How ‘ugly’ Birkenstocks conquered fashion and feminism

German shoemakers Birkenstock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange at a valuation of more than $8 billion last month, and the sandals are top of John Lewis’ must-have Christmas list this year. So how did this nearly 250-year-old company go from orthopaedic footwear to a cameo in the Barbie film? And how did the shoe woo the fashion industry?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Anna Murphy, Fashion Director, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Get in touch: storiesofourtimes@thetimes.co.uk Read more: Why fashion editors love Birkenstocks: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/why-fashion-editors-love-birkenstocks-times-luxury-n9tlpg9q7How ‘ugly’ Birkenstocks became an $8 billion brand: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-ugly-birkenstocks-became-an-8billion-brand-czr6050j8Clips: Birkenstock, DW News, Barbie/Warner Bros., MTV’s House of Style, New York Stock Exchange, CNBC, These Boots Are Made For Walkin’/Nancy Sinatra/Light in the Attic.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Om Podcasten

The Story: the flagship podcast from The Times and Sunday Times. One remarkable story, told in depth, each day.Hosts Manveen Rana and Luke Jones take you to the heart of the story you need to know with exclusive reports and investigations.Plus, each month, William Hague hosts an agenda-setting interview with a key newsmaker or thinker.Discover the story behind the story with world-class journalism from The Times and Sunday Times.The Story is available at the start of your day from Monday to Friday, with bonus ‘Inside the Newsroom’ episodes every Saturday for Times subscribers, available by connecting your subscription via Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.