To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the prestigious German studio PORSCHE DESIGN has teamed up once again with SONRA, the brand of the talented designer Hikmet Sugoer. After the first Proto released 2 years ago, the 2 partners present an exclusive and limited collection of 3 Proto’s « Past », « Present » and « Future ».
From different backgrounds, PORSCHE DESIGN and SONRA share a unique product philosophy and high-end know-how.
Roland Heiler, Head of Design at Porsche Design, commented : « Our collaboration with the sneaker brand SONRA is a highlight and another central event in our anniversary year. Hikmet Sugoer, the founder and designer of SONRA, is the pioneer of the German sneaker scene. His creations combine the values we have been living at Porsche Design for 50 years – timeless, purist design combined with innovative functionality. »
The 3 new collaborative pairs each sport a look inspired by Porsche Design’s 50th anniversary campaign « It’s about time ».
The « Past » Proto references Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the company’s founder, and the legendary Porsche 911 S 2.4 from 1972, the year PORSCHE DESIGN was founded. This iconic car has been specially restored by Porsche Classic for this important anniversary. Handcrafted in Germany, the shoe consists of a black upper blending premium natural grain woven cowhide with vegetable tanned leather overlays. The SONRA logo appears in white on the quarter panel and the PORSCHE DESIGN branding is subtly engraved on the side heel. Other black elements, such as the laces, tongue and tag, as well as the inner lining, emphasize the look. The whole is based on an elegant white midsole and a black outsole that provides the final harmonious touch.
The Proto « Present » is dressed in black with a touch of grey and red paying homage to the special limited Porsche 911 Edition 50 Years of Porsche Design model. Like the « Past », this limited version is handcrafted in Germany from premium black braided cowhide with natural grain and matching vegetable tanned leather. The heel counter has a grey overlay enhanced by a thin red insert. The ‘little extra’ of this pair : the NFC chip integrated in the tongue, which offers the possibility to retrieve information on the history and context of the collaboration.
The « Future » version really lives up to its name, it symbolizes the progressiveness and innovation of the 2 brands. A unique model, it was created by Hikmet Sugoer using a 3D printer. The visual of this pair makes the link with the design of racing cars, with a rather aggressive shape and vents on the sole for example.
Hikmet Sugoer shared : « With this sneaker, we are taking a completely new path and were able to freely implement our vision. Since 1972, Porsche Design has stood for technical innovations combined with maximum functionality and purist aesthetics. This fills me with pride and appreciation for the 50th anniversary of this trilogy of common sneakers to life, setting new standards while celebrating the past, present and future of Porsche Design. »
The limited PORSCHE DESIGN x SONRA « 50th Anniversary » collection will be released on November 30, 2022 at sonra.de and porsche-design.com. The Proto « Past » is limited to 50 pieces, the « Present » to 250 (including 50 pairs available in the reopened Porsche Design Store Berlin on Kurfürstendammet, Berlin), and the « Future » is a one-off model that will be available via a raffle. Good luck !
