Clarks, G.H. Bass, and J.M. Weston: formalwear takes a few liberties

This season, the classics take a few liberties. An American moccasin gets a new look, the Wallabee is dressed in red, and Oxfords are deconstructed. Three collaborations seize on familiar silhouettes and recast them for a different wardrobe.

Clarks Originals x Damson Madder

The Wallabee strikes a new tone. For its first foray into footwear, the London label Damson Madder partners with Clarks Originals on two of the British house’s signature silhouettes, each reinterpreted through its own creative lens. The first style recasts the classic Wallabee in vivid red. It keeps its natural crepe rubber outsole, adding hike-inspired lacing and eyelets. Decorative red lacing accents the upper, while the heel bears ‘Damson Girl’, a character inspired by Clarks’ 1970s ‘Trekman’ motif.

The second silhouette riffs on the Nomad, reimagined as a Mary Jane-style mule, open at the back and finished in a ‘chocolate plum’ colourway. A bespoke double strap and silver buckles stamped with the letters ‘D’ and ‘M’ sign off the collaboration.

Both styles share a polka-dot printed insole bearing the Damson Madder logo, and come with two charms created specially for the occasion. Interchangeable, they allow the shoes to be personalised to taste.

The Clarks Originals x Damson Madder collaboration has been available since September 17 on the Damson Madder website and at selected retailers. The ‘Nomad Damson’ and ‘Walla Damson’ models are priced at €200 and €190 respectively, in sizes 35.5 to 41.

G.H.Bass x Hast

Weejuns step into a new wardrobe. For this first collaboration between the two houses, G.H.Bass and Hast turn their attention to the legendary Larson Penny Loafer, staying true to the spirit of the American loafer while giving it a more contemporary spin.

Launched in 1936, the Weejuns Larson Penny Loafer has become an icon of American footwear. Hand-stitched using traditional moccasin construction, it first strode across Ivy League campuses before being adopted by musicians, creatives, and various subcultures that helped cement its status as a classic.

Founded in Paris, Hast brings its own take on the menswear wardrobe, built around timeless pieces, natural materials, and an emphasis on product durability. For this new iteration of the Larson, the house reworks the topline and saddle in ultra-supple grained leather, chosen for its ability to develop a patina and absorb the marks of everyday wear.

The leather uppers are hand-polished and paired with hardwearing leather soles, a way for both houses to preserve the Weejuns’ familiar lines while underscoring its everyday character, made to be worn in and to develop a patina over time. The collaboration will be available from September 30 on both brands’ websites and in select stores.

J.M. Weston x Balenciaga

The French classic takes on a different attitude. For his Winter 2026 collection, ‘ClairObscur’, Pierpaolo Piccioli brings Balenciaga together with master shoemaker J.M. Weston for a series of designs that juxtapose traditional craftsmanship with contemporary codes.

Founded in 1891, J.M. Weston has upheld its craft for over a century in its historic Limoges workshop. The encounter yields several styles, from Derbies and loafers to d’Orsay shoes and mules, crafted in calfskin or nappa leather and conceived as a dialogue between the two houses.

The classic lace-up Derby, offered in men’s and women’s sizes, stands out for its wingtip perforations, deliberately worn edges, exposed threads and Balenciaga Le City metal studs punctuating the upper. The asymmetrical men’s d’Orsay reprises the wingtip perforations, this time tracing a double ‘B’ across the toes.

The Oxford is also reworked as a laceless mule. The upper is folded outwards while the heel folds inwards, revealing the leather’s natural colour and suppleness. Finally, the unisex loafer keeps a more classic silhouette but distinguishes itself with a double fold-over tongue, bearing the respective logos of Balenciaga and J.M. Weston.

Each style is finished with a specially designed collaboration logo, hot-stamped in gold leaf onto the insole, and a soft natural leather lining. The Balenciaga | J.M. Weston collection is now available in select Balenciaga boutiques and on the brand’s website.