Yesterday in Paris was the Fete de la Musique. The music festival falls every year on the summer solstice and sees live performances all over the city, with something happening on practically every street corner. So it was a no-brainer for Pierre Hardy when it came to deciding how to present his spring ’19 men’s collection. Three dancers put his shoes through their paces soundtracked by a DJ.
It was the perfect forum to launch his Vibe sneaker. Its graphic sole evokes the levels on a sound curve. Another new contender was the sneaker/hiker fusion Trail, which came complete with a Pierre Hardy logo spoiler to the rear.
For a men’s luxury footwear label, Hardy has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to sneakers, with his Comet and College styles long ensconced in his repertoire.
“Sneakers are kings at this moment,” he said. “For a designer, they offer an open field for creativity, and for the wearer, they offer comfort and a real freedom of movement.” Most important, though, he said, is their power of transformation.
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“Team a regular suit with a pair of sneakers and the look and feel is totally different — much younger. You walk differently, you feel differently and you behave differently. I think this is the biggest asset. Of course, it’s fashion, but why is it fashion? It’s the idea of eternal youth.”
Elsewhere, there was a new set of five unlined models with the vibe of a North African high summer. They ranged from slides to derbies and a Jimi Hendrix style pointed ankle boot. All came in supple unlined leathers done in the San Crispino technique, whereby seams are refolded and sewn onto a fine leather sole with large stitching. The black and brown striped versions get our vote.
“Men have had to wear dull black shoes for centuries,” said Hardy. “Now, finally, we can have some fun.”
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