Chris Bartick, founder of Respoke
Respoke, a sustainable luxury brand, is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of providing upcycled, handcrafted, and bespoke footwear and one-of-a-kind products that reflect the company’s commitment to creativity and sustained growth in the premium fashion market. Founded in 2016, Respoke has carved a distinct niche by upcycling iconic designer silk scarves into handmade espadrilles and other footwear, blending heritage and modern luxury.
According to founder Chris Bartick, an artist and graphic designer, Respoke’s signature shoes are defined by their rarity. He notes that no two pairs are identical, even within the same style or size, and this commitment to individuality is central to the brand’s appeal. “People want something that feels personal and unique. Respoke shoes meet that demand, allowing people to own something that quite literally cannot be repeated,” Bartick explains. Due to popular requests and in celebration of their 10-year anniversary, the brand will now offer custom footwear handcrafted with authentic designer scarves.
Each pair of Respoke espadrilles and sneakers follows a meticulous production journey through the La Rioja region of Spain, where skilled craftspeople across specialized mountain workshops contribute to the final product. There, every detail, from hand-wound jute to natural rubber outsoles, is executed step-by-step. Bartick attributes the brand’s quality to this process. “The integrity of the craftsmanship is what allows the design to truly shine,” he adds.
While Respoke operates five brick-and-mortar locations across the United States, including Provincetown, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Charleston, and Newport, the brand is increasingly focused on expanding its global online sales. Bartick acknowledges that footwear is traditionally an in-person purchase, but sees digital as essential to Respoke’s future. “Online is the one place where anyone in the world can access the brand,” he says. “Our goal is to make the digital experience as confident and compelling as the in-store one.”
Respoke’s evolution reflects broader shifts within the fashion industry. The brand launched online first, opened its initial storefront in 2017, and steadily expanded its retail footprint between 2021 and 2025. Bartick notes that within those early years, large-scale wholesale had begun to decline industry-wide. “I witnessed many facilities being restructured, some shut down. I wanted to have better control over the store and its branding story,” he recalls. With that goal in mind, Respoke doubled down on direct-to-consumer channels to maintain its autonomy over the brand’s pricing and customer experience.
Sustainability remains an important dimension of the brand. As Respoke repurposes existing iconic designer scarves and pairs them with natural components, it seeks to go against the tides of fast fashion and reduce its burden on the environment.
Chris Bartick, founder of Respoke.
While the company champions social responsibility, Respoke undertakes measures to not compromise on aesthetics or quality. Bartick emphasizes that beauty leads the conversation when it comes to purchasing apparel. “People respond first to how the shoes look and feel. The fact that they’re responsibly made simply reinforces their value,” he explains.
Bartick envisions Respoke continuing to grow as an online-first luxury footwear brand while exploring opportunities to collaborate more deeply within the fashion ecosystem. Bartick hopes to contribute to the sustainability journey of these iconic brands. Respoke also plans on expanding its product portfolio to clutches, slippers, headbands, and designer wedges with the same commitment to creative design and self-expression.
“After ten years, we’ve proven that there’s demand for craftsmanship and originality, along with sustainable choices,” he says, "The ultimate goal is to become the world's most respected luxury upcycler.” Committed to quality and delivering iconic products internationally. “That’s what Respoke was built on, and that’s what will carry it forward.” As Respoke enters its second decade, the brand stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of handmade luxury and the power of reimagining iconic designer items beyond their original form.
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Name: Chris Bartick
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