# Jackfruit-Inspired Sneakers Kamthala is a Sneaker Designed in Bangladesh and Made in Europe By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2023-01-25 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kamthala References: [adweek](https://www.adweek.com/creativity/shoe-brand-calls-out-fashions-bad-practices/) & [eknfootwear](https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/men/alle-schuhe/1152/kamthala/designed-in-bangladesh.-made-in-europe) German sneaker brand Ekn is bringing attention to the exploitative business practices of the fashion industry with its latest drop, Kamthala, a [limited-edition sneaker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kype-pro-limited-edition) that was designed in Bangladesh and made in Europe. The modern sneaker boasts clean lines, exotic colors and [traditional patterns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superstar-sneaker-model) that pay tribute to the designer's home country. With yellow details that reference the color of ripe jackfruit, gray that offers a nod to the bark of the jackfruit tree and textures that mimic the feel of the fruit, the sneaker stands out. The vegan sneaker boasts an [EVA sole made from recycled materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keen-uneek-360), plus recycled chloroprene rubber for all-day comfort. This design by up-and-coming female designer Rokaiya Ahmed Purna makes a bold statement about items designed in the Global North and produced in the Global South. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 14% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Ethical Fashion:** The rise of ethical fashion is disrupting the traditional business practices of the fashion industry, creating opportunities for sustainable and socially responsible brands to thrive. - **Cultural Influences:** Incorporating cultural influences into design and production can create unique and innovative products that appeal to consumers seeking greater cultural awareness. - **Vegan Footwear:** Growing demand for vegan footwear is driving innovation in material sourcing and production processes, creating opportunities for eco-friendly and cruelty-free brands to succeed. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion:** The fashion industry is being disrupted by the rise of ethical and sustainable practices, creating opportunities for socially conscious brands to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. - **Footwear:** Innovations in materials and production processes for vegan footwear are shaking up the footwear industry, providing opportunities for eco-conscious brands to offer products that align with consumer values. - **Global Manufacturing:** Designers and manufacturers that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices when producing goods in the Global South have the potential to disrupt the traditional model of exploitation and create a more equitable global economy. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Banana-Made Luxury Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-4.md) - [Thai Salad-Honoring Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-sb-som-tum-dunks.md) - [Japanese Upcycling Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flower-mountain-reload-sneakers.md) - [Hand-Stitched Artisanal Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sashiko-gals-1.md) - [Loofah-Inspired Textural Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caroline-hu.md) - [Colorful Patchwork Collab Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sambae-sneaker.md) - [Sustainable Open-Style Sneaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keen-uneek-360.md) - [Sustainable Dad-Style Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reformation-1.md) - [Nature-Inspired Shoe Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultraboost-5-x-hermanos-koumori.md)