The new Birkenstock 1774 Romanticismo collection draws inspiration from 19th-century Italian Romanticism — a movement defined by emotion, imagination, and a deep reverence for beauty and form. Translating this sensibility through thoughtful design, expressive materials, and a softened lens, the collection reinterprets Birkenstock’s most iconic silhouettes with a sense of poetic restraint.
Comprising three styles — the Milano, the Boston, and the Arizona — each piece is crafted from Italian-sourced materials and assembled in Germany.
Every silhouette embodies precision and balance. A calm yet expressive palette of Mustard Brown and Black lends depth to familiar forms, enhanced by refined signatures: delicate leather piping, square buckles entirely wrapped in leather, and considered stitchwork along the straps. At its foundation lies the original Birkenstock footbed, anchoring the collection’s elevated detailing in the brand’s enduring principles of function, quality, and tradition.
Marking its 50th anniversary in 2026, the Milano stands at the heart of the collection — an homage to the city of Milan and the spirit that inspired it. First introduced in 1976, the sandal is reimagined in smooth black leather, with refined contrast piping and stitching. Its two front straps and supportive back strap create a modern, considered silhouette that anchors the offering.
This year also marks an anniversary for the Boston clog. Introduced in 1976, it has become part of what is now a Birkenstock archive of over 700 silhouettes. A house icon defined by its closed-toe ease and sculptural simplicity, the Boston is presented in Mustard Brown and Black, with subtle contrast detailing that highlights its crafted lines and understated character.
Completing the trio, the Arizona two-strap sandal appears in Mustard Brown with a fully tonal finish, and in Black with precise piping and stitchwork that sharpen its outline — bringing a familiar classic into dialogue with the collection’s anniversary styles.
Rooted in feeling and form, Romanticismo blends tradition and imagination in a collection designed to resonate quietly and wear effortlessly.
The Arizona from the Birkenstock 1774 Romanticismo collection is now available in South Africa, exclusively at the V&A Waterfront store and online at bashafrica.com/1774. Price: R12 999.
