Combining craftsmanship and high-performance sneakers was a challenge that French brand Le Coq Sportif undertook in their collaboration with feather workshop M. Marceau. This limited series of 47 pieces, sold exclusively at the concept store Au Studio Français, aimed to showcase Le Coq Sportif’s performance sneakers, which often take a backseat to their more streetwear-focused models.
The collaboration featured three different sneaker models. The LCS R PRO running shoes, limited to 35 pairs, incorporated side feathers from a rooster, paying homage to the brand’s name. The LCS T PRO tennis shoes, limited to 10 pairs, showcased an assembly of cutouts made from peacock feathers. Lastly, the matte black cycling Chromo was adorned with striking blue-dyed goose feathers, creating a truly exclusive look with only 4 pairs available.
To gain insights into the collaboration and the craftsmanship involved, we spoke with Maxime Leroy, the creator of M. Marceau. Leroy is a feather artist who holds a CAP in Art Crafts: Featherwork and has exhibited his work at esteemed venues such as the Grand Palais and the Palais de Tokyo. He has collaborated with notable fashion houses like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Jean Paul Gaultier, showcasing his talent and expertise in haute couture collections. Leroy is also the co-founder of Sacco Barret, a brand specializing in accessories, footwear, and leather goods.
When asked about the process of working on such a collaboration, Leroy emphasized the importance of personal desire in choosing projects as an independent artist. In terms of the technical aspects, the M. Marceau team closely studied the structures of the different sneaker models alongside Le Coq Sportif. For the tennis shoes, they needed to add an additional leather layer to attach the feathers and prevent friction.
Regarding the selection of feathers, Leroy explained the reasoning behind each choice. The rooster feathers were chosen for their flexibility and movement. On the other hand, the team decided to work with peacock feathers in a different way to create a more unique design, combating their commonness. To do so, the feathers were glued to fabric and then re-cut to form the graphic structure seen on the shoe. The goose feathers, known for their aerodynamic properties that aid in the bird’s flight, were carefully selected. These feathers, which were dyed using a keratin-based process, were assembled on the shoe. Remarkably rigid, these barbs were historically used to create artificial Christmas trees. It is worth noting that all the feathers used in the collaboration come from specialized farms and are sourced ethically, with a focus on using molted feathers.
In terms of time frame, Leroy revealed that it took approximately a month to complete the collection, from sourcing the feathers to manual production.
The Le Coq Sportif x M. Marceau Collection is exclusively available at Au Studio Français in Paris 4, with prices starting from €400.
Photo credits: Le Coq Sportif
Links:
– Le Coq Sportif
– Au Studio Français
