Jolanda van Eijk is the creative force behind all EIJK shoes, designing each pair in her Rotterdam studio. Here, prototypes come to life before being crafted in Italy, in collaboration with a family business in the Marche region. This partnership ensures ethical production, where artisans are fairly compensated and work in a safe environment.
EIJK further extends its impact by donating a portion of every sale to charities and initiatives promoting sustainable and social objectives. However, details regarding the origin of materials used, particularly the tanning process of the leather, are not currently disclosed.
EIJK is committed to the harmony of fashion and sustainability, choosing environmentally friendly materials like vegetable-tanned leather and recycled materials. Their European production sites are carefully selected to minimize their ecological footprint.
The brand’s shoes are crafted in small batches, using artisanal techniques to guarantee high quality. Primarily made of cow and calf leather, a significant portion of this leather is chrome-free, avoiding the use of chrome in the tanning process.
In their collection, EIJK also incorporates vegetable-tanned leather, a more sustainable option that uses plant-based tannins instead of synthetic chemicals.
Moreover, EIJK has developed models using upcycled deadstock materials, derived from the surplus of other brands or producers. While the sustainability of these materials might be less clear, using deadstock significantly reduces the need for new raw materials.
EIJK embraces circularity by incorporating upcycled deadstock leather into their designs, preventing these materials from becoming waste. Their commitment extends to various circular projects, such as their collaboration with Bijenkorf to create a unique shoe collection using denim fabric leftovers.
Designed for durability and lasting enjoyment, EIJK shoes also feature a practical aspect – the brand offers separate tips for the heels of their shoes, allowing customers to easily replace them as needed, further enhancing the shoes’ longevity.
The concluding stages of EIJK’s shoe production take place in Italy., meaning the shoes don’t endure long journeys to reach the Netherlands market. However, details regarding the origin of the leather used remain unclear. It’s uncertain whether the leather is tanned in Italy or sourced from elsewhere, leaving a gap in the traceability of materials.
The EIJK collection is made of cow leather and lamb leather, with a lining of calf leather. Part of the leather is recycled deadstock, this way fewer animals need to die. Unfortunately, there is no information available about the exact origin of the leather, so COSH! cannot form a picture of the living conditions of the animals.
EIJK is currently exploring vegan leather alternatives like apple leather. While they prioritize the quality of their shoes, this standard is challenging to maintain with some vegan options. To understand more about the advantages and disadvantages of vegan leather, additional insights are available for those interested.
The shoes from EIJK have a walking height of 6 cm and are the perfect mix of elegance, comfort, and simplicity, with an edgy look. Jolanda has created the perfect shape and the unique EIJK heel. This powerful feminine heel has the appearance of a stiletto from the back. From the side, it is a narrow wedge heel, which provides extra support and comfort.
The shoes and heels remain part of the fixed collection, with mainly leather types and colours changing per season. The brand produces in small batches, with only 25 pairs of shoes made per colour.
The collection consists of various styles, so you can choose between classic, modern, and timeless designs.
COSH! was able to visit the EIJK studio in De Wasserij in Rotterdam. This gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the original shoe brand. The brand is transparent about their design methods and their production partner in Italy.
This transparency is not yet visible in the materials. In the leather industry, there is a great lack of traceability, making it often impossible for a small brand like EIJK to trace where the leather comes from.
Zaključak
Whether you’re looking for a pair of elegant pumps for the office, comfortable loafers for your daily commute, or chic ankle boots to spice up your outfit, EIJK has it all. The shoes are made of high-quality leather using artisanal techniques in an Italian production studio.
