2025.08.21

Plastic Bottles Transformed into Shoes! How Vivaia Balances Sustainability & Comfort in Their Craftsmanship

#Vivaia

#shoes

#pumps

#water-repellent

#sustainable

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*The text-to-speech feature is generated by AI,
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Transforming plastic bottles into elegant footwear, VIVAIA is a US-based shoe brand that launched in 2020 from a personal epiphany of its founder. How did the brand manage to perfectly balance comfort and sustainability?

We sat down with Vivaia's founder, Jeff Chan, to dive into the philosophy and innovation behind their unique craftsmanship.

PROFILE

Jeff Chan

A serial entrepreneur with approximately a decade of experience in the fashion industry, Chan has founded multiple brands, including OUNIWANGLTD and SmartEcom.

He holds an industry record for achieving 150 million yen in annual sales with a team of just four people.

He currently serves as the Brand Director for Vivaia, where he spearheads the brand's development.

A Dedication to His Wife & a Mission for the Planet: The Birth of "Conscious Craftsmanship"

What led to the creation of Vivaia?

Vivaia was born from a simple, personal epiphany. My wife, a shoe lover with a collection of over 200 pairs, would always carry adhesive bandages with her. When I asked why, she told me, "It's not the shoes; my feet just aren't a good fit."

Her words opened my eyes to the reality that so many women simply accept the pain and discomfort from their footwear as a given. I knew I had to change that.

At the same time, my years in the fashion industry exposed me to its detrimental impact on the environment. This inspired me to create a brand that seamlessly combines comfort, beautiful design, and sustainability.