Rombaut announced its arrival on terra firma by opening its first boutique at 6 rue de la Corderie, opposite the Carreau du Temple. This important step is a mark of recognition for the brand after its ten years’ existence. No sooner over the threshold, it’s as if you had been beamed up into a spaceship. Three sculptures by the duo of artists Julie Villard and Simon Brossard set the scene, emphasizing the brand’s Sci-Fi universe, the dented bodywork evoking an encounter with an errant asteroid. The digital world is an integral part of Rombaut’s imagery — beyond the bounds of social media, it adds a completely new dimension to the space. The boutique also houses the brand’s offices, doubling up as an exhibition gallery. It’s also a meeting place that can be used to stage all kinds of events. Having persevered in the often-hostile fashion world, with his avant-garde aura, Rombaut combines a futuristic universe with a deep-rooted eco-friendly ambition. Mats Rombaut’s initial determination for ethical fashion has been a constant since the creation of the brand. Having acquired information about our environmental impact by watching numerous reports on the climate change crisis, he decided to stop fueling the animal industry and change the way he consumes and the way he creates. And so Rombaut’s collection includes shoes made essentially from recycled or vegan materials. Eco-friendly fashion however does not always prove a sales argument that appeals to buyers, so Mats Rombaut took a big risk by converting completely to the cause. Though an imbalance between ecological and design ambitions transpires in many different industries, Rombaut gives equal weight to both, creating shoes that are as aesthetic as they are eco-friendly. The lines are angular, futuristic and understated, the perfect pair of sneakers or heels for everyday wear. Shoes become hybrid, like the Regenerated Nylon Bag model, and intriguing like the models in the Dysmorphia series. The creative direction does not deny the desire to surf the « ugly shoe » wave, drawing inspiration from Crocs or the Méduse (jelly shoe) model (the result of collaborative work with Mélissa). Rombaut will always have something to surprise us up his sleeve, owing to his decision to leave traditional fashion codes by the wayside and have some good no frills fun.
text ÉLISA JUGE-HOLTERMANN
rombaut spring-summer 2021
