Product Design / Typography / Brand Experience​​​​​​​
Contribution: Concept / Footwear Design / Video / Photography / Competitive Analysis / Prototyping
Footwear design concept for luxury sneaker brand.

The client approached a group of graphic designers with a clear idea of developing a luxury footwear brand and a sneaker design that could be used, both, at the office and at an exclusive NYC nightclub. However, there was a lack of target audience, brand strategy, product, concept and identity.

Targeting the modern dandy

With the rise of luxury sneakers and its evolution from casual footwear to dress shoes,  the target audience was defined as men on their late 20's and early 30's who are interested in fashion, take care of their appearance, look to be the best version of themselves, and want to show their uniqueness.
Understanding the landscape

To define a clear competitive landscape among the variety of sneaker brands in the market, a selection of emergent (in 2014) luxury sneaker brands —with similar quality, price, and target audience to the ones Byron&Leach seeks to achieve— was chosen as direct competitors. 

The brands were analyzed on a 2x2 matrix by comparing two core drivers of the brand: premium quality and traditional craftsmanship. The analysis was based on customers' perception and secondary research. A deeper analysis of the brands located on the upper right corner was conducted. This included values, philosophy, materials, product lines, strengths and weaknesses.
​​​​​​​Finding a unique voice

In order to connect with the target audience a brand personality and a set of brand attributes were defined: 

+ Sophistication
+ Audacity
+ Duality
+ Candidness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Concept: Leather jackets and tuxedos

Following the brand attributes, personality, and aim of developing a sneaker design with a dual use, four concepts were proposed, and the concept "Classic Rebels" was selected.

The rebellious style from the 50s —leather jackets and motorcycles and the elegance of from the 60s —tuxedos and ties— are the essence of the concept that drives the development of the brand identity.
Developing the signature model

Being the first footwear model to be launched, it must represent the values and essence of the brand. Different rounds of sketching were carried out in which different details from leather jackets and suits, such as buttons, zippers, seams and flowers; were adapted to the sneaker design.


Audience validation

After an analysis of the sketches, different models were selected and rendered. The renders of the designs were tested by the client and later by users who were able to understand their perception and identify the model to move forward.

Prototyping

Based on the client's opinion, target market, and design criteria, the model with buttons was selected as it had greater personality and was defined as a piece that expresses uniqueness. Several rounds of prototyping and refinement were carried through until the final design was developed.

Final Design: "The Classic Rebel" model

The sneaker design reflects the duality of the brand. On one hand, the rebel side is represented by the pure matte black leather and the collar that resembles the leather jackets worn by biker. On the other hand, the classic style of the gentlemen is reflected in the structure, the sole material, and in the iconic buttons taken from tuxedos.

The sneakers were handcrafted by Mexican artisans in a small footwear shop in Monterrey, N.L. Mexico, and made of natural tinted leather. 

Details makes the difference

Because the brand is an emerging brand, and thus, unknown by the target market, it needed a differentiator that could make it be remembered. This differentiator is a handmade silver flower located in the heel of the shoe which represents the wild roses from the bikers' patches and tattoos, and the gallantry and class from the boutonnières.

Bringing the duality to the details, each shoe is labeled on the inside with one part of the "Byron&Leach" name, communicating that one side cannot exist without the other.
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