My name is Aida Maralian, I’m a Creative Director of Koshik, a footwear and accessories brand rooted in Armenian cultural heritage. For me, working with culture is not simply a source of inspiration; it is a response to the underrepresentation of Armenia and the ongoing cultural erasure the country faces. I see fashion as a form of art that can connect people across cultures, moving beyond appropriation towards appreciation.
Koshik draws inspiration from the 5,500-year-old leather shoe, the oldest known in the world, discovered in the Areni cave. By carrying its spirit and reworking its lacing system into a clean, modern silhouette, Koshik brings cultural heritage into a contemporary context.
For shoes production, we have partnered with a family-run factory in Italy, where premium quality and thoughtful craftsmanship are the core values. We work with carefully selected, high-quality materials chosen for their integrity and ability to age beautifully over time.
The brand’s fashion film, Why Are You Barefoot?, was selected for the Berlin Fashion Film Festival 2025 in the Luxury category.
Logo on the sole.
The Oldest Shoe in the World.
Here’s Koshik’s inspiration the world’s oldest known leather shoe, discovered in the Areni cave in Armenia.
Backstage of Production
The prototypes were developed in Marche, Italy. Known for its deep-rooted traditions, Marche preserves generations of craft that reflect Koshik’s values of authenticity and quality.
Why Are You Barefoot?
Legend says the Areni Cave reveals its gifts only to those who enter it with a pure heart.
The Koshik fashion film, shortlisted for the Berlin Fashion Film Festival 2025, was filmed in the landscapes of Armenia and inspired by a legend connected to the Areni Cave, home to the world’s oldest known shoe.
Areni Flat Production
We test each pair for at least three months before launching production. It takes a lot of time and attention to create the Areni flat, due to its complex lacing system.
The Areni-1 Prototype
Here is the prototype of Koshik’s first pairs. The design features a reversible lacing system, allowing each wearer to adjust the fit to their own feet.