THE MAKING OF THE PENNY LOAFER

A LOOK BACK AT FALL’S BIGGEST TREND

We love loafers. They’re functional, versatile and undeniably cool. Plus, they’re everywhere right now–and we know that summer’s biggest trend will make an easy transition into fall’s must-have sole. Vogue went so far to say, “If you buy one shoe, make it a loafer.”

Always classic, forever timeless–they’re the epitome of an iconic piece. Because, of course, the penny loafer will never fade away. They will live in your closet for a lifetime.

HOW THEY CAME TO BE

Before they became essential to every woman’s closet, the penny loafer’s earliest iteration was worn in the early 1900s. A Norwegian man, Nils Tveranger wanted to improve the design of the teser–a laceless leather shoe worn by fisherman and peasants. After going to America, he created the Aurland moccasin, which combined elements from the teser and the Iroquois Native Americans’ moccasins.

Over 30 years later, they became a true American icon when an Esquire staffer spotted them in Palm Beach on a man who had worn them home from Europe. Arnold Gigrich, the founder of Esquire, saw the potential and partnered with an American footwear label to create one. By 1936 the label had evolved the Aurland into the penny loafer we know today: a thicker-style adaptation with its signature cutout in the middle of the strap.

An instant hit, they were coined the “Symbol of Elegant Leisure.” Since then, they’ve become synonymous with collegiate style, jazz musicians, bankers and icons like Elvis Presley. It’s their versatility that allows them to adapt to everyone’s personal style.

INSIDE OUR COLLECTION

Our loafers are handcrafted by artisans at our family factory in San Salvador, El Salvador–where our shoemaking DNA begins. Although loafers have evolved from soft leather bottoms to more durable constructions, our factory in El Salvador still practices the art of hand fitting the leather to a shoe form. This process takes time and skill, resulting in a shoe that is highly comfortable and flexible. We are truly lucky to be able to work with artisans who have been practicing this for generations.

Today, our collection blends our signature details with the style’s timeless character for a smarter look. There’s one for every closet, every season and every personality–so you can live life in loafers.

HOW WE’RE WEARING THEM THIS SEASON