The Bite Magazine - Autmn/Winter 2020 - Issue 28

biteshoes ing collection. “At the time, I had no practical experience in creative direction or design, but Stacey saw that I had the drive, determination, and above all, the potential to con- tribute to the brand so, allowed me into the studio to learn from and help her develop what turned out to be three sold-out menswear collections.” He revealed in a Q&A that his desire to develop a footwear collection stemmed from his own inability to find the Holy Grail: the ‘perfect shoe’ to compliment the clothing he was designing and wearing. From knowing the brand as a con- sumer and appreciating their wide range of exceptionally well-made footwear to visiting their factory in Desborough, he knew Cheaney would be the perfect fit in realising his creative vision. “A quintessentially English shoemaker that does not compromise on quality or style.” Through this collaboration, Richard achieved his goal of creating “something that was simultaneously classic yet contemporary, elegant yet masculine, refined yet durable and above all, I wanted something that was ethically, sus- tainably and responsibly manufactured here in the UK.” The team understanding what he wanted to achieve, tak- ing the time to educate him in the craft of shoemaking and spending hours with him in the brand archives, as well as the factory floor, helped him tremendously. Behind each style, there is a personal meaning to the name given by Richard. Steadman is named after his grandfather, whom he described as the “best-dressed man I ever met.” He added, “He wore loafers seven days a week, 12 months of the year. He taught me about the versatility of the style, how to look comfortable in a loafer dressed up and also down. He was the man that introduced me to the art of be- spoke craftsmanship. Suits from Savile Row, shirts from Jermyn Street, and of course, shoes from Northampton.” Vietri is named after Vetri Sul Mate, a town in the prov- ince of Salermo, in the Campania region of southern It- aly. “The notion that a sandal should be simultaneously masculine yet delicate came to me whilst on holiday on the Amalfi coast.” Isaac is named after an old friend of Richard’s from New York. “In all the years I’ve known him I don’t think I’ve ever seen him wear anything other than Derbies. From suits to denim to shorts, come rain or shine, Isaac demonstrated firsthand the versatile nature of this style.” The new collection is available at Joseph Cheaney & Sons stores in Jermyn Street, Spitalfields, Covent Garden, Marylebone, Coal Drops Yard, Bow Lane, Lime Street, and Icon Outlet at the O2 in London; Leeds and Cam- bridge; and at the Factory Shop in Desborough, North- amptonshire from September 2020. www.cheaney.co.uk