Why Mario Batali Just Frantically Ordered 200 Pairs of Orange Crocs

Fashion in the kitchen.

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Chef Mario Batali’s world came crashing down on him when he realized that Crocs, purveyor of foam comfort shoes, was discontinuing his favorite color: orange.

He literally wears them everywhere:

In an interview for Details’ January 2014 issue, Batali said that he owns “Probably 30. I just ordered 200 more because they’re about to take orange out of the field. They made a special run for me before they retired the color.”

Orange Crocs have become Batali’s signature footwear. The Bistro Mario Batali Vent Clog was even released to the public in 2007. So the chef was understandably taken aback.“They’re gonna stop the Mario Batali orange! It’s preposterous!” he told Details. “But they’re doing pretty well without me. Nothing lasts forever, baby.”

But was the 200 shoe hoarding order too rash? Crocs’ PR told Eater that although bright orange Crocs are being discontinued, the Mario Batali Vent Clogs in orange, specifically designed for those in the kitchen, will still be available online.