Written by Menswear Style in New Collections on the 6th August 2020

The Crown Northampton factory has been open and operating throughout the recent global pandemic. However, there have been challenges to face in regards to supply chain, manufacturing, and just general day-to-day planning and operations. Despite these unforeseen challenges, the Northampton shoe brand have just re-launched their updated Stitchdown Collection and accompanying lookbook.

With the picturesque villages and surrounding countryside of Northamptonshire used as a backdrop, the brand worked with writer, actor, part-time model, and general all-around nice guy with a great sense of style - Andre´ Larnyoh. The brief was straightforward and simple; work with natural colour palettes, make the most of the quiet local areas, embrace quintessentially English locations, and more importantly, have a casual, fun day out shooting the new Stitchdown Collection paired with some great outfits.

So, what's new and updated about the collection? Well, the changes are subtle but ultimately focus around one of Crown Northampton’s core brand messages of always working with the world's best tanneries and the finest materials available to them. Across all of their footwear collections, they work with kudu suede from the Charles F Stead tannery in Leeds, England. Then there's the hugely respected Chromexcel leather from the Horween Company in Chicago, USA. Both materials only get better with each wear, offering proven quality and longevity that as a century-old footwear brand, Crown Northampton can trust and count on. Stead Kudu is known for its soft handle, unlined comfort, premium nap, and impressive durability, whilst Horween Chromexcel is seen as one of the world's best leathers available due to the unique processes undertaken, that result in unparalleled character, feel and finish.

Furthering Crown Northampton’s unique custom made-to-order proposition, throughout the Stitchdown Collection the customer has the option to choose the colour of side sole from natural, toffee, black and brown. The collection is available in a wider G fit on request and It's also worth noting that the soles are made with natural crepe in Northamptonshire. Subtle updates to the fit include a slight pattern change to the Woodford Desert Boot making it a more classic 1950s cut with two eyelets. The Grove Derby Shoe also drops one eyelet down to four and there is a reduction to some of the decorative stitchwork on the upper, giving it an overall cleaner finish. Both styles remain fully handmade in England and utilise the dependable and traditional No 10 stitchdown sole process.

Another one of Crown Northampton’s core brand messages is to always remain classic, yet progressive across design, sourcing and creative. They always aim to work with the best they can. This means the best materials, the best photographers, the best locations, and the best people. As showcased throughout this Stitchdown Collection lookbook. 

Shop the collection: crownnorthampton.com 

Photography: Alex Natt 

Model: Andre´ Larnyoh 

We take a first look at the Crown Northampton Stitchdown Collection featuring handmade in England Desert Boots and Derbys, photographed by Alex Natt, and modelled by Andre´ Larnyoh.