Willy Chavarria, the 2023 CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year, has joined forces with the iconic American shoemaker Allen Edmonds to create his first-ever unisex footwear collaboration, marking a significant moment in his career. The collaboration, which produced The Jalisco, represents a fusion of Chavarria’s avant-garde vision with Allen Edmonds’ century-long tradition of craftsmanship. This partnership, a blend of contemporary design and timeless craftsmanship, sets a new standard for luxury footwear that transcends traditional boundaries of formality and gender.
The Jalisco, a split-toe Derby oxford with a Cuban heel, challenges the conventional norms of dress shoes. Chavarria has coined it the “unformal” shoe, a design that is intended to be worn across different seasons, occasions, and by people of all genders. The attention to detail, from the contoured inch heel to the gold foil W.C. initials stamped on each shoe, reflects Chavarria’s precision and dedication to creating a product that is both bold and timeless.
Chavarria’s collaboration with Allen Edmonds is not just about creating a new shoe; it is about merging the past with the present. By drawing from archival lasts and combining them with modern design elements, Chavarria and the artisans at Allen Edmonds have crafted a shoe that respects tradition while pushing forward into new territories of style.
The Jalisco will make its debut at Willy Chavarria’s Spring 2025 runway show during New York Fashion Week on September 6, 2024. This highly anticipated release will be available in select Allen Edmonds stores and global retailers in Spring 2025, positioning the shoe as a must-have for fashion-forward individuals looking for luxury footwear that defies the ordinary. The collaboration is expected to attract attention from fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders alike, further solidifying Chavarria’s place as a trailblazer in modern design.
Willy Chavarria’s brand is known for its mission to uplift the underrepresented through art and design, with collections that blend emotional depth and political themes. His work often draws inspiration from his Mexican-American heritage and the beauty found in urban landscapes, creating pieces that resonate on a deeply human level. This collaboration with Allen Edmonds aligns with Chavarria’s ethos, as it brings together his unique perspective with the craftsmanship of a legendary American brand.
Allen Edmonds, celebrating its centennial in 2022, has been a symbol of American style and craftsmanship for decades. Known for its 212-step shoe-making process and commitment to sustainability through shoe recrafting services, the brand continues to be a leader in premium men’s footwear. The collaboration with Willy Chavarria showcases Allen Edmonds’ commitment to evolving with the times while maintaining its legacy of craftsmanship, creating shoes that honor tradition while embracing modernity.
