By Annie Buda
The perfect combination of timeless style, effortless cool, and contemporary edge is laced up in Golden Goose sneakers. This luxury streetwear brand celebrates the lived-in aesthetic, individuality, and authenticity. It is Golden Goose’s ability to seamlessly combine time-honored artisanship and modern sensibility that sets the brand apart in the fashion landscape. As a symbol of relaxed elegance, the company has expanded into a range of apparel, from tailored blazers to rugged denim, that utilize distressed finishes, unexpected details, and a muted color palette which lend a sense of authenticity to every garment, inviting wearers to embrace their individuality with confidence. Without sacrificing comfort or authenticity, wearers are able to make a statement and cherish their shoes for generations.
The Columbia Fashion Society had the incredible opportunity to attend a conversation with Silvia Merati, the CEO of the Americas of Golden Goose, at the Soho Boutique this past month. Merati presented students with a layout of the production process, boutique functions, and brand initiatives, offering insight into a unique branch in the fashion industry. In order to share this experience with you, I anonymously interviewed attendees to hear their thoughts on this incredible opportunity.
A large majority of participants mentioned that their biggest takeaway was how the brand managed to “redefine the way we conceive traditional footwear.” Golden Goose “elevates the typical sneaker or boot through personalized touches and the allure of obtaining a one of a kind item”, aiming to foster and maintain community, allowing the “integrity of the product to speak for itself.” The brand is maintained through “word of mouth” which students found revolutionary in the age of social media and tyrannical news.
Students also appreciated the genuinely interested and passionate attitude of Merati, who generously gave us her time for hours of questions and streams of information. She emphasized the importance of a CEO’s role in understanding the trend cycle, consumer interaction, and staying true to one’s vision. Students appreciated how she mentioned that she even “worked in retail as a way to understand customer need.” Golden Goose provides an intimate shopping experience that truly makes the product feel one of a kind.
Golden Goose further emphasizes their approach to sustainability and transparency as they aim to stray from the traditions of mass production, and transition into a brand that entirely utilizes collections “handmade in Italy”, and produced in scarce quantities for the purpose of decreasing wasted product. It is a step towards decreasing carbon emissions and excess shoes that would otherwise be discarded. Golden Goose proudly manufactures their collections using a Forward Agenda which allows the brand to be fully transparent in their sustainability practices for consumers to utilize. The shoes age like fine wine with every use, growing in experience and memories with the consumer. Whether you’re stepping out for a casual day in the city or making a statement on the red carpet, Golden Goose invites you to embrace your unique style with confidence and ease. We would love to thank Golden Goose and Silvia Merati for inviting us to the boutique with open arms, and offering invaluable expertise in an area that we are all so passionate about!
Columbia University Fashion Society 