If the sneaker has reigned supreme on the streets for at least a decade, the desire for an alternative is now being felt in the modern menswear wardrobe. A shoe that would retain the comfort and casual ease of a sneaker, while adding a touch of elegance and a greater focus on quality craftsmanship.

Clothette is pleased to announce the arrival of a new brand in its portfolio: The Original Playboy. More than a simple diversification, this marks the introduction of a new product category that integrates naturally into our existing offer.

The Original Playboy: The Heritage of Casual Elegance

Founded in 1936, The Original Playboy is a brand with a rich heritage, renowned for creating some of the most iconic shoe silhouettes of the 20th century. Its secret lies in a perfect balance between the classic codes of dress shoes and a distinctly informal approach.

• Iconic Silhouettes:
  At the heart of the collection are styles such as the thick-soled loafer or the suede derby. These are not formal shoes, but pieces with an effortless, relaxed charm, designed to be worn with wide-leg jeans or chinos, creating a look that is both polished and easy-going. Steve McQueen famously helped popularize the brand by wearing the thick-soled Playboy Chukka both off-screen and in many of his films (Bullitt, for example).

• Enduring Craftsmanship:
  Quality of construction is central to the proposition. With premium materials and designs built to last—such as the iconic crepe or rubber sole—a pair of The Original Playboy shoes is an investment in timeless style. This is a premium product, designed to be kept and worn for many years.

The Opportunity of the “Post-Sneaker” Era

The arrival of The Original Playboy in the showroom is a direct response to evolving market dynamics and consumer tastes.

• A Structural Trend:
  More and more consumers are looking to diversify their wardrobe and explore options beyond sneakers. They are seeking footwear that offers added sophistication without compromising on comfort. The trend is toward a relaxed “re-formalization,” and The Original Playboy perfectly embodies this movement.

• The Perfect Complement to the Current Offer:
  For retailers, offering a credible alternative to sneakers has become a strategic imperative. The Original Playboy models integrate seamlessly into a contemporary selection. They complement the looks proposed by the ready-to-wear brands we represent, enabling the creation of complete, cohesive silhouettes in-store.

A Strategic Diversification

The integration of The Original Playboy into our portfolio is a carefully considered decision, bringing a new dimension to our offer and to that of our partners.

• A New Product Category:
  The arrival of this brand allows us to open a new category: mid- to high-end dress shoes—a segment that had not previously existed within our selection.

• A Growth Lever for Retailers:
  For our partners, this represents an opportunity to attract a new customer base or respond to emerging demand from their existing clientele. It is a way to differentiate, increase average basket value, and demonstrate a sharp understanding of current trends.

The arrival of The Original Playboy at Clothette is a clear expression of our market vision and our commitment to providing our partners with the tools to succeed. By offering this premium, stylish, and thoroughly contemporary alternative, we are opening an exciting new chapter in our footwear offering.

We invite all our retail partners to get in touch with our team to discover the The Original Playboy collection in detail and explore how it can become a strategic asset within their selection.