The master in avant-garde fashion, Dries Van Noten, dabbles not only in elaborate textiles and the art of layering. Also stepping into footwear, it produces suede sneakers in a refined nod to the 1970s marathon spirit. Each pair eschews the bulky, over-engineered style of contemporary athletic shoes in favour of a sleeker silhouette.

Defining retro charm, a textural interplay of supple nappa leather and soft suede defines its retro charm, thus elevating the humble sneaker from functional footwear to statement piece. This season, Dries Van Noten expands its line-up further, introducing options in black, white, red and tan. There are also bi-coloured combinations sure to end up on many a wish list.