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The New Sperry BIONIC Collection Is Partly Made from Recycled Plastic Trash

By Chelsea Batten Published August 6, 2021

Image used with permission by copyright holder

March 22 is World Water Day, a holiday designated by the United Nations to spotlight the importance of clean freshwater around the world and to support advocacy efforts for sustainable water management. In keeping with this vital issue, heritage brand Sperry is launching a new sustainability platform. The campaign Look Good, Do Good pairs a sustainability education program with classic Sperry styles that are created from sustainable materials.

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Since the brand is best known for creating the original boat shoe, it’s only fitting that its new collection should draw attention to the preservation of clean water. That’s why the launch kicks off with a collection of men’s, women’s, and kids’ shoes fabricated in partnership with BIONIC Yarn, a material engineering company that creates yarn from plastic waste and trash recovered from marine and coastal environments.

The new Sperry BIONIC Collection features Sperry’s most iconic designs — the Classic Boat Shoe, the Captain’s CVO, and the Captain’s Slip-On — all built in part from this innovative and sustainable fabric.

Sperry Men’s Authentic Original BIONIC Boat Shoe

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Sperry Men’s Captain’s CVO BIONIC Sneaker

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Sperry Mens’ Captain’s Slip On BIONIC Sneaker

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Even the packaging of the BIONIC collection is eco-friendly by design. Shoe boxes are made from post-consumer recycled material, are printed with water or soy-based inks, and have no added adhesives.

Sperry’s hope with this new collection is to motivate its worldwide following to help reduce the eight million tons of plastic that enters the world’s oceans each year. In the words of CMO Kate Minner, “We are a brand born of the sea. It is our duty to get involved and protect the waterways that stretch across the globe and connect us all.”

Sperry’s BIONIC Collection ranges in price from $70 to $100 and will be available this month from Nordstrom, Macy’s, Zappos, as well as the Sperry website.

For a look at other brands doing their part to make a difference, check out seven eco-friendly companies cleaning up the world’s oceans.

Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual

Chelsea Batten is a writer, photographer, and Kerouac groupie. One of the original digital nomads, she was seduced from life…

Fashion & Style

Every Bag in Nixon’s Latest Collection Is Made from Recycled Ocean-Bound Plastic

Nikon H20 Yeah

Despite what the conspiracy loons would have you believe, climate change is a real thing. We’re killing our planet; just how fast is a matter of debate. Some estimates warn that, by 2050, there may be more plastics in our oceans than fish. The good news is that there’s still time to do something about it. Eliminating virgin and single-use plastics is a vital first step. Thankfully, the most eco-conscious gear brands are doing their part to create sustainable goods out of materials that might otherwise be destined for the landfill. San Diego’s Nixon just announced an innovative recycled bag collection that proves our future needn’t look so grim.

Nixon’s all-new H20 Yeah! line includes duffel bags, backpacks, totes, and other niche carry products. All are functional, versatile, durable, and stylish. But, what truly sets them apart is that all are made from eco-conscious Repreve Our Ocean performance fiber -- a unique material created entirely from ocean-bound plastic bottles. For Nixon, that means every bag in the H20 Yeah! line removes as many as 20 bottles from circulation -- bottles that likely would have found their way into a landfill or worse. The California-based maker is the first in the U.S. to utilize the next-generation material in a full line of bags.

Fashion & Style

G-Shock’s original DW-5000c gets mighty full metal reissue

Steel evolution: G-shock's full metal 5000 series celebrates iconic dw-5000c heritage

Casio G-shock original product shot

G-Shock highlights its heritage with the 5000 Series Full-Metal GMW-B5000D-1C, a watch that reinterprets the groundbreaking 1983 DW-5000C. This new release blends the classic styling with updated materials and technology, marking an evolution for the brand’s core design.
The original DW-5000C nearly faded into obscurity but was ahead of its time. It gained traction with younger skaters and surfers, especially after being featured on American television. Today, it’s considered an icon among watch enthusiasts and everyday carry fans, establishing G-Shock’s reputation for toughness and practical utility.
The GMW-B5000D-1C is the first Full Metal model to feature the original’s signature red, blue, and yellow accents—each color carrying meaning: red for “the passion to take on challenges,” blue for “excellent water resistance,” and yellow for “outstanding shock resistance.” Previous Full Metal versions used different color schemes, so this release is especially significant for longtime G-Shock fans.
The construction is a major upgrade from the original’s resin case and rubber strap. The GMW-B5000D-1C uses a stainless steel case and linked bracelet, making it more durable and long-lasting while retaining the iconic look that made the DW-5000C famous.
Modern features include a Tough Solar quartz movement, replacing the old lithium battery and drawing power from sunlight. Bluetooth connectivity allows the watch to sync with a smartphone for easier control and enhanced functionality, bringing the 1980s design into the digital age.
Despite these updates, the essential G-Shock principles remain, especially the shock resistance that first set the brand apart. The GMW-B5000D-1C captures the original spirit, honoring it with new technology and improved durability.
Alongside this release, G-Shock also introduces the GM-B2100SD-1C, which applies the same color theme to the first Full Metal watch’s round case. This two-part launch demonstrates G-Shock’s commitment to honoring its roots while exploring new expressions within the Full Metal series.
The GMW-B5000D-1C is featured on G-Shock’s website, though pricing and availability details have not yet been announced. The timing suggests a focus on collectors and fans seeking a piece of G-Shock history, now reimagined with premium materials and modern features.
This release illustrates how classic designs can evolve through new materials and technology, preserving the core qualities that made them legendary and appealing to both longtime G-Shock enthusiasts and newcomers discovering the brand’s origins.

Fashion & Style

Chopard honors Sir Stirling Moss with Mille Miglia limited edition

Racing heritage: Chopard's stirling moss tribute and gts upgrade showcase lucent steel excellence

Chopard Mille Miglia press shot

Chopard honors racing driver Sir Stirling Moss with a Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph. At the same time, the brand updates its popular GTS Power Control with a new in-house movement. Both watches, released in 2025, use Chopard's Lucent Steel alloy, which is known for having the whitest, brightest steel finish in fine watchmaking.
The Stirling Moss tribute watch recognizes the Mercedes-Benz driver whose 722 300 SLR made racing history. The 40.5mm chronograph features a brass dial with a silver opaline finish, recalling the matte silver of Moss's "Silver Arrows" era Mercedes-Benz. Only 70 pieces exist, each individually numbered and priced at $10,800. The watch comes with a period-appropriate racing strap, featuring large punched holes and matching stitching.
Despite the high price, Chopard equips the chronograph with an ETA 2892 base movement rather than one of its own calibers. The movement is 3.75mm thick, runs at 4Hz, and offers a 54-hour power reserve. It is also COSC certified. Some collectors might expect an in-house movement at this price, but the 2892 is known for its reliable engineering, and many enthusiasts prefer it over alternatives like the 7750.
The Mille Miglia GTS Power Control 2025 Race Edition is even more appealing, as it finally receives Chopard's in-house 01.02-M movement. This caliber, measuring 28.8mm wide and 4.95mm thick, features cutouts reminiscent of cooling vents and uses color schemes inspired by car engines. It provides a 60-hour power reserve via a rotor with multiple openings.
A technical review notes, "This movement provides a big upgrade for the MM GTS, and it offers much movement for the price." The 43mm case houses a galvanized salmon dial with a circular satin finish. Grade X1 Super-LumiNova, with a black tint, creates a distinctive look against the salmon background during the day.
The GTS is priced at $7,630, with only 250 pieces available. It offers strong value, considering the in-house movement and Lucent Steel construction. The power reserve display, located between 8 and 10 o'clock, is styled like a car fuel gauge, reinforcing its appeal to car enthusiasts through practical design elements.
Both watches demonstrate Chopard's dedication to automotive history. They show how different approaches—tribute chronographs and technical upgrades—can appeal to various collector tastes. The Lucent Steel construction ensures both models display Chopard's renowned bright finish, which must be seen in person to fully appreciate.
The contrast in pricing and features makes the GTS Power Control especially attractive for enthusiasts seeking the quality of an in-house movement at a more accessible price.