Closed 1993 The Closed collection concept: A durable, anatomically-shaped shoe which can be disassembled into its individual components. Consumers are encouraged to participate actively in decisions related to the environment and their own well-being. At the same time, the collection must fulfil aesthetic requirements as well as ensuring that ecological and social responsibility remains a mainstay of production methods.
Our Collections
The Closed have removable soles and insoles. Each pair comes with an anatomically formed cork insole, covered with vegetable-tanned calf leather. Besides the regular shape, they are also available in a sanded-down version. The rubber soles are sewn to the intermediate sole and upper rather than glued. This patented technique allows the soles to be detached, renewed and returned to the production process. Three men's and five ladies' Closed sole models are currently available.
The shapes of lasts and sole units as well as the types of materials used remain unchanged. As a result, the major challenge lies in creating innovations in terms of pattern technique. Over the years, Trippen has developed its own design language in this respect, which bears no relation to conventional shoe patterns. Lines and sculptured shapes are constant themes in the designs. New silhouettes transcend traditional ways of seeing, while experimental patterns permit unorthodox designs. Despite the delight taken in experimentation, these designs are also invariably based on functional considerations.
The Closed-Elk collection is a response to the search for a material which envelops the foot with the same degree of aesthetic skill as a pullover embraces the body. The softness and comfort of elk leather is simply incomparable. Its high elasticity means that many conventional cutting lines are not possible, so new, extremely original ideas evolve. In terms of sole construction, the Closed Sandals resemble the other Closed collections. The hand-made insole is made up of up to five layers of felt and covered with leather, though. So each foot shapes its individual footbed.
The collections are not replaced every season, rather existing styles remain available. They are continually modernised by adding new colours and leathers and gradually develop into classics. Awards: Baden-Württemberg International Design Award, I.D. International Design Award, Good Design Award, German Federal Ecodesign Award 2013
Cup 1998 The idea behind the Cups: to mirror the feeling of walking barefoot. An ergonomic shoe with a modern look and a spectacularly light wearing sensation. The two separate sole units resemble shells which safely protect the heel and the ball, while the upper is soft and flexible. The insole is made of thick, vegetable-tanned leather, which is moulded around a form in shape of a foot. The resulting footbed supports the arch of the foot, simultaneously forming the skeleton of the shoe.
The rubber sole is sewn on with a strong yarn, giving the shoe a robust and uniquely handmade look. As an alternative to the rubber sole, the Cup designs are also available with a crepe sole made of 100% natural rubber - perfectly complementing the increasingly important theme of sustainable fashion. The men's Cups turn out about one size larger. AWARDS: Good Design Awards in Japan and the USA, Red Dot Award
Penna 2003 The aim was to combine maximum comfort, function and a new design with a simplified manufacturing process in order to facilitate production in Germany at competitive prices. In accordance with the construction of a moccasin, in the Penna collection soft leather uppers are sewn onto flexible sole units. This allows for an almost complete avoidance of solvent-based adhesive in the production process.
During the rolling motion, the sole, with its concave shape, offers maximum possible shock absorption, whereas the foot can shape its own anatomically formed insole in the felt layer beneath the inner leather sock. The seams typical of a Moccasin-type construction have been developed further and perform a form-giving function. This makes additional reinforcements unnecessary. The production process is based on traditional handicraft. Variations of up to a few millimetres in size are inevitable. Thus every shoe is unique.
Awards: 2004 Good Design Award