Justin Timberlake, Robert Downey Jr., and Chris Evans are just a few of the famous faces (and feet) that wear world-renowned shoe designer Alejandro Ingelmo‘s creations. The style innovator’s line of men’s sneakers are now sold exclusively in-stores at Harry Rosen in Canada. We caught up with Ingelmo to find out more about his killer kicks and personal style…
Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
I’m a fourth generation shoe-maker, so I come from a long family heritage of craftsmanship and shoe design. I’m happy to have developed my own style and to be doing something modern and different that stands out in this day and age.
What shoes in your collection do you personally wear most often?
I’ve been wearing The Josh a lot because it’s the easiest to travel with. It’s a high-top with a zipper on the side so it’s easy to put on and take off, and you can dress it up or down. I also just got the ones that I’m wearing right now, the T-14 running shoe (available at Harry Rosen). I love the T-14 because it’s different, it’s more athletic looking, and it’s just what I want to wear with everything right now.
What are some of the most fashion-forward ways for men to wear sneakers?
It’s great to see people wearing sneakers with unexpected things like a sharp suit or preppy look. Right now I personally want to find a great jogger/trouser to wear with my T-14s.
It’s been really exciting to see this fashion-forward trend trickling down to the mainstream, and it’s great to see how different people interpret the trend. I like to think of sneakers as the men’s equivalent to heels for women – you can wear them with almost anything. I don’t think the trend will ever go away; it will change with time, but hopefully, in one form or another, it will be around for a while.
Justin Timberlake, Robert Downey Jr., and Chris Evans are all fans of your sneakers. Who is one of your favourite male style icons?
I get asked that a lot, but I don’t really have one style icon. I think it’s great when a celebrity wears my stuff, but my inspiration doesn’t come from that. I’m inspired by things like technology and architecture, and it’s my job to interpret that into my designs.
What are three things you can’t live without?
Sneakers (obviously), Crossfit (exercising is my therapy), and my iPhone.
You lead an extremely healthy and active lifestyle. What shoes do you wear when training?
I would love for it to be my shoes, and one day I hope to design an athletic shoe that I can wear to the gym, probably in collaboration with an athletic brand. But right now I switch between the New Balance Minimus and the Nike Free.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
La Esquina in NYC. It means “The Corner” in Spanish. They know me there and it’s got an understated and unexpected vibe (you walk through the kitchen to get to the restaurant). It just reminds me of home.
Let’s get social for a moment. How do we stay up-to-date with you?
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, alejandroingelmo.com, and Canadians can buy my shoes at Harry Rosen.
Check out Alejandro Ingelmo’s 10 essentials below…