Introducing the Allbirds Courier with VP of product design, Ashley Comeaux
What drew you towards working in fashion, and specifically sneaker design?
It all began really simply, with my love for art and creativity. I immersed myself in art at an early age, and then studied product design at high school. I didn’t intentionally set my sights on the fashion industry, or even specifically footwear. But after getting involved in a Nike-sponsored project and internships at Reebok and Converse while in college, I saw that sneaker design was a place where I could channel all my areas of interest – design, problem-solving, and innovation – to make great products. It’s a pretty out-of-body experience when you see people wearing a design that you created.
How long have you been designing shoes at Allbirds. What enticed you to work for the company?
I’ve been designing and leading our Allbirds design team for two and a half years now. After working for some of the industry’s biggest players, I was really drawn to this company that seemed like an underdog, but was a leader in things like natural material innovation. I saw that solid foundation and how it laid the potential to usher in a new design territory, while still honouring the core of the company.
What do you value most in your design practice?
The ability to harmonise consumer insights, culture, fashion, problem solving, aesthetic and brand elements together to arrive at an amazing design solution – one that delights someone’s daily experience by way of the product they choose to express themselves.
Allbirds seems to be moving further into the fashion space with each shoe release. What’s driving the focus on lifestyle footwear?
Allbirds as a company was created with a view to make things in a better way, leading the industry with natural materials and sustainable innovation. That will always be at our core. We are well-regarded for the responsible decisions we make in service of our environment, but we also want to be known for creating unbelievable products, full stop. Too often, people think sustainability means sacrifice – whether it’s cost, or look, or feel. We want to debunk that myth. We know our customers live really dynamic lives, and we’re always looking to create new silhouettes that they can feel confident in, in the many settings their day might demand.
Your latest design, the Courier, is said to be Allbirds’ most versatile sneaker yet. What sets it apart from other lifestyle silhouettes?
In the footwear world, there’s about a two-year timeline between when you first dream up a product to when it hits shelves. So when I tell you I’m so, so pumped that the Courier is out in the world, it’s because we’ve been eagerly awaiting it for a long time. Our inspiration here came from vintage trainers, and the result is a really expressive, unique silhouette that’s extremely versatile. It still follows the Allbirds design ethos of simplicity and unparalleled comfort, but the look is elevated with stylistic twists such as intricate stitching, and overlays that give heritage with a fresh eye.
Were you always set on the retro-inspired look?
When we created the Courier, we knew from the outset that it would be our take on retro running models. The silhouette is a classic, a go-to…dare I say closet staple?! It has truly stood the test of time. It was grounding to start with this long-loved style, and apply our own expression to it.
What’s in the pipeline for the remainder of 2023? Can we expect more designs from you?
Oh boy, so many secrets that I can’t spill just yet! There is a lot more to be seen from the Allbirds design team. It’s an energising time to be at Allbirds. We continue to root ourselves in our mission, while confidently exploring new style expressions to suit our customers’ multifaceted lives. You can trust that our excitement and exploration will manifest with each model.
If you could only wear one Allbirds style for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Trail Runner SWT is my go-to. So many amazing colorways, a ton of visual interest, but can be worn with just about anything. It definitely doesn’t just stick to the trails.
Check out the brand new Allbirds Courier at allbirds.co.nz