Ascot X Charlie was founded upon the philosophy of the age-old maxim "If you want something done well, do it yourself". When a pair of old friends experienced first-hand the challenge of finding sneakers that resonated with their values, that "struck the balance between elegant design, quality and durability – without compromising on their origin, raw materials or respect for the environment," they decided to take matters into their own hands. Months of travelling through Europe in search of the best ateliers and dozens of prototypes (not to mention litres of coffee) later, Ascot X Charlie's first capsule collection was launched in 2018.
The brand is driven by its commitment to quality craftsmanship. As one of a select number of independent Made in Italy sneaker brands, it takes pride in the savoir-faire that underpins its collections: sneakers are handcrafted at a family-owned atelier outside Florence using only the finest materials, including leathers from the renowned Mastrotto tannery and original Margom outsoles. Meticulous attention to detail is afforded to each pair of Ascot X Charlie sneakers – from moulding the ultimate last to perfecting the double stitching around the outsole. It's this scrupulousness that ensures your shoes will stand the test of time and see you through years of wear.
Aside from top notch construction, Ascot X Charlie's sneakers are renowned for their refined, minimalist aesthetic –think clean lines, understated silhouettes and the absence of any loud patterns or obnoxious branding. From the sporty Lione sneakers to the more understated Soho style, each pair is designed for optimal versatility – intended to complement busy modern lifestyles. Dress them up or down: they'll look just as great with an overshirt and selvedge denim jeans as with unstructured summer tailoring.
Explore the full Ascot X Charlie collection.
