Sperry is at it again with another collaboration – this time teaming up with Tampa Bay menswear boutique Fresh Rags to reimagine its signature boat shoe.
According to the footwear brand, the duo have reinterpreted the Sperry Authentic Original 2-Eye model in two limited-edition colorways that take inspiration from the legend of a prosperous pirate raid.
The “Sperry by Fresh Rags Gulfstar A/O 2-Eye” is constructed with an off-black, synthetic stingray embossed leather stitched together with a soft suede upper. The midsole is protected with mudguard paneling attached to a Vibram sawtooth outsole. And the style is complete with custom finished touches, including cross-stitched panels, tortoise shell eyelets, a Jolly Roger woven label concealing a debossed Fresh Rags and Sperry lockup, and gold doubloon stamped on the heel counter.
The contrasting “Sperry by Fresh Rags Harbor Ray A/O 2-Eye” is constructed of a blend of light tan synthetic stingray embossed leathers, designed to look like sun-bleached hide. Gold eyelets and trimming throughout the shoe, a striped seersucker inner lining, and lug Vibram outsole elevate the classic 2-Eye boat shoe silhouette.
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The unisex shoes are available in sizes 4 through 14 and retail for $150. Alongside the shoes, Fresh Rags will release a limited-edition apparel and accessories collection, available exclusively in-store and online at Freshragsfl.com.
Michael Bickel, founder of Fresh Rags, said in a statement that the collection was inspired by the idea of creating a narrative that nods to his hometown of Tampa Bay, in a cheeky way, of course. “The story was translated through meticulous design details,” Bickel said. “From the tortoise shell eyelets to custom branded doubloons, every element of these shoes have been personalized according to our vision.”
“Sperry and Fresh Rags are both coastal-born brands, but there is a high level of aesthetic juxtaposition between the two that allowed us to create something truly new for both brands,” Jonathan Frankel, president of Sperry, added. “As we transition into Fall, this fresh take on our Authentic Original shows boat shoes are not just seasonal, but can be styled year round.”
This is the latest collaboration for Sperry in recent months. In August, Sperry served up a tennis-inspired shoe collection with Copenhagen-based menswear label Palmes just in time for the US Open.
And in June, the footwear brand showcased its newest collection with Japanese clothing brand Beams Plus at a special event during Paris Fashion Week Men’s.
In May, Sperry released two more shoe collabs. The first one with menswear designer Todd Snyder saw an update to the brand’s signature Authentic Original boat shoe. Weeks later, boutique retailer Concepts reimaged the same signature silhouette from Sperry in five colorways.
These collaborations come several months after Sperry was acquired by brand management firm Authentic Brands Group in January. At the same time, the brand management firm inked a deal with the Aldo Group to serve as Sperry’s North American operating partner for wholesale, e-commerce and store operations, as well as the brand’s partner for footwear design, production and distribution globally.
The Sperry x Fresh Rags Pirates in Paradise collection is now available in-store, online at Freshragsfl.com and Sperry.com, and select Florida retailers.
