Brazilian sustainable sneaker label Cariuma has teamed up yet again with the color gurus at Pantone for a capsule collection celebrating the newest Colors of the Year.
Limited-edition runs of the brand’s OCA lace-up sneakers in Pantone’s newly minted 2021 selections, “Ultimate Gray” and bright yellow “Illuminating” hit Cariuma’s e-commerce site on Wednesday for $89. The shoes are handcrafted with GOTS-certified organic cotton canvas, recycled rubber outsoles, and plant-based memory foam insoles.
According to a joint statement from Cariuma and Pantone, the complementary selection of understated and reliable Ultimate Gray and loud, vibrant Illuminating sought to tap into shoppers’ dueling desires for colors that are strong and grounded but also transformative.
“The colors are a direct response to the current state of the world and acknowledge a deep need for every voice to be seen and heard,” they wrote. “In embracing seemingly dissimilar, yet complementary palettes, we amplify the idea that our differences act synchronistically and elevate one other.” The union of calm, simple strength and bright, all-encompassing positivity serves as “a new-aged version of the Yin and the Yang,” they added, reminding wearers that dark and light can exist simultaneously.
Upon its Wednesday announcement of the new Colors of the Year, Pantone said that the use of Illuminating punctuated by a hint of Ultimate Gray communicates “a message of sunshine and strength,” particularly in accessories like footwear.
This dual sneaker release represents Cariuma’s third partnership with Pantone, following 2020’s debut of the Classic Blue Color of the Year OCA sneaker and a fall line dubbed the Natureza Collection, featured the brand’s OCA low and high sneakers in Pantone shades inspired by nature.
For each pair of shoes sold, Cariuma will plant a pair of trees in the Brazilian Rainforest through its Pair for Pair initiative. The reforestation effort was launched in July, focusing on important native tree species that have been decimated by development across the region.