Free delivery over £200 and easy returns

Free delivery over £200 and easy returns

The world’s best fashion boutiques in one place I Free delivery over £200 and easy returns

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COMMON PROJECTS

Clean lines, sleek shapes and classic style define the signature aesthetic of the American luxury footwear brand, Common Projects. Matching the excellence of the innovative designs, the superior and premium Italian craftsmanship really makes the exclusive foot wear an ideal addition to any personal wardrobe. All of the brand’s shoes are hand-stitched and crafted with Italian Nappa leather. An haute-couture yet practical blend of decadent luxury fashion and effortless sportswear has skyrocketed the brand to the most exclusive fashion circles.

Fortunately, these luxury sneakers are easily wearable and their simple style makes them a great complement to just about any casual look. Being a hybrid of both casual athleisure along with fashion extravagance, you can mix and match them with a wide variety of styles and looks. The select label is best known for their low white sneaker called “Achilles,” which took the fashion world by storm upon its release and has since attained cult status.


The history behind Common Projects


Prathan Poopat and Flavio Girolami founded their American luxury footwear brand in 2004. The label is predominantly based in New York City, which is its center of business and design operations, while the actual production headquarters are located in Italy. The creative duo decided to launch Common Projects when they felt inspired to create a sneaker that was not already available on the market. They were really into sneakers like Nike Air Force Ones and Converse All Stars, but they wanted something that was a bit more subtle and refined. A top priority for both of them was comfort, as they felt that the sneakers had to be at the height of style but also very easy to wear. In an interview, Prathan Poopat commented, “We were wearing slimmer clothes and we needed sneakers to go with them.”

The name of the brand comes from Prathan Poopat and Flavio Girolami’s collaborative work, as they often worked together on “Common Projects.” They located an Italian footwear factory in the Marche region to produce the first model, which also happened to be the factory’s first go at creating sneakers as they were otherwise a producer of leather dress shoes. This pioneering attempt turned out to be a colossal success, as the result was the low, white shoe that is their signature Achilles sneaker. A one-of-a-kind design, this trendy original is in a class of its own, and bears some resemblance to the Puma Gazelle model or Adidas Stan Smith. The brand has continued to produce its footwear from the very same factory it started with.


The iconic Achilles sneaker


Common Projects’ low-profile, understated yet luxurious Achilles sneaker is hand-stitched of premium Italian leather. This highly creative design and exceptional construction have attracted multitudes of celebrities and fashion-enthusiasts around the world. The signature sneaker became more and more popular over the past decade, and is a featured product at more than 200 retailers all over the globe.

The snazzy gold labeling made up of ten numbers across the sneaker’s back heel imparts a luxurious and signature look. The first four digits indicate the specific model, followed by two integers denoting the European shoe size, and the last four are the color code. The initial models had labeling that was relatively easy to rub off, so wearers could keep it or leave it according to their preferences. Nowadays, Common Projects’ labeling is permanently imprinted with special gold foil. Many other of the brand’s sneaker models have similar labeling on the side. The sneakers are incredibly durable, comfortable, as well as very trendy.


More and more Common Projects’ models


Ever since it launched its very first sneaker, Common Projects has been coming out with an extensive range of fancy footwear. Its grand collections prove that the original Achilles is certainly no “one-hit wonder.” Other types of sports, including running, tennis and basketball inspired subsequent models. The brand has even expanded into other types of footwear altogether, such as loafers, Chelsea boots and desert boots. The label initially began as a producer of men’s footwear, but due to immense popularity and demand, started making womenswear from 2009. Both the iconic Achilles low sneaker, as well as Chelsea Boots, are bestsellers in the market for women’s footwear.

Despite Common Projects fame and popularity, the designers prefer staying low key and even avoid advertising. As Flavio Girolami mentioned in an interview, “We try to stay quiet and let the brand speak for itself.” With such an unwavering confidence in the product, it is no wonder that the superior sneakers have inspired so many people worldwide. The designers also believe in building their name at a moderate pace without rushing into things. Flavio Girolami spoke on having an unhurried pace of growth as a part of his business plan, “If you grow slow, you grow right […] It’s much easier to make less mistakes.” A number of people have talked about how confident they feel when wearing the stellar sneakers, and how they attract many compliments every time they wear them.


How to care for your luxury sneakers


When you invest in luxury footwear like products from Common Projects’ collections, it is a good idea to learn how to properly care for them. First of all, you can clean them regularly with a damp rag or horsehair brush to remove any scuffs or dirt. Regular cleaning will prevent the build-up of grime and keep your sneakers looking fresh and clean. There are various types of leather cleaners that are especially suitable for the uppers – otherwise you can make an alternative home-made solution with two parts water and one-part white vinegar. No matter what kind of cleanser you choose to go with, it is preferable to always allow the shoes to dry completely before storing them. For the sole, you can use a magic eraser to rub away any dark marks.

Since leather is a porous material, it is sensitive to water. While you definitely can feel free to wear your sneakers out in the rain, you might want to towel dry them when you get home. As an extra measure, you can stuff the insides of the sneakers with dry newspaper to absorb extra moisture from the inside. Allow the footwear to dry naturally at room temperature and you’re good to go. If you follow these steps, you will ensure that your luxury sneakers stay looking their best for longer.

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