“Sole Memory” encapsulates a process of footwear creation that intertwines history, memory and contemporary culture. Actualized in collaboration with a shoe cobbler, the project deconstructs and reconstructs various shoe forms, to create new shoe designs that range from flip-flops to sneakers, sandals and Greek grandpa slippers, that appear as subversive yet wearable designs. Parts of old shoes have been combined to create contemporary footwear that exposes the insides of the shoes and brings the visible damage to the surface. The history, memory, wear, and trauma carried by shoes becomes central to the work. The resulting footwear appears as beat-up and worn-down, speaking to the contemporary culture regarding the life cycle of shoes within our throw-away society. The work emphasizes sustainability by repurposing old shoes and highlights the often-overlooked craftsmanship of shoe cobblers, celebrating their role in repurposing materials.
In today’s business world CSR and internationalization have emerged as pivotal strategies, reshaping economic dynamics and emphasizing societal priorities. This research paper explores the integration of sustainability within MNEs and its correlation with internationalization strategies. Additionally, it investigates how customer perceptions of sustainability influence MNEs' international decision-making processes. Employing a combination of literature review and qualitative research through semi-structured interviews with managers of three Greek dairy MNEs, this paper concludes by providing certain managerial implications even though they cannot be generalized due to the low degree of external validity. Ultimately, this study seeks to enhance understanding sustainability's role in MNE operations and strategies in today's globalized business environment.