Austen Heller Spring/Summer 2014

Luxury loafers are being used to celebrate the one-year anniversary of footwear’s toddler brand. Austen Heller’s SS14 collection comes just twelve months after being founded by Gavin Hoffman. Unable to find quality loafers that suited his taste and price point, the former American football player set about creating is own. “After contemplating this problem, I decided to tackle it myself. After many long design sessions and trips to and from Europe, Austen Heller was born,” the once Quarterback said. “And in doing so I’ve discovered (thankfully) there are a lot of men out there like me who want an easy, elegant shoe they can throw on and have effortless style,” he added. The loafers are manufactured in a family run factory in Portugal that has been crafting shoes for premium European brands for generations. Materials are sourced from Italian tanneries and textile manufactures. There are three available styles: a basic loafer, with strapped and laced versions adding variety. All the shoes are hand stitched and made from leather and suede fabrics, with a moccasin construction. The brand’s signature is its use of two-tone designs. Classic brown and navy, are paired with bold, colourful soles in yellow, green and red. The colour choice is continued with the stitching and lace details. Austen Heller is currently only available in the UK and Europe via the brand’s American website. Prices start at $185 (£115) with added shipping of $25 (£15). Recent exposure overseas, including a mention in ShortList magazine, has lead the brand to look towards building its presence in the UK market, seeking out viable distributors.

Austen Heller SS14 Loafers