Shoes photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus (http://www.neimanmarcus.com)
Flashback to the 1980s and what were most preppy guys of the time wearing on their footsies…….Sperry Top-Siders, in brown leather only with no socks and worn with shorts and jeans, they were definitely the casual shoe of choice for most guys I knew, when they wanted a “step up” from their sneakers! There were the die-hards that continued with them well into the next decade and beyond but as a rule by the 2000s, this classic brand knew it needed to do some things differently to remain relevant to the modern culture changes for men AND they needed to attract the women. So a transformation began.
Women’s Summerlin Thong Sandal; Women’s Harbordale Wedge Sandal; Women’s Authentic Original Boat Shoe(all silver)
They are back now and are having their “high fashion moment” as you can see. This renaissance began in the late 2000s when high profile designers were looking for classic brands to add a playful and even edgy look to the runways. Craig Reingold arrived in 2001 as President to rebuild the brand, making it not only a shoe associated with weekend nautical wear but to an aspirational fashion brand that could be worn year round and went after the gals by greatly expanding their fashion offering and even bringing in its first women’s only designer.
Photo courtesy of Google Images
So, it’s happened, Sperry has become a lifestyle brand, featured at Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Nordstrom and other fine stores, that adapts to the newest trends and styles. Their look is much more modern and appeals to a younger customer (who can’t even relate to the brand of the 1980s) and offers newness and fashion excitement across all generations and genders. They have differentiated themselves by collaborating with other designers while rebuilding and retaining the strengths of their heritage brand through a fresh approach. The end result, a look has been created that appeals to both the “hipsters and the prepsters.”
Sperry Top-Sider Bahama Sequined Slip-On; Women’s Ventura Thong Sandal; A/O 2 Eye (Natural Embroidered Raffia) – Footwear
It was the partnership in 2008 with California-based Band of Outsiders and endorsements such as from Jeffry’s, the hip NYC meat packing-based retailer, that really got them headed in the fashion direction and elevated their stature with the trend-savvy consumers. Since then they have collaborated with other designers, most recently, with the designer collection, Milly, and through the use of different colors, fabrications like they had never attempted before and even the expansion of styling that includes sandals and high heels…..a fashion brand has been born!
Women's Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe by Milly; Sperry Women's CVO Laceless Sneaker by Milly
Milly for Sperry Top-Sider Solid Platforms; Milly for Sperry Top-Sider Printed Platforms
According to Sperry President, Reingold, the sky is the limit. Other categories of product such as belts, swimsuits, eye wear, scarves and hosiery are being planned for Spring 2013 and are looking into retail of their own as an option.
Photo Courtesy of Instyle.com
To purchase now, it’s fun to visit Neiman’s, Macy’s or Nordstrom, to feast your eyes on the many different fashion choices or all are available online by clicking on the above store’s websites or by clicking on any shoe style here where they are offering free shipping for orders over $100 thru June 19th and 40% off of select styles.
Happy Memorial Day……..on or off the water, Sperry is the fashion-right shoe for you!
To order your favorite Sperry footwear that you see above, click on one or more of the links below!
Row 1: Women’s Summerlin Thong Sandal; Women’s Harbordale Wedge Sandal; Women’s Authentic Original Boat Shoe
Row 3: Sperry Top-Sider Bahama Sequined Slip-On; Women’s Ventura Thong Sandal; A/O 2 Eye (Natural Embroidered Raffia)
Row 4: Women’s Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe by Milly; Sperry Women’s CVO Laceless Sneaker by Milly
Row 5: Milly for Sperry Top-Sider Solid Platforms; Milly for Sperry Top-Sider Printed Platforms