Dapper Dandies

Paris-based designer Pierre Hardy’s eighth edition of his limited-series high-top trainer show has just hit the stores. The newest model, called Dapperama, combines Hardy’s love of bold color and streetwise style with hybrid elements borrowed from golf shoes: supple grained leather, perforated and notched suede details and on some versions a fringed tongue.

What may have started as a fun break from his day jobs—designing high-end jewelry for Hermès and his own line of ultra-sophisticated shoes and bags— has clearly morphed into an anticipated event. Prized past models regularly show up on eBay, including the Roy Lichtenstein-themed Poworama version from 2010, complete with white-leather Pow!, and the Blockorama, with Hardy’s signature color-block pattern borrowed from traditional tiled floors in old French brasseries. The new Dapperama is sold in Pierre Hardy boutiques worldwide and a handful of other select stores. In Paris, you can find them at Hardy’s Palais Royal and Palais Bourbon boutiques, and at Colette, but don’t wait too long—the edition of 500 will sell out fast.

9 pl du Palais Bourbon, 7th, 01.45.55.00.67; and 156 Galerie de Valois, 1st, 01.42.60.59.75. www.pierrehardy.com

Originally published in the July/August 2012 issue of France Today