Miichel Jean Meynard, who formed Earth Brands
in 2002 to help revive the Earth wellness shoe, has passed away at the age of 73. The company is the parent of
Kalso Earth Shoes, Earth and Earthies. According to an OBIT in the
Boston Globe, Meynard left France with one bag in his arm in 1965 to
become a successful
entrepreneur and shoe designer.
He died on Sept. 21.
According
to Footwear News, Meynard in 1970 launched Meynard Designs, a
private-label shoe firm that continues to be in business. In 2002, he
acquired the rights to the
Earth footwear label and formed the firm Earth Brands, based in Waltham, MA, to distribute the wellness
shoe with the trademark “negative” heel and natural sole design created
by Danish yoga instructor, Anne Kalso.
Meynard’s son, Philippe
Meynard, who owns Planetshoes.com, will add the role of chairman of
Earth Brands to his duties, according to Footwear News.
Funeral
Services for immediate family were held Sept. 26.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at Larz Anderson Auto
Museum, Brookline, MA at 6pm on Oct. 11. In lieu of flowers
anybody who wishes to do so may make donation to www.wspa-usa.org or Boston
Harborside Home of J.S. Waterman & Sons-Waring-Langone.
