Design Thinking: Vagabond

(Image courtesy of Vagabond. The shoes depicted in this photo are the Courtney Sandals in black. Vagabond says this about this shoe, "Introducing this season's new iconic silhouette Courtney. It is all about the characteristic flared outsole that makes this pool slide style the ultimate sandal of the season. The simple slip-on upper, made from black leather, is grounded by tonal flatform soles measuring 50 mm. Details include padded insoles and square toes." The price is $120. You can order a pair at https://vagabond.com/us/COURTNEY-5134-001-92 )

In Graduate School, one of the buzzwords professors love to discuss is "Design Thinking." Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding (Dam and Siang). Design Thinking enables a company to understand consumer needs to serve their audience better. For this project, I contacted different fashion and lifestyle companies to learn how the organizations apply Design Thinking into their market offerings. I had the opportunity to talk with Vagabond to learn more about their organization.

(Image courtesy of Vagabond. The shoes shown in the picture above are the Easy Sandals in Orange Textile. Vagabond describes these shoes as Level up in style with sporty sandals Essy this season. The strappy upper, made from black durable textile and leather, is completed with elastic textile straps for a flexible fit. They are set on a thick white sole measuring 50 mm. The elevated platform soles add height without compromising on comfort whilst the elastic slingback strap ensures a customized fit and easy on/off." The price is $130. You can order a pair at https://vagabond.com/us/ESSY-4929-002-20 )

1. What makes Vagabond different from other shoe brands?

We are a Swedish designer brand, combining a keen eye for fashion and our undying love for great looking products, with craft and the details that count. We make products for the modern vagabond who cares about style, quality and a sustainable way of life. Our shoes are made to be worn and to be your wardrobe’s best friend.

(Image courtesy of Vagabond. Shoe seen above are the Carla Boots. According to Vagabond website, With the new signature boots Carla, we embrace our romance with the late 90s and early millennium, adding a new take on the familiar chunky sole. Made from smooth black leather, these statement-making boots are designed with a mid-high shaft and a squared toe. The solid sole measure 69mm and sets out the next level of chunkiness this season." The price is $210. You can order https://vagabond.com/us/CARLA-5042-101-20 )

2. How does Vagabond stay ahead of upcoming shoe trends?

It takes a lot of structural job which includes picking up on and interpreting global trends onto the DNA and heritage of our brand. Our inspiration is found everywhere, in music, in film, in architecture and above all, from all the interesting and creative people who crosses our path.

(Image courtesy of Vagabond. The shoes in the picture are the Maddie Shoes in red. Vagabond describes these shoes as, " Meet Maddie, your new go-to flats for that effortless look this season. This classic ballerina style, made from smooth red leather, is detailed with a traditional bow for that timeless look. The simple upper is set on flat soles with 11 mm low heels for utmost comfort all day long." The price is $100. You can order a pair at https://vagabond.com/us/MADDIE-5104-001-48 )

3. How does Vagabond incorporate its mission and vision into its product offerings?

We trust our products to do most of the talking. When we design we see the whole silhouette, making sure we offer looks what’s both aspiring but also very usable from a fashion context. By owning the receipts of all our styles, we are also able to control that our products harmonizes well and signal quality.

(Image courtesy of Vagabond. The picture depicts the Lusia Sandal in light yellow. Vagabond describes this shoe as, " New strappy sandals Luisa have been made with slim, leather straps in a yellow hue that beautifully frame the foot. The minimalist upper is paired with wide 76 mm high heels and sharp square toes for a contemporary look. The slim straps criss-cross over the foot and fasten around the ankle for a secure fit." The price is $130. You can order a pair at https://vagabond.com/us/LUISA-5112-101-45 )

4. What is the future of the company?

We are already global, but there are still places to discover. We intend to keep growing within the fashion segment, in a sustainable way with products who can be used for a long time. Shoes is our foundation, but we cannot wait to apply our design ideas further!

(Image courtesy of Vagabond. Image shoes the Erin Sandals in off-white. Vagabond describes this pair of shoes as, " The ‘grandad-style’ sandal Erin has endless styling possibilities. The monochrome upper is made from off-white leather straps and set on a tonal sole. The upper is completed with hook-and-loop fastening for a sporty look and to ensure a perfect fit. The chunky soles measure 40mm and provide a small lift that will elevate any look this season." The price is $120. You can order a pair at https://vagabond.com/us/ERIN-4932-101-02 )

Thank you so much Vagabond for speaking with me. I learned so much from this interview and I can't wait purchase a pair of your shoes soon.

*not sponsored