Representatives of the Žiri-based (W) company told the press that the line is the result of cooperation with designer Urška and Tomaž Draž, and is part of efforts to strengthen the brand.

Tomaž Draž said the idea was to tear down taboos and that the concept of combining sneakers with evening wear has earned them both indignation and applause.

The collection, which has been in the making since 2013, features models where the knitted fabric is dominant as well combinations with leather. Some include the traditional Žiri bobbin lace, celebrating the town's two important traditions, shoe and lace making.

The sneakers are already available in Alpina stores around the country and the company's online shop. They will shortly also be launched in Croatia and after that presented on other markets.

Alpina, which will celebrate its 70th anniversary next year, makes around 1.5m pairs of shoes each year and generates EUR 58m in revenue at group level. Around 85% of its production is for exports.