Ciao Škoda! A glamorous experience at Milan Design Week

Škoda Auto headed to the fashion capital for Milan Design Week, surprising visitors with an unexpected novelty — a unique pair of shoes. In collaboration with renowned artist Marcantonio, the brand also created an interactive exhibition featuring a series of sculptures and showcasing the new Elroq RS.

8. 4. 2025 Škoda World

High-quality design is a core value of the Škoda brand, deeply rooted in its 130-year history. Today, Škoda vehicles are easily recognizable thanks to the Modern Solid design language, first embodied by the compact SUV Elroq. Participation in this world-renowned design event underscores Škoda Auto’s significant role in shaping the future of automotive design.

A stylish premiere

In Milan, the carmaker presents its design sensibility in an unconventional way. As part of a new collaboration with traditional Czech shoemaker Botas, Škoda designers teamed up with the Botas team to create a unique footwear concept. “We’re proud to present our Modern Solid design language to the world. Part of that is this amazing collaboration with Botas, through which we’ve created shoes in the Modern Solid style,” says Stefan Webelhorst from Škoda Design.

The high-top shoe merges traditional Botas design elements with bold references to Škoda’s new design language. It also develops the concept of using new sustainable materials — something the carmaker is implementing in its car interiors. “The solid three-piece sole is made of 3D-printed material, reflecting the values of the Modern Solid language. The upper part of the shoe is knitted into the desired shape, eliminating waste during production,” explains Petra Debnárová from Škoda Design.

This concept is followed by a limited edition of 130 pairs of green ankle sneakers — a number that nods to the carmaker’s anniversary this year. Later on, Škoda and Botas will also launch a special edition of 1,300 pairs in white and grey sneakers, plus another 1,000 pairs featuring a green embossing similar to the limited edition.

Not just an artistic experience

The exhibition space where Škoda Auto unveiled the footwear is itself just as stylish. “I think Škoda is a balanced brand. It’s like a piece of clothing you can wear anytime — it can be elegant, sporty, ready for a night out with your friends or a business meeting,” says Marcantonio, the artist and creator of the exhibition’s sculptures, about the carmaker´s style.

Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, with sculptor Marcantonio.

A sculpture of a lynx, symbolizing the speed of the Elroq RS.

Designer Marcantonio primarily works with nature-inspired themes.

The raccoon symbolizes the car’s ability to see in the dark.

Step into the Škoda exhibition at Milan Design Week.

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Together with him, Škoda has created an immersive 500-square-meter experience trail. Visitors walk through and around giant sculptures and underneath hanging clouds. The sculptures are not random; they reflect the metaphors used in the Elroq communication campaign — the vehicle is the star of the entire pavilion.

For example, a flamingo emphasizes the car’s dynamism and increased ground clearance, while the clouds represent the lightness of long-distance travel. Children will also enjoy the experience — the car’s night vision capability is illustrated by a raccoon, whose eyes project various landscapes and driving scenarios onto an LED screen.

Milan Design Week also hosted the world premiere of the new Elroq RS — the sportiest version of Škoda’s compact SUV. In addition to its striking design, it impresses with dynamic performance, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, thanks in part to its dual electric motors with a combined output of 250 kW.

Milan Design Week is open to the public from April 8 to 13. Škoda’s pavilion is located in the very heart of the city — in the courtyard of the Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea (PAC), the museum of modern art in the Porta Venezia district. Visitors across Milan are also invited to the Škoda exhibition via mystery boxes placed around the city, including on Luigi Cadorna, Gae Aulenti, and XXIV Maggio squares.

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