Samuel Falzone, Reconstructed: Sneakers, Upcycling, & Craft. Ep. 5

I get to speak with Samuel Falzone, a footwear designer and creative, making beautiful products focused on reconstructing deadstock sneakers into new one-of-a-kind pieces. In his latest project 'Reconstructed by Samuel Falzone' Samuel emphasizes repairability in each of his pieces through his goodyear welted soles. Beautiful, rare products, with handmade finishes, that are meant to be repaired, are a new level of luxury that is rarely seen in our consumerist society today. Samuel is an up-and-coming designer in the New Jersey and New York City area. 

In our current linear model, most shoes are made, using synthetic and fossil fuel-based materials, worn briefly, and then disposed of in landfills, left to emit damaging GHGs into our atmosphere (and all the GHGs' and pollution emitted along their supply chain). Buying secondhand shoes, and repairing them, extends their lifespan, and reduces the need for new shoes to be produced, effectively lowering your footwear's carbon footprint. ..and why not do that wearing shoes that show your personality, and style! 

In this episode, we talk about the creative's journey, sneaker culture, the footwear industry as a whole, manufacturing techniques, repair and reuse, and how brands integrate sustainability into their storytelling.  Sam’s journey as an entrepreneur and the ups and downs of being an up-and-coming designer!

You can watch the full interview here.

Check out Sam's work here & his instagram here.