Interview with Palladium

We get it from Wikipedia that Palladium is a rare metal and has been used in the printing process to make black and white photography prints.  It is also used in electronics, dentistry, medicine, hydrogen purification, chemical applications, groundwater treatment and jewelry. In technology, Palladium is used for fuel cells, which produce electricity, heat and water by combining hydrogen with oxygen.

From chemicals in technology to chemistry in the fashion industry

In the fashion industry, though, Palladium is a company that is all about adventure and discovery, our best seller brand.  Their latest campaign "Explorers"  is taking us from Budapest to Singapore, from Tel Aviv to Melbourne and to many others cities we dreamed to explore or if we're lucky enough, even planned to.

   Read the interview below with brand manager Joe Khalifa to find out more about this campaign and about the brand in general.   http://www.palladiumboots.com/blog/eu/video/

 Can you tell us a bit more about the brand history? 

We have such a rich and honest heritage. That word gets used a lot nowadays, but we really do. In 1920 Palladium was manufacturing aircraft tires for the growing war lead aviation industry. In 1940 as the war comes to end the aviation industry decreased its demands.  Stemming from its expertise in rubber resources, Palladium opened its first footwear factory in Pont-de-Chéruy, France. We used our expertise to make boots that were as hard wearing as our tires. The boots were so comfortable and durable that they were adopted by the legendary French Foreign Legion. As the world modernized, Palladium moved into the fashion world. The brand soon become an iconic boot and in the 90’s was the uniform of many field ravers and acid house goers. We are now the official boot for city exploring…still picked up by the ravers! 

Did you have to adjust the brand in order to stay in the market for so long?

We didn’t intentionally, but the brand just evolved over time…as you can see our iconic silhouette, the Pampa Hi, hasn’t really adjusted at all, but the use and originality of the brand has adapted over generations and social statuses. We like to think that makes us timeless!

Can you describe your customer in three words?

On trend! Original! Ha!

"The explorers" is great as a campaign, what do you think of the impact it had and how did you come up with the idea?

We hope it encourages people to explore different subcultures in cities all over the world. All lifestyle aspects that they might be missing. Restaurants, clubs, hidden bars, galleries, libraries, music shops! Cities are the heartbeat for the world, we hope the campaign shows people things they may love, but currently can’t find.

The idea started as so many people wearing Palladiums started sending pictures of them in underground and urban city spaces…it grew, so we listened and grew with them.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Everyone!

What materials are you using for designing the boots and why?

Our materials are so varied. We research everything we use and design with a purpose. From recycled army blankets, to reflective rubber, we really do use materials that consist of our heritage and cater for that modern city explorer.

What is Palladium's best sold item and why do you think that is?

The iconic Pampa Hi. It’s a uniquely versatile, fashionable and comfy boot. This boot is legendary and is to so many a brand that symbolizes a culture and is worn by those in the know.