14 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
14 October 2026
AI in Fashion
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Digital-native and DTC brands

VIVAIA

United States

VIVAIA is a footwear brand that has made shoes from recycled plastic bottles since 2020. It sells washable flats, sneakers, loafers, boots and sandals, mainly to women, alongside clothing and bags.

Facts
Launched2020
MaterialYarn from recycled plastic bottles
Core productsWomen's flats, sneakers, loafers
ModelDirect-to-consumer with retail stores
Websitevivaia.com
Segment
Mid-market
Categories
FootwearBagsWomenswear
Sales channels
E-commerceOwn stores

What is VIVAIA?

VIVAIA is a digitally led footwear brand launched in 2020. It describes its offer as sustainable, washable shoes and clothing, with uppers knitted from yarn made from recycled plastic bottles. Its creative director, Alan Buanne, grew up in a family of shoemakers, trained with artisans in Florence and previously worked with luxury brands in London and Milan.

Products and positioning

The range focuses on women's footwear: pointed and square toe flats, sneakers, loafers, heels, mules, boots and sandals, plus bags and accessories. Collections highlight comfort, including wide toe box styles, a Comfort 3.0 line and models accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Many shoes are machine washable.

  • Knit flats and loafers
  • Sneakers and walking sandals
  • Wide toe box styles
  • Bags and accessories

Distribution

VIVAIA sells primarily through its own e-commerce sites, reaching customers in more than 60 countries and regions, and has added a network of physical retail stores.

Why it matters

VIVAIA is one of the direct-to-consumer footwear brands that combine recycled materials, comfort features and social media marketing to scale quickly across international markets.

Frequently asked questions

What are VIVAIA shoes made of?

VIVAIA shoes use knitted uppers made from yarn spun from recycled plastic bottles.

Are VIVAIA shoes washable?

Yes, VIVAIA markets many of its shoes as washable, as part of its focus on comfort and easy care.

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