Susie Tompkins Buell (co-founder of Esprit, political activist and philanthropist) dropped us a note to let us know how much she loves the Birkenstock brand. She says;
Brands and products that we’ve relied on for years are fizzling out. The way I see it, there are very few iconic products that are left for us to enjoy and learn from. I like to call them standbys: they’ll always be there to come back to if you wandered off for a spell. I have my favorite standards, like Levi’s 501 jeans, Brooks Bros. classic button downs, Hermes Kelly bag, a perfect white Hanes tee, Lacoste polo, and of course, my Birkenstock sandals. New fits, colors, and textures will inevitably be added to the basics, but these classics will always endure. There’s no better look than that of the confident wearer of the classics in lieu of the trendy fly-by-night fashion that’s being pushed on consumers today.
Peace, love and Birkenstock,
Susie
Here’s a picture of Susie (wearing a pair of Birkenstock Gizeh, or course) with Paul Smith at his San Francisco store opening.
photo credit: Drew Altizer
If you’re interested in reading about another great entrepreneur and leader, check out this great profile of Margot Fraser, the founder of Birkenstock USA in the current issue of Inc. magazine.