Italian fashion brand Dondup is venturing into sneaker territory this season with its first running-inspired silhouette. Aptly named D/ONE, the new kick stays true to the brand’s ethos of delivering premium Italian-made contemporary products but adds a performance-inspired edge thanks to a lightweight Vibram sole. It also comes in an impressive 22 colorways.
For those not familiar, Dondup was founded in 1999 as an innovative denim proposal that, over the last two decades, has grown into a fully fledged apparel, accessories, and, now, footwear brand. Each season, the brand’s ready-to-wear collections are centered around timeless styles such as parkas, bombers, and denim. Despite this penchant for the classics, at the heart of everything the brand does lies a desire to constantly experiment and innovate, whether that be through materials or designs, which has resulted in an aesthetic that is modern yet still rooted in iconic styles.
Until now, Dondup's sneaker portfolio has been limited to clean vulc-like silhouettes so for its first runner, the brand has called on the neighboring experts at Vibram to develop the sole. The D/ONE is, like all of the brand's products, made locally, and features a mix-material upper of premium calf leather, suede, and Lycra®, and is punctuated with mesh inserts. For additional comfort and support, a semi-transparent TPU heel cup wraps around the lower ankle and a leather-clad latex insole provides extra cushioning.
Regarding colors, the D/ONE drops in 22 colorways ranging from muted triple white and black to pastel hues and vibrant neons, and prices range from €215 to €230.
The D/ONE drops on March 8 at the brand’s Milan flagship store on via Spiga 50, online, and in select boutiques worldwide.
