His sneakers aim to promote human rights. Fashion designer Marco Massetti, from the Marche, designed and manufactured them. On December 9-10, he presented his Human Right Sneakers collection at the UNO (United Nations Organization) headquarters, in Geneva. Most of the proceeds, coming from sales, will be allocated to a non-profit association for Human Rights and Tolerance. The aim is to carry out a number of humanitarian projects and initiatives in Italy and all around the world.
Ambassador of peace
The United Nations Organization deemed his project to be “the most interesting one on an international scale”. They therefore appointed Marco Massetti ambassador of peace. He created leather, hand-painted sneakers, which will be for sale at 70 to 120 euros. “I intentionally fixed a competitive and affordable price to convey the message more effectively”, pointed out the fashion designer. “Fashion has always been good at launching new trends, lifestyle habits and desires. I therefore decided to take advantage of such power to launch a few useful and necessary messages in the present-day society”.
Exhibiting at the Castagno
Massetti set up a Garden Store at the Castagno Outlet Village (Casette d’Ete). It extends across 700 square metres, where he exhibited products made in the Marche. Shoes and leather goods most of all, while presenting manufacturing items from his region. Visitors may also find in the Garden some innovative services. An artist is permanently available to fulfil customers’ request for a customised article, and they paint shoes accordingly. Moreover, a tailor is ready to measure guests up in order to make a tailored dress (a suit for men). In an open-plan small laboratory, equipped with 3D printers and pad printing machines, they process and develop special products.
The symbolism of sneakers
“Sneakers and new generations massively drive online sales in the footwear market – continued Massetti –. The symbolism of sneakers has been changing, as their functionality and use have progressively become more important. This project will urge young buyers to focus on meaningful and relevant issues, such as respect for human rights”.
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