Sperry made its name as the original American boat shoe brand, founded in 1935 by Paul A. Sperry. Sperrys, or Top-Siders, were the first boat shoes introduced into the boating and footwear worlds so they’ve got all the heritage and history you could want. In a contemporary setting, many of the brands we covet tend to have been appropriated by youth tribes and repurposed for the modern day. Sperry remains very much a famous name in the nautical world, but that isn’t the limit of their appeal.
A new generation of open-minded and progressive youngster are beginning to wake up to brands like Sperry, appreciating them initially from a purely aesthetic perspective before learning more about their authenticity and history.
To celebrate this awakening, Sperry have teamed up with four creative types who appreciate their brand. We’ve put some searching questions to them on Sperry‘s behalf.
Once you’ve read what they’re saying about the brand, check out the Sperry CVO here
Name and job title
Anthony Lee – Content Creator / Sales Assistant at Arket
Tell us about yourself and what you do
I studied Sound Design in Uni, UAL in London. However photography has always been a side hobby since college, I started out taking pictures of Architecture and light / shadows, I enjoyed the clean lines and uniform shapes. My girlfriend was into fashion and doing the whole blogging scene back then so I ended up shooting a little for her every now and again. I think that’s how it all started.
Now I work at Arket, taking my days off to go and shoot my own content for my instagram and blog, I really enjoy the fashion aspects of my work, and it’s definitely something I’d take up full time if given the chance.
What is it about Sperry that makes them a good match to you?
I’ve known about Sperry for a little while yet never owned a pair of their shoes, it was a really nice opportunity to have a look and a real test run whilst also getting to know and learn more about a new brand.
Which current 5 items in your life could you not live without?
I think my phone is a given but these are 5 others!
1. Camera + gear / 2. Laptop for emails and editing / 3. Le Labo Another 13 or Gaiac 10, my two favourite scents / 4. New Balance 990v3’s – I’ve become a little sneaker obsessed lately and these have to be my ultimate favourite for both comfort and design. / 5. My glasses, a completely underrated accessory in my opinion, for once it’s nice to have bad eyesight!
Who would your dream client be?
My dream client changes a lot, it depends who I’m into / wearing at the time. Recently I’ve been super into my Japanese brands but also those who manufacture in the UK and US. It’d have to be either New Balance, Eastlogue or Nanamica at the moment.
Where do you go to let your hair down?
I normally like to just sit on the sofa with my girlfriend and dog, have a nice beer (or two) and not have work the next day, I like the thought of being able to have a lie in (although I never give myself too much of one or I’ll miss the good light!)
Name and job title
Karlmond Tang, Stylist + Creative Direction
Tell us about yourself and what you do
I currently work as a freelance stylist and creative director. My main role looks after the styling and photography of oki-ni e-Commerce via PRESENT, but I also work on the occasional lookbook and editorial too. I directed my first show for LFW this season and would quite like to do more. I enjoy the agonising I-want-to-blow-my-brains-out style of work, and when I’m not daydreaming or building up my references, I enjoy cooking and going to the pub, and thinking about what kind of dog I will one day have.
What is it about Sperry that makes them a good match to you?
I think with Sperry it’s likely the match of flexibility, formality and comfort. I enjoy looking smart, but being comfortable is a first, especially given the nature of my role which is more often than not on your feet. The shoes aren’t exactly bound to one form of style or appearance, which is also important to me to not being restricted to one “character”.
Which current 5 items in your life could you not live without?
– My technology. I’ll bind all forms of technology into one – laptop/phone/headphones. I’m highly and unashamedly attached to them all.
– My stove. Sadly I’ve moved into a new place with an induction hob but I cannot tell you how much I love cooking a hot meal.
– My vices. Cigarettes, caffeine and alcohol. We all need vices.
– My credit card. I am a reckless consumer.
– My mattress / pillow. I am a terrible sleeper, something I inherited from my mother no doubt.
Who would your dream client be?
I have always wanted to work with Uniqlo. The brand’s simplistic nature allows so much to be done.
Alternatively, any client who has said to me “do whatever you want to do” has always been a dream. The last show I ran was very much like that.
Where do you go to let your hair down?
An ideal weekend for me would be one where I wrap up my emails in the morning in bed, head to a cafe (I used to love Toconoco in Haggerston) or a pub garden and relax, go to an exhibition (I mean the Tate is ALWAYS easy), have a lovely dinner out – say a bistro with a friend or my girlfriend, or alternatively a huge loud Chinese meal with lots of friends, and then see where the night goes.
Name and job title
Zoard Heuze – Casting Director
Tell us about yourself and what you do
I manage Tide Casting alongside my friend and business partner Rory Griffin. I’m also a photographer.
What is it about Sperry that makes them a good match to you?
They’re durable and easy to wear colours
Which current 5 items in your life could you not live without?
My phone as I need it for work but that’s about it to be honest, i’ve just lost my wallet with everything in it and I seem to be doing fine
Who would your dream client be?
Casting Maison Margiela or Helmut Lang
Where do you go to let your hair down?
I usually steer towards South-East really
Name and job title
Nas Abraham, Visual Artist
Tell us about yourself and what you do
I’m a pretty visual guy. I’ve been drawing since the age of about five years old and that’s somehow lead me to have a career in producing visuals for fashion labels. I primarily work on creative and dynamic social media content but have produced visuals for a number companieqs, usually in the form of Video, photography, animation, Art Direction or a blend of the above.
What is it about Sperry that makes them a good match to you?
Comfort. I think if there’s one area I can demand comfort for myself, it’s my feet. You might say I’m putting my foot down on that… Anyway, the Captain CVO’s were pleasantly comfortable and I really wasn’t expecting that.
Which current 5 items in your life could you not live without?
I’ve been working on being able to live without everything as I realised you can’t take anything to the grave with you. But to be a little less morbid, I would say my camera/DSLR, I have to have the flexibility to shoot whenever I want. My iMac/ Macbook, I have to be able to manipulate those visuals. My wedding ring (got married just over a month ago). And fine, I’ll say it, my phone.
Who would your dream client be?
I have a great deal of respect for Riccardo Tisci, He has an understanding of visuals that I hope to gain a degree of someday.
Where do you go to let your hair down?
My studio, projector, Nintendo, a group of my guys, order in food, forget we’re adults for a bit and love life. Oh and Korean BBQ in soho- a place called “Soju & Co”. That’s a must.
