Nicholas Kirkwood has turned his sights to the men’s market, finding perfect balance between tradition and modernity

After becoming one of the most sought after women’s shoe designers in recent years, Nicholas Kirkwood has turned his sights on the men’s market. Now in it’s fourth season, Kirkwood’s men’s collection has all of the game-changing flair of his women’s line, with a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. For SS15, Kirkwood has focused on four key shapes; the derby, oxford, loafer and sandal. While this may sound fairly standard, his execution and finish are anything but.

Artisanal details such as zig-zag patterns on the sole, his custom made high-shine spazzolato leather panels in rich electric-blue and aubergine, technical sports fabrics and mesh finishes all cement Kirkwood’s place at the top of his game. In terms of the colour palette, pastel mint and pink are contrasted by deep navy and copper, with some of the more bold styles featuring panels in complimenting shades, in the same way a sneaker is designed.

There are very few shoe designers who can match up to Kirkwood, who offers the same craft and quality of the traditional Italian and British houses, but with a viewpoint fixed very much on the future. The collection will be available in Nicholas Kirkwood boutiques from January 2015, a date that many men will no doubt be making a note of.

Words: Jordan Porteous