Alsace to the tips of your toenails…toes. Since the beginning of June, it is possible. Two brands from the region, the famous Labonal and the young T’HEIM, have together launched pairs of socks with evocative patterns. Stork, pretzel, mug of beer and bunch of grapes, what could be more regional!
And a bit kitsch? “Yes, maybe, but it’s also completely in tune with the times when everyone has their ankles exposed and wears their socks,” replies Jérôme Seeholtz, the founder of the younger of the two companies. It was he who proposed his logos to the company historically based in Dambach-la-Ville (Bas-Rhin).
“We met with Labonal for the launch of the “made in Alsace” label last September. We said to ourselves “we should really work together”. Then we met again at the Christmas market, repeating “we really should work together” and off we went! “, he rewinds, delighted with this collaboration.
Knacks soon?
It consists of the production of four different pairs, in grey, black and navy blue. Above, the pretzels, storks and co. proudly displayed. “We took the four designs that worked best on my T’HEIM t-shirts [« chez nous à la maison » en alsacien] “, further details Jérôme Seeholtz, who sold him, in one year, 2,000 pieces branded with his “modernized symbols of our pop culture”. Among which are added a small knack, an Alsatian headdress, a mannele (little man), a glass of white wine and an apostrophe.
Among them, some may soon find themselves on their feet. “We will try to do something fashionable with the Mannele for Christmas. I was also asked quite a bit for the knack”, he laughs while preparing new logos for his part, such as “Strasbourg cathedral” and “a flammekueche but it’s a hassle for the moment”. On socks, it could please provided you pay the price.
Each 100% Alsace pair is sold for 14.90 euros. Much more expensive than some collections, much less than others. “For made in France, with all the know-how that it represents, it’s accessible”, concludes the entrepreneur.