Italian fashion sneaker brand P448 has opened its second location in Paris at Le Bon Marché. This partnership aims to go beyond just sneakers and introduce customers to the world of P448. The brand has created a unique retail experience called “Endless Summer,” which includes amenities such as an in-store skate ramp, a basketball hoop, soft-serve ice cream, and a whiskey tasting bar. Moreover, P448 has launched a line of sustainable shoes made from lionfish leather.
Wayne Kulkin, the founder and executive chairman of StreetTrend, spoke about the collaboration and the brand’s focus on sustainability. He described the pop-up space as an experiential laboratory that combines elements of a music venue, an artist residency, and a club. Kulkin expressed excitement about the artist program, which will feature up-and-coming talents displaying and creating art in the space.
Sustainability is a key aspect of P448’s mission, and the brand is committed to using environmentally-friendly materials. In collaboration with Le Bon Marché, P448 showcases exclusive styles made with lionfish leather. To create these shoes, they partnered with Inversa, a company specializing in developing skins from lionfish. The skins are used for details and trim on the shoes, as lionfish are too small to create an entire shoe upper. P448’s sustainability initiatives also include upcycling chrome-free leather, recycled suede, bio-vegan materials, and using recycled and repurposed sole and insole materials.
Reducing packaging waste is another focus for P448. The brand has designed a compostable box for shipping shoes and uses a reusable dust bag instead of an additional shoe box. They also use recycled shoelaces for shipping. As a result of these efforts, 25 percent of the brand is now classified as sustainable.
Since its acquisition by StreetTrend in 2018, P448 has experienced significant growth. The brand is currently available in 39 countries with over 2,000 points of distribution globally. The U.S. market has shown the fastest growth, but P448 also plans to expand in Europe and the Middle East.
P448’s growth has been driven by temporary pop-up spaces, offering flexibility and freshness. The brand has opened pop-ups in New York, Miami, and now Paris. Although some locations may be temporary, the Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré location in Paris will remain permanent.
Mark Wahlberg, the rapper, model, and actor, has recently become a partner and strategic investor in P448. His involvement began after meeting Jeff Heckman, a business partner of Kulkin’s, while on vacation. Wahlberg’s custom P448 shoe garnered significant attention, further boosting the brand’s popularity.
Justin MacFarlane, P448’s new CEO, plans to expand the brand’s online presence. Currently, 35 percent of sales come from their websites, and they aim to increase that to 50 percent next year. The remaining sales will be through P448 stores and wholesale accounts.
With a focus on sustainability and unique retail experiences, P448 is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the fashion industry. The brand’s collaboration with Le Bon Marché in Paris showcases their commitment to innovation and providing customers with more than just a pair of sneakers. As P448 expands globally, it will undoubtedly leave a mark on the fashion world.
Useful Links:
– P448 Official Website
– Le Bon Marché Official Website
