Mats Rombaut
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Mats Rombaut (born 1987) is a Belgian fashion designer and founder of the Paris-based footwear label Rombaut. He is known for using plant-based and recycled materials in his designs.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Rombaut was born in Ghent, Belgium. He initially studied business before relocating to Paris in 2006.[2] He worked at the fashion PR agency Totem and later joined the accessories department at Lanvin.[2] He also worked under designer Damir Doma, focusing on product development and production.[2]
Career
[edit]Rombaut
[edit]In 2013, Rombaut launched his namesake footwear brand, Rombaut.[1] The label uses materials including Piñatex (a textile made from pineapple leaves), biodegradable plastics, and recycled fabrics.[1] The brand's products have featured unconventional shapes and silhouettes.[3][4]
The 2020 collection “Dysmorphia” included sneaker-heel hybrids and was presented alongside a performance on climate change during Paris Fashion Week.[3] In 2021, Rombaut collaborated with Brazilian footwear brand Melissa to reinterpret jelly sandals using bio-based and recycled materials.[4]
Puma collaboration
[edit]In 2025, Rombaut collaborated with sportswear company PUMA on a capsule collection titled "Levitation." The line included footwear designs featuring aerodynamic forms and materials with reduced environmental impact.[5]
YEEZY
[edit]In 2024, Rombaut joined the fashion brand YEEZY as head of footwear.[5] He contributed to the design of new models such as the SL-01 clog, SL-02 low-top sneaker, and SL-03 rubber boot.[5] The products were designed and released on an accelerated timeline and priced to be accessible to a wide audience.[5] Rombaut also worked on supply chain and production processes in China before departing the company in early 2025.[5]
Virón
[edit]In 2020, Rombaut co-founded Virón, a footwear brand focused on circular production methods.[6] The brand has used materials such as recycled canvas, apple leather, and reused rubber. It also introduced a take-back program for used shoes.[6]
Design approach
[edit]Rombaut has stated that his veganism informs his material choices and product development.[1][3] His work has been noted for addressing themes such as sustainability, gender expression, and alternative materials.[1][3]
Media coverage
[edit]Rombaut and his brands have been featured in fashion media including Vogue, Highsnobiety, and Teen Vogue.[1][4][3] His footwear has been worn by celebrities including Bella Hadid, Nicki Minaj, and Miley Cyrus.[3]
Personal life
[edit]Rombaut lives in Paris, France.[2]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f "Mats Rombaut Is Changing the Game With His Plant-Based Footwear". Highsnobiety. December 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Mats Rombaut Interview". Lemile Magazine. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "Mats Rombaut's Biodegradable, Gender-Neutral Sneaker Heels". Teen Vogue. 7 November 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
- ^ a b c "How One Designer Transformed Jelly Sandals Into a Sneaker". Vogue. 30 March 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Fairbrother, Logan (18 March 2025). "ROMBAUT and PUMA Are Soaring Into the Future". Hypebeast. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Mats Rombaut Launches Virón, a New Eco-Friendly Footwear Brand". Vogue. 28 August 2020. Retrieved 5 May 2025.