An Unforgettable Wagyu Experience at Kanpai Classic

In fashion, few announcements feel like a collective exhale. But today’s news—Pierpaolo Piccioli taking over as Creative Director at Balenciaga—was met with exactly that. The Italian designer, known for his romanticism, color mastery, and deep respect for couture, will step into the role on July 10, following Demna’s headline-making departure for Gucci. The timing? Impeccable. The reaction? A mixture of cautious curiosity and industry-wide relief. Let’s be honest—this isn’t just a new chapter for Balenciaga. It’s a genre shift. Piccioli, who spent 16 years shaping Valentino into a red carpet and editorial darling (remember that PP Pink moment?), isn’t the type to play into chaos for clicks. He’s not posting meme campaigns or wrapping models in caution tape. He doesn’t need to. His runway shows were often emotional, intimate affairs. They didn’t shout; they sang. And while Balenciaga under Demna has been praised for its subversion and social commentary, it’s hard not to see Piccioli’s appointment as a pivot toward softness, towards couture purity, and—let’s say it—towards healing. But the question hanging in the air is: will the streetwear crowd come along for the ride? Let’s remember: this is Balenciaga, a house that began with Cristóbal's radical silhouettes and architectural tailoring. It’s fashion built on rigour. And under Demna’s direction, that foundation was exploded—literally. Hoodies, sock sneakers, and meme-fied runway shows turned the label into a Gen Z powerhouse. But Piccioli isn’t known for hoodies. He’s known for gowns. Ones that float, billow, and, yes, sometimes carry the weight of poetry. That contrast isn’t necessarily a problem—it’s a strategy. “Balenciaga is what it is today thanks to all the people who have paved the way,” Piccioli said in a statement released Monday morning. “What I am receiving is a brand full of possibilities that is incredibly fascinating… This gives me the chance to shape a new version of the maison, adding another chapter with a new story.” If Demna’s chapter was about deconstruction, Piccioli’s might be about reconstruction. Kering’s Deputy CEO Francesca Bellettini called him “one of the most talented and celebrated designers of today,” and she’s not wrong. He’s a natural storyteller—his collections at Valentino often read like love letters to humanity. In taking the helm at Balenciaga, he inherits not just a brand, but a battleground of ideas. Couture versus commercialism. Intellect versus irony. Romance versus rebellion. So what does this mean for the loyal Balenciaga customer—the one who queued up for Triple S sneakers and bought irony-laced merch with a wink? They may follow Demna to Gucci, just as many of Alessandro Michele’s fans followed him to Valentino. But here’s the thing about great designers: they don’t just inherit audiences—they create new ones. And Piccioli? He knows how to cultivate a following. Zendaya, Suga, Florence Pugh—he’s dressed them all, with emotion and clarity. He understands what it means to speak to culture through couture, not despite it. His debut collection will arrive this October during Paris Fashion Week, just one day after Demna’s final haute couture outing for Balenciaga. Talk about symbolic timing. It’s a handing over of the keys—and perhaps, of tone. Whether Piccioli will keep the exaggerated silhouettes, the streetwear DNA, or the shock factor that’s defined the brand’s recent era remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: he doesn’t need gimmicks. He has grace. And in today’s fashion climate, that might just be the biggest disruption of all.

Diane Kruger in Dolce & Gabbana Lights, camera, couture . The 78th annual Cannes Film Festival is underway, and if you thought this was just about cinema, you clearly haven’t been paying attention. Each May, the French Riviera becomes less about film and more about fabric, with a red carpet that functions as fashion’s most glamorous battleground. For the next two weeks, celebrities, stylists, and luxury maisons will engage in a delicate dance of statement-making and silhouette-spinning, all under the Mediterranean sun. The opening ceremony on May 12th saw Robert De Niro receive an honorary Palme d’Or from Leonardo DiCaprio—a wholesome, if slightly predictable, moment of Hollywood reverence. But the real scene-stealers were below the stage: Julia Garner in metallic sculptural Lanvin, Eva Longoria giving textbook Cannes in a liquid silk column, and Bella Hadid, who appears contractually obligated to show up in something sheer, backless, or both. Jennifer Lawrence wearing Dior Haute Couture This year’s jury, which includes Halle Berry, Juliette Binoche, Jeremy Strong, and Leïla Slimani, will be judging more than just the competition films—they’ll also be supplying some of the festival’s most dissected red carpet moments. You can expect Berry to lean into bombshell glamour, Binoche to give French intellectual in black sequins, and Strong to wear something that somehow reads as both awkward and deeply expensive. Cannes has always been a place where fashion has to mean something. It's not the Met Gala, where irony is allowed. It’s not the Oscars, where brand deals scream louder than silhouettes. Cannes is its own category: formality with a dash of defiance. Yes, the official dress code still insists on tuxedos, evening gowns, and elegant shoes—“no sneakers” reads the guidance with the rigidity of a Catholic school handbook—but Cannes wouldn’t be Cannes without the occasional ankle boot or rebellious red lip. Alessandra Ambrosio wearing Zuhair Murad Couture This year, the festival’s competition slate is packed with headline-grabbing projects: Amélie Bonnin’s Partir un Jour opened the festival with feather-light French charm, while the world premiere of Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning reminded everyone that yes, Tom Cruise still does his own stunts, and yes, he still wears sunglasses at night. Later in the week, Wes Anderson’s latest pastel fever dream, The Phoenician Scheme , will debut—complete with a breakout performance by Mia Threapleton (daughter of Kate Winslet, if you must know), alongside Michael Cera and Benicio Del Toro. Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest , starring Denzel Washington as a troubled music mogul, is expected to be a highlight. And The History of Sound , with Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, is already generating hushed awards chatter—and louder fashion buzz. But let’s be honest: this is Cannes. The narrative arc we’re really following involves which designer Bella will wear next, whether anyone will go full Old Hollywood with opera gloves, and who will attempt to smuggle sneakers past security. The Croisette isn’t just a promenade; it’s a runway. And the Grand Théâtre Lumière isn’t just a screening venue—it’s the set of fashion’s most high-stakes red carpet theatre. So say bonjour to drama, décolletage, and diamonds. This is Cannes. Angelina Jolie wearing Brunello Cucinelli (L), Heidi Klum in Elie Saab (R) Angelina Jolie wearing Tom Ford (L), Wan QianHui in Wang Feng Couture (R) Charli XCX in Saint Laurent (L), Halle Berry wearing Gaurav Gupta Couture (R) Lucien Laviscount wearing Dolce & Gabbana (L), Bella Hadid in Saint Laurent (R) Eva Longoria in Tamara Ralph (L), Irina Shayk wearing Elie Saab Haute Couture (R) A$AP Rocky in Saint Laurent (L), Natalie Portman wearing Dior Haute Couture (R) Karolína Kurková (L), Julianne Moore wearing Bottega Veneta (R) Isabelle Huppert in Balenciaga (L), Halle Berry in Gucci (R) Alex Consani wearing Schiaparelli Haute Couture (L), Alton Mason (R)

We’ve all been there. You read about some cult-favourite Korean serum—something that promises to turn your skin into glass—and within seconds you’re deep in a rabbit hole of online tabs, desperately trying to figure out why the product page is in Hangul, whether it ships to the UK, and if the £22 cleanser will cost you £67 after tax and customs. The excitement wanes as fast as your Wi-Fi connection, and suddenly you’re back to buying another predictable French moisturiser from Boots. Not quite the K-beauty fairytale you had in mind. But thanks to a wave of UK-based retailers who understand the quiet panic of a customs fee notification, we can now buy K-beauty like locals—no dodgy translations, no three-week waits, and no £35 delivery fee. These retailers have curated the best of Seoul’s science-meets-skincare wizardry, and some even have real-life shops (yes, actual bricks and mortar!) where you can poke, prod and pat before you purchase. Let’s start with where to shop before diving into the products your skin will soon be texting you thank-you notes for. Where to Shop for Korean Beauty in the UK Selfridges Beauty Hall, Oxford Street If you're still someone who prefers the thrill of touching the texture of a serum before committing to a relationship with it, the Selfridges Beauty Hall is your destination. Think of it as K-beauty’s answer to Harrods Food Hall—minus the Stilton, plus a wall of sheet masks that could practically host its own exhibition. You’ll find cult favourites like Dr. Jart+, NeoGen, and Too Cool For School here, with some exclusive finds like Skinmiso and Oozoo. Pro tip: the sheet mask wall alone is worth the pilgrimage. PURESEOUL, Soho A bit of Seoul in central London, PURESEOUL is a sleek, well-stocked haven that feels more like a boutique skincare gallery than a typical high street store. It offers a carefully curated edit of trending and under-the-radar K-beauty brands, and the staff actually know what they’re talking about. Come here if you want advice that’s better than a Reddit thread. Glam Touch, Soho Tucked in London's Korean quarter, Glam Touch is one of those rare finds that feels like a local secret. It stocks everything from COSRX to Pyunkang Yul, and even more niche finds that haven't yet made it onto TikTok. The store also offers skin consultations, which is your cue to turn your casual interest into a full-blown obsession. Nature Republic, Covent Garden If you're craving that glossy, K-Beauty-meets-nature aesthetic, head to Nature Republic's London outpost. It’s all polished wood, leafy branding and aloe vera-based everything. It’s also the place to find their globally adored Aloe Vera Gel in a proper tub you don’t need to import from Busan. P2BUS (Physical store + Online), Leicester Square Part treasure trove, part wholesale dream, P2BUS is a chaotic yet loveable hybrid store offering everything from skincare and haircare to lifestyle accessories. The Regent Street location is great for an in-person browse, but their online shop is particularly good if you know what you’re after and want a wide range without cross-referencing shipping fees. The Best Korean Skincare Products (That You Can Actually Buy in the UK) Final word? You don’t need to move to Seoul or master the art of currency conversion to get your hands on world-class Korean skincare. You just need a well-curated list and a bit of patience while the serum sinks in. Fortunately, we’ve got the former covered.

Dubai’s skyline is more than a collection of towering buildings and glittering developments—it’s a vivid, ever-evolving playground for the world’s ultra-wealthy, where architecture flirts with fantasy and real estate transcends into spectacle. Here, luxury isn’t just a lifestyle; it’s an art form, performed on a scale so grand it makes the most lavish mansions elsewhere seem positively quaint. From the dizzying heights of the Burj Khalifa’s “Sky Palace” penthouse to the theatrical excess of Palm Jumeirah’s Frond H6, and on to Emirates Hills’ sprawling tech-savvy fortress, Dubai has curated a portfolio of properties that read less like homes and more like living dreams. Each of these residences tells a story of ambition, design, and unapologetic extravagance—the kind that invites you not just to live, but to inhabit an entire mood, a private theatre of wealth where every detail is deliberate and every view curated. In Dubai, the ultimate trophy is never just a trophy. It’s a lifestyle manifesto. The Ultimate Trophy: 108 Floors Up in the Burj Khalifa If you’ve ever looked at the Burj Khalifa and thought, I want to live in the part that makes people dizzy, now’s your chance. The so-called "Sky Palace" has just hit the market at £40 million (approx. $53 million), making it the highest residential property in the world—because of course it is. Sitting 108 floors above Dubai, this 21,000-square-foot penthouse is not so much a home as it is a planetary vantage point, complete with its own private lift and twelve parking spaces for your fleet of supercars. It’s currently an empty shell—just concrete and staggering potential—but that’s the point. For a cool £4 million more, you could transform it into a Bond villain’s dream pad, an AI-assisted design fantasy, or a bi-level sanctuary in the clouds. From its 460-metre-high perch, the views are absurd: the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah, the distant Ras Al Khaimah mountains—like having a rotating Instagram filter built into your windows. Residents get access to all the Burj's luxury accoutrements: private lounges, rooftop jacuzzis, infinity pools, three gyms, and the Armani Hotel’s five-star indulgence. It’s less a flat and more a micro-country. According to Invest Dubai Real Estate CEO Asad Khan, who’s handling the exclusive sale, the Sky Palace could eventually resell for more than £90 million. Which makes this listing not only the ultimate trophy asset but, in Dubai terms, a smart long-term play. Just remember to budget for the vertigo. Frond H6, Where Luxury Meets Theatre on Palm Jumeirah On Palm Jumeirah—Dubai’s man-made island shaped like a date palm, because subtlety has never been the city’s strong suit—there’s a villa so aggressively curated it feels less like a home and more like the inside of a billionaire’s subconscious. Designed by Samir Vissram, Frond H6 is an aesthetic fever dream of polished travertine, oversized art, and lighting that says: “Please admire my success.” The entrance is double-height, glass-walled, and flanked by tropical greenery that likely has a team of full-time horticulturists. Inside, every surface gleams with an editorial sheen. It’s the kind of place that looks permanently staged for a photoshoot—probably because it is. The kitchen is sculptural, the staircase dramatic, and the living room more tastefully restrained than one might expect from a city that loves to gold-plate everything, including its ATM machines. This exquisite property is listed with Engel & Völkers Middle East. Step outside and the fantasy continues. The infinity pool drips effortlessly into a private beach—because apparently private pools aren’t quite private enough—and a glossy white yacht floats just beyond the jetty like the world’s most expensive lawn ornament. There’s a terrace for every mood: one for brunch, one for sunset drinks, and one, presumably, for pondering your next crypto investment. The vibe isn’t just luxury—it’s lifestyle theatre. This is Dubai’s new real estate language: curated to within an inch of its life, global in its references, and just aspirational enough to make you wonder if you should’ve married that guy with the tech start-up. Frond H6 isn’t a house. It’s a mood board in motion. Luxury Redefined in Emirates Hills’ Crown Jewel In a city where extravagance is the baseline, this AED 150 million Emirates Hills mansion doesn’t just raise the bar—it reinvents it. Spanning a staggering 32,869 sq. ft., this six-bedroom architectural marvel is a symphony of bespoke design and cutting-edge innovation, crafted for those who demand their home be nothing less than a statement. This property is listed with Engel & Völkers Middle East. From the private cinema where you can binge in absolute darkness, to the spa and gym that make wellness a daily ritual, and the rooftop jacuzzi perched above Dubai’s iconic skyline and the Burj Khalifa’s glittering spire, every inch is curated for indulgence. A soundproof sports bar in the basement invites high-stakes celebrations while ensuring the party stays strictly on premises—and out of earshot. Privacy here is paramount, with a dedicated staff wing, a private lift connecting all floors, and secure parking for ten cars, making exclusivity effortless. Meanwhile, state-of-the-art smart home technology orchestrates your every need with just a tap or a word, so life here is as seamless as it is spectacular. Nestled in Sector W—the crown jewel of Emirates Hills—this residence is less a house and more a fortress of luxury, designed for the discerning few who settle for nothing but the ultimate.

If you’re planning to summer in Europe (yes, it’s a verb now), you’ll want more than a decent beach and an overpriced spritz. You want discretion. Beauty. Service that doesn’t come with side-eye when you ask for oat milk. The kind of elegance that whispers instead of shouting through a DJ booth. Here’s where to go when you want your summer to look like a campaign for The Row—but with slightly more rosé. 1. Antibes, France Why: The French Riviera, minus the flash Antibes is what St Tropez was before billionaires turned it into an open-air car showroom. It’s old money, coastal chic, and full of linen in varying shades of cream. The kind of place where you sip rosé from a private villa and read a biography about Lee Radziwill just because you can. Where to Stay: Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc A legend. Frequented by every A-lister who doesn’t need to announce they’re in the south of France. Belles Rives Historic, glamorous, and once home to the Fitzgeralds. Come for the art deco interiors, stay for the sea terrace. Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel Minimalist, modern, and perfectly perched. What to Do: Book a boat for the day—ideally one with a skipper who brings champagne. Visit the Picasso Museum housed in Château Grimaldi. Take the Sentier du Littoral walk, but only in Loewe sandals. 2. Lake Como, Italy Why: Cinematic views with matching prices Lake Como doesn’t do subtle. Nor should it. It’s where you go when you’ve worked too hard all year and want to be rewarded with pasta, silk sheets, and someone offering you another bellini before noon. Where to Stay: Villa d’Este A 16th-century villa that now caters to those who pack more handbags than clothes. Passalacqua A newly restored private villa turned boutique hotel with lavish gardens and lake views that feel unreal. Grand Hotel Tremezzo For vintage glamour with an Aperol-orange pool that floats on the lake. What to Do: Take a Riva boat tour, because yes, it is as fabulous as it sounds. Explore Bellagio and Varenna, then escape the crowds with dinner on your private terrace. Visit Villa Balbianello, and pretend you’re in a Bond film (because you are). 3. Saint-Tropez, France Why: Because sometimes excess is the point If Antibes is for the discreetly rich, Saint-Tropez is for those who like their caviar served with a side of flash photography. But make no mistake—it’s still luxury, just with more bronzer and branded swimwear. Where to Stay: Cheval Blanc St-Tropez LVMH’s ultra-luxe outpost with private beach access and a Guerlain spa. Hotel Byblos A legendary jet-set hideaway that feels like summer 1971 on the French Riviera. Pan Deï Palais An 18th-century mansion turned intimate five-star escape. What to Do: Secure a table at Club 55 and act unimpressed. Shop at Dior’s pop-up, then walk over to Dior Des Lices for lunch. Charter a yacht. Always. 4. Porto Cervo, Sardinia Why: Billionaire’s playground with zero influencers Costa Smeralda is for those who would never dream of “checking in” anywhere. Sardinia’s northeast coast is private, pristine, and priced for discretion. If you know, you know. If you don’t, you’re probably not invited. Where to Stay: Hotel Cala di Volpe Made famous by The Spy Who Loved Me , and somehow still impossibly cool. Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel Ultra-luxury with a private beach and serious spa credentials. Petra Segreta Resort & Spa Secluded, serene, and perched in the hills for extra peace (and views). What to Do: Spend the day at Phi Beach for sunset DJ sets and barefoot elegance. Book a boat to the Maddalena Islands—Sardinia’s best-kept secret. Dine at La Pergola in Villa d’Este if you happen to find yourself nearby. If not, fly there. 5. Capri, Italy Why: Because la dolce vita still means something Capri has long been the choice of fashion editors, movie stars, and people who still wear actual perfume. It’s the kind of place where everyone looks airbrushed and no one wears a smartwatch. Where to Stay: JK Place Capri Luxe, laid-back, and perched just outside the crowds with unobstructed views. Hotel Quisisana An icon with a guestbook that reads like a red carpet lineup. La Scalinatella Intimate and impeccably Italian, with staff who remember your name (and your cocktail). What to Do: Shop in Capri town (Dolce & Gabbana, Aquazzura, etc.) then lunch at Da Paolino under a canopy of lemon trees. Take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro for dramatic photos you’ll pretend were candid. Charter a wooden gozzo to tour the Blue Grotto (before 9am, trust me). 6. Dubrovnik, Croatia Why: Medieval charm meets mega yachts Dubrovnik isn’t a secret anymore, but it’s still a spectacle. The Old Town is pure Game of Thrones grandeur, and the coastline is made for champagne toasts and vintage silk headscarves. Come for the views, stay for the Adriatic energy that makes even a Negroni feel crisp. Where to Stay: Hotel Excelsior Classic, elegant, and steps from the Old Town. What to Do: Walk the city walls at sunrise, then promptly retreat to the pool. Visit Lokrum Island for a wild, car-free nature break (there are peacocks, FYI). Book a table at 360 Restaurant , the Michelin-starred spot overlooking the harbour. 7. Mykonos, Greece Why: When your idea of luxury includes champagne showers Mykonos isn’t subtle, but it is stylish. It’s for those who fly private but still want to dance until sunrise in a €700 swimsuit. If you want calm, head to Paros. If you want curated chaos in the chicest setting possible, stay here. Where to Stay: Cavo Tagoo Infamous for its infinity pools and influencer clientele (judge all you want, it’s spectacular). Kalesma Mykonos Sleek, serene, and set above Ornos Bay with sunset views that feel fake. Bill & Coo Coast Suites Intimate and low-key for when you’ve had enough of Nammos. What to Do: Long lunch at Scorpios , where linen and sunglasses do most of the talking. Wander Mykonos Town’s maze-like alleys for jewellery shopping and selfies you pretend weren’t planned. Charter a yacht to Delos for a cultural fix (but mainly the boat).

Goodbye Sneakers. Hello Grown-Up Summer Shoes. Let’s be honest: it was only a matter of time. The cultural saturation of sneakers—once a symbol of rebellious cool, now the uniform of tech bros and teenagers alike—has reached its natural peak. And in their place? A wardrobe of elegant, unbothered, post-sneaker era shoes that signal one thing: you’ve grown up, and you know how to dress for summer without looking like you just rolled out of a Soho House gym. This year, men’s summer footwear is embracing a new mood. It’s not about hype, it’s about heritage. Less “limited drop,” more “limited edition hand-stitched leather.” And while yes, you may still reach for your Veja trainers for a grocery run, when it comes to actually dressing for the season—vacations, weddings, dinners, or pretending to work from a rooftop terrace—these are the shoes that matter. From Peak Sneaker to Quiet Luxury: A Style Shift Cast your mind back to the years between 2015 and 2020. The golden age of sneaker culture. Yeezy drops crashed websites. Balenciaga’s Triple S turned orthopaedic into aspirational. People queued overnight for Off-White x Nike collabs, then immediately listed them on StockX with a £500 markup. Sneakers were less about comfort and more about flexing. They weren’t just shoes—they were cultural artefacts, status symbols, and often, an entire personality. But like all hype cycles, this one came with an expiration date. Fast forward to 2025, and the tides have turned. The loudness, the logos, the performative exclusivity—it's all started to feel… a bit much. The same man who once checked sneaker resale prices during meetings is now quietly investing in loafers from Northampton and arguing about suede nap direction. Because somewhere between post-pandemic introspection and the rise of "stealth wealth," sneaker culture lost its grip on fashion's pulse. In its place? The slow, steady resurgence of classic footwear rooted in quality, not clout. Quiet luxury—once a niche reserved for those in-the-know—has now become the defining aesthetic of the post-sneaker world. And nothing says "quiet luxury" like a well-made loafer, a softly-aged suede Derby, or a hand-stitched espadrille that doesn’t need a logo to prove its worth. Luxe Espadrilles The Riviera’s most relaxed export is no longer reserved for yacht club members and old cigarette ads. Espadrilles are having a moment, and this time they’re luxe, not lazy. In 2025, they’re made from woven linen, suede, or buttery canvas with stitched soles that nod to craftsmanship rather than convenience. Ideal for moving from poolside Campari to a beachside dinner where someone inevitably brings up postmodern architecture. Pair them with drawstring trousers, a short-sleeve Cuban collar shirt, and enough nonchalance to convince people you live in Palma. Snoafers Enter the Snoafer: the fashion industry’s latest attempt to have it both ways—and, annoyingly, it sort of works. Equal parts performance sneaker and penny loafer, this is what happens when someone at New Balance decides to experiment after one too many martinis at Chiltern Firehouse. The result? A mesh-paneled, sole-podded Frankenstein shoe that shouldn’t make sense but somehow does. It’s what you wear when you want the ergonomic smugness of a runner but need to pass as someone who reads the Financial Times on holiday. They’re divisive, yes. But in a season where formality is being quietly redrawn, Snoafers let you cheat the dress code without anyone realising. New Balance 1906L Shoes - £120.00 - Click here (UK) Suede Driving Shoes Driving shoes are a fantasy—one that involves a convertible in Tuscany, a silk scarf you didn’t iron, and someone named Giancarlo. Luckily, the shoes themselves are very real, and very wearable. The suede driving shoe—particularly from heritage brands like Tod’s—is an ideal middle ground between loafer and slipper, with just enough European flair to justify that Aperol at lunch. They’re lightweight, tactile, and perfect with white denim or tailored shorts. Do they work if you don’t drive? Absolutely. Do they still look great with a Negroni in hand? Even better. Barbour Courage Driving Shoes - £99.95 - Click here (UK) Tod's Gommino Bubble suede driving shoes - £445.00 - Click here (UK) Leather Deck Shoes The preppy renaissance continues, and the leather deck shoe is officially back from the country club. Originally designed for sailors, they’re now the uniform of Aimé Leon Dore fans and anyone who has strong feelings about vintage Rolexes. Wear them with chinos, a knit polo, and a heavy dose of East Coast nostalgia. Bonus points if you know who Paul Sperry is. Scarosso smooth-leather boat shoes - £274.00 - Click here (UK) Polo Ralph Lauren - Anders suede boat shoes - £195.00 - Click here (UK) Suede Derbies For the man who still believes in dressing like an adult (a rare breed), suede Derbies are essential. These are not your winter oxfords—they’re warm-weather workhorses that somehow manage to look both sharp and effort-free. British brands like Grenson, Church’s, and Crockett & Jones are making beautiful versions with Goodyear welting and top-grade suede, meaning they’ll age like your favorite leather briefcase. Pair them with relaxed tailoring or lightweight suits. Think: linen, but with purpose. Church's Shannon leather Derby shoes - £980.00 - Click here (UK) Dr. Martens Felix contrast-stitching derby shoes - £129.00 - Click here (UK) Leather Sandals Let’s clear something up: flip-flops are not sandals. Flip-flops are for the shower at Equinox. Leather sandals, on the other hand, are a grown man’s answer to staying cool while still appearing remotely put together. The key here is structure—wide straps, sturdy soles, and nothing that squeaks. They look best when paired with tailored shorts, a camp collar shirt, and a sense of knowing better. Birkenstock Milano leather sandals - £268.00 - Click here (UK) Giuseppe Zanotti strappy leather sandals - £322.00 - Click here (UK) Penny Loafers Penny loafers are your wardrobe’s best-kept secret. They somehow manage to be formal enough for a wedding, casual enough for a rooftop drink, and breathable enough to survive the Central line in July. G.H. Bass still makes the most classic version (if you care about pedigree), while Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers have reimagined them in glossy leathers for the Ivy League graduate who now works in branding. Invest in a pair from a Northamptonshire shoemaker if you want them to last longer than your current skincare routine. Tod's Leather penny loafers - £640.00 - Click here (UK) Dolce&Gabbana Altavilla suede penny loafers - £675. 00 - Click here (UK) White Sneakers Yes, white sneakers are still hanging on. But in 2025, they’re no longer the main character—they’re the understudy. If you must wear them, keep them minimal (think Common Projects or Axel Arigato), box-fresh, and free of unnecessary logos. And know that every time you do, a suede Derby quietly rolls its eyes. HUGO logo-print panelled sneakers - £175.00 - Click here (UK) Common Projects leather low-top sneakers - £305.00 - Click here (UK) The Final Word Summer and winter shoes aren’t just seasonally different—they speak entirely different languages. And this year, summer is speaking fluent Italian, with a slight British accent and a heavy emphasis on loafers. So retire the sneakers (at least temporarily), embrace the grown-up shoe, and let your footwear finally say what your wardrobe has been hinting at all along: you’ve evolved.