Influenced by Morocco’s landscapes, Duke + Dexter’s SS23 collection is a celebration of both subtle and playful design
Anchoring bohemian aesthetics with traditional palettes, and crafted in all-new silhouettes, the range is an eclectic, characterful mix
Words: Josh Lee
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Better weather, it would seem, is finally arriving on these shores, and with a change of mood and climes comes a fresh approach to all things related to the wardrobe. Now is the time to set aside the weighty pullovers, the all-weather coats, and the thick-soled boots, and, in their place, one should starting looking to bring in lighter, more breathable materials, and items that are appropriately styled for the sunnier months.
When it comes to refreshing the shoe-and-sneakers department, Gentleman’s Journal often turns to Duke + Dexter, a brand that, since its founding in 2015, has become famed for putting a refined, contemporary slant on classic footwear, namely by merging innovative designs and playful touches with traditional handmade craftsmanship. Moreover, with silhouettes that are smart enough to wear around the workplace but casual enough for off-duty hours, the British label’s wearable offerings hit a sweet spot that allows them to span occasions, scenarios and dress-codes.
Adding to the appeal is the fact that Duke + Dexter also eschews a throwaway, fast-fashion model, instead being driven by exacting, high-quality standards, with a focus on limited runs that are made using responsibly sourced materials handled with the highest of reverence by the company’s craftspeople: ‘buy once and buy right’, so goes the brand’s mantra. And its due to this spirit that Duke + Dexter has gone on to blossom from its London roots to a brand with global appeal, collaborating with boundary-pushing creatives across the world, whether that’s musicians or artists, designers or athletes.
For its latest campaign – ‘Club Morocco’ – Duke + Dexter takes to the dusty, sun-baked landscape of the north-African country, all for one wanderlust-fuelled reason: to abandon the norm in search for new sensations. “We wanted to forget about London”, says the company, “we wanted to find our nirvana with those closest to us, surrounded by natural beauty and points of unspoilt bliss.”
Anchoring bohemian aesthetics with traditional palettes, and crafted in all-new silhouettes, the collection is an eclectic, characterful mix, running the gamut from stripped-back options to more expressive designs. And it is among the vibrant mosaics, the stone tones and the elegant styles of the centuries-old riads, the bursts of colours in the souks and the earthy hues of the Agafay Desert where Duke + Dexter found the right environments to complement the textures and schemes of its new range – “a natural birthplace for our collection of updated classics”.
At the more pared-down end of the scale, we’ve been particularly drawn to the SS23 Ritchie Sneaker, an update on Duke + Dexter’s best-selling style, now crafted with an updated bamboo fibre eco-lining and an option of either blue or green, two humble colour choices that take their cues from Morocco’s natural landscapes. There’s also the Commando Boat Shoe, which replaces traditional flat soles with a deep-lugged rubber commando sole, providing more shape, volume and robustness than what you’d usually find elsewhere. Then, dialling up the formality slightly is the Hunt Driving Loafer, which is defined by its carefully placed details – a classic penny slot sits across the saddle, and an embossed D+D logo is placed at the heel – and its rubber gommino underfoot that ensures stability whether you’re traversing new grounds this summer or getting behind the wheel.
For those seeking out the embellished, we’d nudge you towards the bevy of SS23 1OF1 Penny Loafers, which are crafted from Italian leather and feature motifs that feel both graphic yet hand drawn. The Wilde Lemon shows off a print of the citrus fruit, both whole and cut, which has been placed on the vamp. The Wilde Olive also has a Med feel, with an olive branch that shimmers and adds a splash of green into the black-and-white design. Meanwhile, the Wilde Snake makes a statement with its set of facing serpents.
Then, though it may be without ornamentation, the Wilde Rattan, part of the SS23 Wilde Penny Loafers set, is punchy in its own way – taking influence from traditional woven rattan furniture, this lovingly crafted piece of footwear, done out in all black, eschews a wicker-skewed pattern in favour of a crocheted blend of wool and silk. With subtle texture, a wear-with-anything colour, and clean lines, it’s a piece that best epitomises Duke + Dexter’s always-versatile offerings.
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