Bottega Veneta's intrecciato in the new Birkenstocks

The Birkenstock sandals coming out, ahead of summer, in a week's time on the brand's website have something strangely familiar. The new slippers, a brand-new take on the classic Arizona sandal, are particularly reminiscent of another pair of shoes that are popular among trendsetters and industry insiders or that anyone with an instagram profile will surely have glimpsed while scrolling through their feed: the Lido Sandals by Bottega Veneta. 

Dubbed the "Sylt", the padded Birkenstock model with a woven texture will be available in a handful of colors, ranging from deep burgundy to cream and olive. The upper is made of quilted leather and features the signature cork sole, making it the ideal summer sandal for comfort and elegance. The price has not yet been disclosed, but it will definitely be more affordable than the original (950 euros).

It goes without saying that Bottega has become synonymous with the padded sandal for the numerous models, including heels and slippers, launched by the maison in the short period in which Daniel Lee was creative director. But, beyond the padding, which could also be considered a trend launched by Lee that has pushed other brands to emulation, from fast fashion to mid-range brands, the detail that most made us believe that Birkenstock has really copied Bottega is the woven texture in the front of the sandal, which has always been a signature of the historic brand since its debut in 1966.