Happy birthday, Frank Sinatra!
The legendary singer and actor would have turned 100 years old this weekend, on Saturday, Dec. 12. Known for his impeccable style and sleek dress shoes, Footwear News honored the day by asking men’s designers how Sinatra’s style influenced the footwear scene.
Tim Little, creative director and owner, Grenson:
Favorite Sinatra song: “Fly Me To The Moon.”
“Sinatra was always immaculately dressed and usually wore classic suits and smart dress shoes. He would wear classic pieces, but always the best cut, the finest materials and the most elegant colors. His real influence was to make being understated cool.”
Giuseppe Zanotti, founder and designer, Giuseppe Zanotti:
Favorite Sinatra song: “My Way.”
“Frank Sinatra has always been an inspirational man. His versatile style, elegance and eclectic charm have deeply influenced the fashion world. He was a well-rounded artist — an outstanding singer, actor and philanthropist. He had a great media power even at a time when the social media didn’t exist.”
George Esquivel, founder and designer, George Esquivel:
Favorite Sinatra song: “Come Fly With Me.”
“Frank Sinatra set the bar for men’s style. His precision, when it came to fashion, included his footwear — keeping his shoes shined and in good condition. As a designer, I appreciate that impeccable taste.”
Watch on FN
Maud O’Keeffe, founder and designer, O’Keeffe:
Favorite Sinatra song: “The Best Is Yet To Come.”
“I read that Frank Sinatra did not approve of brown shoes being worn after sundown — I love this thought. He favored a derby and a patent slip-on, and I even have a dark patent laceup called the Sinatra. Always immaculate, he was also an advocate of shoe-polishing.”
Marc Hare, founder and designer, Mr. Hare:
Favorite Sinatra song: “Fly Me To The Moon.”
“Without Frank and his Rat Pack, the world of men’s formal shoes would be a strange, archaic place defined only by rules and tradition. Most gentleman’s shoe stores have a little evening shoe section tucked away somewhere, but Frank created a world of glamour and fun and smoothness that every guy aspired to, consciously or subconsciously.”
Louis Leeman, co-founder and designer, Louis Leeman:
Favorite Sinatra song: “Come Fly With Me.”
“With his unique charm and elegance, Frank Sinatra marked and influenced an entire era. His suits and his pump shoes are still in our minds. There have been no other men able to wear patent pumps, even daily, with such an easygoing attitude. A timeless icon.”
Matthew Chevallard, founder and designer, Del Toro:
Favorite Sinatra song: “Fly Me To The Moon.”
“Frank Sinatra integrated classic Italian style with a dose of Americana, which made him ultra contemporary both then and now.”
