Steadily evolving since its inception in 2004, Common Projects seamlessly plug the gap between the technical functionality of trainers and the traditional luxury of a classic shoe. With headquarters in both Milan and New York, founders Prathan Poopat, an acclaimed Art Director, and Creative Consultant Flavio Girolami, combine utilitarian design values with influences ranging from architecture to everyday objects, creating a range of footwear that gracefully crosses the boundary between formal and casual, with every style carrying a its own universal appeal. Each shoe is expertly crafted in Italy, utilising soft yet durable leathers and hard wearing man-made materials, resulting in footwear that is as subtle and luxurious as it is long lasting and functional. As ever, the A/W’12 collection is spearheaded by the ever-popular Achilles, a shoe that typifies the Common Projects aesthetic. Available in Tan, and White as well as a Mid version, the design of the shoe is stripped back to a single colour block and sleek, minimalist design. The same aesthetic is also prevalent in the Winter Premium, which comes in Navy, Burgundy and Off-White, and is suited to the colder months through the addition of padded leather uppers and full leather lining.
Another popular style making a return is the Vintage Low, with the A/W12 version updated through the addition of oxidized vulcanised rubber soles and treated suede leather uppers in Navy and Warm Grey, which are produced to develop a rich and interesting patina over time.
Our personal highlight of the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is the Derby Shine, Common Projects’ take on the classic Derby Shoe. Utilising Italian polished leather uppers, the detailing is typically understated, with the simplistic nature of the shoe defined by a natural Stormwelt construction and black, crepe wedge sole unit. The Derby Shine is offered in both Black and Burgundy and is finished with a full contrast leather lining, offering unparalleled durability and comfort.
As ever, each pair of Common Projects uses the very finest materials and features the iconic gold block numbering to the rear quarter, Poopat and Girolami’s subtle, yet striking approach to branding, essentially resulting in each pair being unique.
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