P448 is launching a capsule collection with inserts made of Burmese python, a species considered harmful to the ecosystem in Florida. The Italian sneaker brand explained the reason behind the choice of using exotic leather. According to Wayne Kulkin, founder and executive chairman of parent company StreetTrend, raising awareness with factual sustainability initiatives is more educational, compared to “bombarding consumers with other elements”.
Speaking of exotic leather
P448 has launched a line of sneakers called Bali Python. It’s the third time the brand uses materials originating from invasive species, after lionfish and carp. P448 used the skins of the Burmese python, one of the largest snakes on the planet (capable of reaching 7 meters in length and 90 kilograms) coming from Florida. The snake, native to Southeast Asia, became an invasive species after people started releasing animals in the wild. Pythons have devastated native species in Everglades National Park. For example, red lynx population has decreased by 87.5%, while rabbits and foxes have been completely wiped out from the ecosystem (source WWD).
Educate and raise awareness
P448’s goal is “to showcase, educate and raise awareness over the damage produced by invasive species in the environment”. The brand “has adopted a modern sustainability approach to researching new materials derived from certain predators that have caused environmental destruction”, reads a press release from the company (source Fashion United). With regards to efforts to spread sustainability awareness to consumers, Kulkin argues that: “bombarding the consumer with facts and figures is not as effective as educating them”. The P448 Bali Python model is priced at 529 euros.
Read also:
