advocate CeCe Olisa and intersectional feminist Candace Reels.