Shukman used Balena's BioCir - which, according to the company, is the first fully compostable and biodegradable elastomer in the fashion industry -, and infused it with her artistic vision to create an item that is both “as striking as it is circular”. Thus, driven by the concept of Roots, she sought to integrate the branches and stems of the top of her slides into the outsole, mimicking the organic involvement of this natural element under the foot, and intentionally designed the left and right shoes differently to reflect the notion of them growing into the feet.

With this collaboration, the materials company is looking to show how 3D printing can advance the adoption of compostable, biodegradable and simultaneously durable materials, revolutionising the materials landscape in the fashion industry, one of the world’s most polluting industries.

“Partnering with Kitty to create a truly remarkable and circular product has underlined the magic that happens when you put the right material in the hands of the right designer. Our combined creative vision has taken the dream of sustainable, scalable 3D-printing another step forward, and we hope to see leading fashion brands take a step in the same direction in the near future”, commented David Roubach, Founder and CEO of Balena.

“I continually strive to strike a balance between functionality, sustainability, and style, and working with the Balena team to envision this new design has helped me imagine a day when our fashion industry becomes truly circular”, added designer Kitty Shukman. “I hope to see 3D-printing continue to leave its mark as a unique, bold, and sustainable medium in the fashion industry on its way to becoming climate neutral”.