Stepping Up

Following the launch of its wildly popular Air Dior collaborative sneaker, Dior Men launches a new shoe of its own.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Following the launch of its wildly popular Air Dior collaborative sneaker, Dior Men launches a new shoe of its own.

Both in low- and high-top versions, the B27 sneakers are the latest example of the high-low/sophisticated-street fusion creative director Kim Jones does so well. While its silhouette is influenced by inspirations ranging from ’80s tennis shoes to skateboarding culture, the B27’s construction and materials are firmly rooted in the luxury realm. Available in white, black or grey, the sneakers feature mixed materials: calf leather and nubuck with the Dior Oblique monogram jacquard or the new Dior Oblique Galaxy, a perforated smooth, black calf leather with a reflective lining.

Their creation showcases the house’s attention to artisanal detail. Leather-working techniques such as edge-dyeing and topstitching go into the crafting of each sneaker with accents such as logo-shaped eyelets and brand logos on the heel and sole. 

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MUTED MONOGRAM

Very much in step with the current mood, Dunhill’s latest collection focuses on utility and low-key elegance. The new Signature collection features a coated canvas covered in the brand’s Longtail logo defined by elongated lettering and is applied as a subtle tone-on-tone print on canvas treated for better water-resistance and durability. Metal hardware and leather trims complement the canvas. The range includes a weekend duffle and a messenger as well as Dunhill’s latest Lock bag (pictured).

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MAKING THE CONNECTION

You’ve got the watches and the jewellery. Now, you can match them with the eyewear. Cartier’s Fall/Winter 2020 eyewear models riff on two of the brand’s signatures: the Santos de Cartier watch and the Trinity de Cartier interlaced ring. Like the watch, the Santos de Cartier eyewear styles take their cues from aviation, with details such as visible screws – inspired by plane rivets – on the arms. Additionally, the angular edges of the frames echo the form of the Santos watch case. In a softer shape, the Trinity de Cartier frames have intertwined accents reminiscent of the classic ring.

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POWER OF THREE

If there’s one drawback about luxe leather sneakers, it’s that they tend to be heavier than mass-produced canvas ones. With that in mind, Ermenegildo Zegna has updated its Triple Stitch sneaker with more lightweight, flexible construction and an extra-light rubber sole. The familiar triple crossed elastic allows them to be easily worn and removed while serving as a sleek brand signature. The only problem we have is deciding on the finish we want. This season, the Triple Stitch comes in smooth leather, grained calfskin and suede or deerskin, and all in various colours.