the collection / fall 2023
Legacy isn’t something we take lightly. Built over the last century and constantly refined for the next one, we know it’s something you need to live up to every day. Celebrated icons that have set the standard for sophistication for decades running. Innovative designs built for how we live and work now. The next generation of classics made with a steadfast commitment to our foundational values. Our life’s work is making shoes for your life’s work. Quality as the initial inspiration and ultimate goal behind everything we do this season and every season.
SNEAKERS
Dress Shoes
Boots
Loafers
Conversations with men of style
Nick Wooster,
Editor, Creative Director, Designer and All-around Menswear Expert
Tell us about your life's work and how you got to be where you are today in the industry.
I’ve worked in and around fashion since 1976, when I was a junior in high school. I never understood what it meant to work in fashion. Only that I loved clothes, and I was interested in the clothing business. The only job that I understood innately was being a buyer and that’s how I started my journey and career in New York during the 1980s.
Where do you draw your style inspiration?
I draw my style inspiration from everywhere. I’m never not looking. I look at everything. Horrible, sublime, mediocre, everything can be a source of inspiration.
Do you have a style mantra that you try to live by?
Probably the best piece of sartorial advice anyone ever gave me is: Buy the best you can afford. It really is the most thoughtful way to consume and to build a killer wardrobe. I don’t know that I have a signature styling tip, but one thing that most people don’t want to hear is: If you have a choice between something classic and something a bit trendier, buy the classic.
What comes to mind when you hear something is handcrafted in America? Why is that meaningful?
It’s meaningful because it’s so rare. Sadly, so much institutional knowledge has been lost, but it’s so wonderful when you find craftspeople that can still make beautiful things in the United States. It’s something to be treasured and nurtured.
How do you define a classic?
A classic is something timeless. If it was great 50 years ago, it will be great 50 years from now. Goodyear-welted shoes, brogues, derbies and Chelsea boots are examples of classics. So is a navy three-button blazer and a grey flannel suit.
What is your go-to shoe style?
Brogues, derbies and Chelsea boots in equal measure. They’re great with edgy, contemporary pieces and they always look polished and put-together. I’m wearing exactly the same shoes I’ve worn since high school.
Why are legacy and authenticity important?
Because they stand the test of time. There’s nothing worse than a new, cheap blue oxford cloth shirt. And there’s nothing better than an authentic old one.
What wardrobe pieces are always worth the investment?
Coats, jackets, shoes and watches. Everything else is negotiable.
“Buy the best you can afford. It really is the most thoughtful way to consume and to build a killer wardrobe.”
My Life’s Work: Meet the Faces of our Seasonal Campaign
Adonis Bosso,
Model, Artist, Musician + Dancer
What does work mean to you?
Work is what you put your energy into. Any action that you do, that you really put your energy, your will, your time into is work. It could be working on yourself, working on a project, working in the studio. Work is a combination of the things that we accomplish.
How do you dress for work?
I like to show off my style. Especially when I come to work, I like to show my personality. In the modeling industry you shine through your personality, so to dress for work I try to let my personality shine.
How does your sense of pride inform what you do?
Pride drives everything I do because I try to represent myself and my people in the best light. I try to always put myself in the best light so that I’m represented well, and people are proud of me in the way that I dress and the way that I talk and my actions. I try to do it with a lot of pride.
What would you like your legacy to be?
Love. I would love for my legacy to be love. I’m a very loving person and I give love around and if I could be remembered for that, that’s enough for me.
What does a pair of boots say about a man’s style?
It depends on the boot. Is it an outdoor Chelsea boot where you’re trying to make a statement or are you trying to be a lumberjack? I’m Canadian so boots are necessary for our day-to-day life. They’re a necessary accessory that you can outfit around your personality.
Do you have any additional thoughts on who you are beyond a model and father?
I’m just a creative. That’s the main thing I try to bring to the table through the way I dress, through my work, through music, through dance. Someone asked me one time, “What’s your passion?” and I said, “it’s creating.” I like to create things, beautiful images, beautiful movements, beautiful songs. Creating is my passion.
“ A nice, clean shoe will always look good. These are things that stand the test of time and make something a classic.”
Raphael Diogo,
Model + Jiu-Jitsu Master
What does work mean to you?
Work means going out of your way to do something of your liking. It’s having the opportunity to do something you’re passionate about and really love. To be able to put your purpose into that.
How do you dress for work?
I love to come to work in sweatpants or just the whole sweatsuit honestly because I know I won’t be dressing in my own clothes during a shoot. I like to dress comfortable. I like to feel comfortable and be myself when I come to set.
How does your sense of pride inform what you do?
I’ve always tried to live with a sense of pride. It really shows in your work when you’re present, and you love what you do. That automatically makes my performance that must better. I love to bring that attitude every time I come to work.
What would you like your legacy to be?
I would like people to look at me and see me for who I really am. I’ve always been quite the respectful person and I take pride in the words that I speak and my actions. I want to be known as someone who was really a man of his word and a very honest and loyal person. To make the people around me happy and to give back to those who have helped me in any sort of way. To just spread my love because I was blessed to have been raised with a lot of love.
What does a pair of boots say about a man’s style?
I think everyone has their own personal style. Whether it’s boots, sneakers, whatever it may be. But boots bring an incredibly sophisticated look to your style. I think they’re a huge part of fashion today. They can tie into any kind of outfit you want to wear out into the world.
“ It’s that fresh suit you put on. You feel like that’s your best you in that moment. That to me is a classic.”
COLE ETGEN,
Model + Actor
What does work mean to you?
Work for me is an extension of my accomplishments. I strive to perfect my craft in the modeling industry.
How do you dress for work?
How I dress for work very much depends on what I’m doing. If I’m going to a shoot, I’m going to dress more comfortable. If I’m going to a casting, I’m dressing to impress. Nothing crazy but nothing simple either.
How does your sense of pride inform what you do?
My sense of pride keeps me on a straight path.
What would you like your legacy to be?
I would like my legacy to be my family name. I want people to remember my last name, “Etgen,” for completely taking over the industry.
What does a pair of boots say about a man’s style?
A pair of boots says a lot about a man’s style. It also depends on the boot. If I’m dressing somewhat up, I will wear a Chelsea boot. You will never see me wearing regular shoes.
“ Work for me is an extension of my accomplishments. I strive to perfect my craft in the modeling industry.”
