Duke and Dexter – the nine-year-old Brixton-based label famed for its fancy footwear – has finally steered into apparel.
“It's been a long time coming,” says founder Archie Hewlett. “As with anything we do, I wanted to make sure we get it absolutely right in terms of quality, fit and storytelling.”
To get the show on the road, D+D has launched Duke Racing: a ten-piece motorsport-themed collection that emulates the look and feel of vintage garments.
It's championed by buzzy model Tristan Jones in the campaign that accompanies the drop.
Duke and Dexter tapped Valentino Brunetti, co-founder of Manchester-based streetwear outfit Buetti, to design the collection; the Stoke-on-Trent-born creative has taken on a role as lead apparel graphic designer of the marque spelling a major shift in its focus.
“It’s a pleasure to bring my passions for vintage and design together to create bespoke graphics that will kickstart Duke and Dexter apparel,” Brunetti says to Esquire.
Drop one comprises five tees, four hoodies and one jacket, all bedecked with Duke and Dexter branding, and high-octane racing motifs to boot.
It's a limited collection. All future D+D apparel projects will also be limited – Hewlett and co. have always been keen to kit out their community, but are just as eager to ensure the brand remains focused on purely producing purposeful products.
Products like its luxury loafers, the nine-year-old label's bread and butter; the likes of Matthew McConaughey, Michael B. Jordan and Joseph Gordon-Levitt have been rocking pairs for years, so have half of London's in-crowd.
Three SS24 loafers have been aligned with the Duke Racing drop: 'fumer', 'flame' and 'finish line'.
Each takes cues from the careers and lifestyles of 20th Century race car drivers.
All we're missing now is some autosport-inspired D+D shorts/trousers – but perhaps they're coming further down the road. You know what the traffic gets like in Brixton...
Duke Racing Drop One is now available on Duke and Dexter's webstore. Prices start at £80.
