The collaboration features a unique blend of Tricker’s country silhouettes and Wildsmith’s urban heritage, celebrating craftsmanship and style.
Wildsmith has launched a limited edition collection in partnership with Tricker’s, creating a unique fusion of the two esteemed brands’ signatures. This collaboration brings together Tricker’s renowned country silhouettes and Wildsmith’s heritage within the urban footwear landscape.
Founded in 1847, Wildsmith is particularly noted for designing the first ever loafer, known as Model 98, which was produced for King George IV in 1926. The brand has been under the ownership of Pavers Shoes since July 2017, a family-run business that emphasizes craftsmanship. On the other hand, Tricker’s, established in the same era, holds the title of the oldest shoemaker in Britain, still operated by the founding family. Every pair of Tricker’s shoes is handmade in Northampton and passes through approximately 260 processes, highlighting the intensity of craftsmanship involved.
Tricker’s has been a longstanding choice for notable figures such as King Charles III, who has favored the brand for many years. In recognition of their quality and service, both brands received the Royal Warrant in 2024, marking a prestigious endorsement.
The newly designed shoes showcase a blend of calf and polished leather, reflecting Tricker’s autumnal heritage colors intertwined with Wildsmith’s distinctive black and yellow. Each pair employs Vibram Vi-Lite soles crafted using the traditional Goodyear-welted technique, which allows for their easy repair and refurbishment.
George Paver, the creative director of Wildsmith, commented on the collaboration, stating, “Every pair has been made from start to finish in Tricker’s Northampton factory using their iconic last shapes with the addition of Wildsmith’s trademark diamond brogue.” He further illustrated the essence of the collection with examples of the Bourton brogue shoe and the Stow boot.
Paver emphasized the significance of merging their brands without imitation: “The addition of the subtle diamond brogue to these styles has brought our two brands together. Wildsmith and Tricker’s are famous for producing different types of footwear. One producing ready-to-wear loafers; the other producing heritage country footwear. While the distinctive look of Tricker’s country shoes and boots is often imitated, their dedication to outstanding quality is unrivalled. Wildsmith is not looking to imitate, just celebrate.”
This collaboration represents a strategic alignment between two historic brands, celebrating their individual heritages while creating a limited-edition product line that appeals to both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary style.
Source: Noah Wire Services
