Teaming up and giving back, ALIFE Founder Arnaud Delecolle has joined forces with Dave Cory of Converse fame to launch OBRA.
Launching today both direct-to-consumer and at premium retailers, the New York-based brand was built in Brazil literally and figuratively as the brand stands for “a worker’s labor” and “the work of an artist” both in Portuguese and in practice.
Produced in a family-owned factory that offers benefits ranging from education programs, on-site daycare, medical facilities, a nutritionally-balanced cafeteria, and transportation to and from work, the conditions in which the shoes are created could push industry expectations. Spurred by social impact, the end products play off the brand’s commitment to artistry and culture with commissioned collaborations adding to that aim.
So, what about the shoes themselves? Based on comfort and ease of wear, the shoes sport Working FootbedTM support with the likes of exaggerated pull loops and side zippers catering to style and sliding into each step. Canvas construction and toe cap steeze play towards casual wearability in relaxed but mature fashion.
Launching the core collection with five canvas silos today, pairs range in price from $120 to $150 with contributions of $10 from each sale going towards Red Hook Labs as part of their promise to give back. Visit the OBRA site here to shop and see what they’re all about.
