Oliver Sweeney’s AW17 is classic, with a spark of colour
Masters of both the traditional and innovation, these are our picks of the shoemaker's latest
Since shoemaker Oliver Sweeney first opened, they have always placed their focus on quality. Whether it be sourcing the finest Italian leather for uppers, or decided what colour to hand-stitch their luxury trainers, the brand is obsessed with style, quality and detail. The latest collection, AW17, is no exception, and we’ve picked out our favourite pairs from the new range.
In a striking deep blue, these two trainers make use of the same turn seaming seen on Oliver Sweeney’s Bologna shoes. Luxury high and low top trainers, Alvera and Senigallia are both made using hand antiqued leather from the renowned Carli tannery, and have been crafted in the brand’s Italian factory. We especially like the hiker inspired hardware used to finish the Alvera shoe – and how both epitomise the versatile trainer.
In either deep blue leather, or deep red leather, each Bientina shares its secondary colour with the other shoe in the range. A standout shoe for this season, this show is crafted on a St Moritz sole, that has been trimmed for allow for a Blake stitch. The leather has been hand-finished to create a deep rich colour and finished with a striking, statement elastic strap – something we’ve rarely seen and love the visual look of.
Hand-crafted in Italy, the Capannoris would likely look like normal brown or black leather boots if not for the striking stripe encircling the sole. A spark of colour – but enough to elevate these about your workaday workers – the rich dip dyed buffalo leather also affords the Capannoris the look of a well-travelled boots, a style reinforced by the laces, zip and double buckle.
A suede hiker’s boot may not sound like a practical idea, but when shoes look like this, who cares? And, as the suede upper has been treated, any water will simply roll off – meaning these boots are hardier than they may look. A St Moritz cleated sole and heavy stitched storm welt add to the toughness and the vintage design ensure that you’ll stay stylish even out in the field.
The Jodhpur boot, a cousin of the Chelsea boot, is fast seeing a revival. Oliver Sweeney’s offering is certainly among the best this season, with a depth of colour unrivalled in other brands and a Blake stitch for both style and strength. A buckle and leather sole keeps things classic – but the distinctive finish of sweeping cuts and burnished leather stand this shoe above the rest.
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