New Loafers Essential for a Preppy Style | REGAL
REGAL | Regal
Today's Preppy Style Starts with Loafers
Regal loafers, once an essential item of the Ivy League boom that formed the foundation of modern menswear, continue to be updated and are now a contemporary staple that blends seamlessly into the current preppy style. We explore the unique charm of Regal loafers, which are both historically authentic and possess a modern sensibility befitting today's footwear.
Photographs by KOBAYASHI Takashi (ITARU Studio)Styling by INADA IsseyText by TAKEISHI YasuhiroEdit by ITO Yuji
Authentic Footwear: The Core of Modern Mixed Styles
In recent fashion, the most important keyword is arguably 'mix.' Styles that freely blend items from diverse genres and tastes, rather than adhering to a single look, have become the global mainstream. Regal loafers are perfectly suited for this fresh and liberated approach to modern fashion.
While theories vary, loafers are said to originate from traditional Norwegian work shoes. They were adopted in Britain as house slippers and eventually worn outdoors. It was American Ivy League students returning from Britain in the 1930s who popularized loafers as fashion. They arrived in Japan in the 1960s alongside the Ivy League boom, and Regal loafers, their symbol, achieved explosive popularity.
The loafers Regal has continued to produce since that era are an indispensable classic, loved for many years. This season's new models retain the traditional manufacturing methods of the past, such as the hand-sewn moccasin stitching by skilled artisans and the distinctive 'beef roll' saddle stitching method developed in America.
Regal's new loafers feature the traditional hand-sewn moccasin stitching on the upper. This advanced technique, achievable only by skilled craftsmen, not only provides a flexible, enveloping fit unique to hand-sewing but also creates a three-dimensional joint that expresses distinctive beauty and luxury.
Yet, they are updated for modern wear with supple leather treated for an oiled finish that gains character with each wear, enhancing both appearance and comfort.
Regal's authentic loafers possess the inherent dignity to be paired with jackets and suits, while also offering the relaxed, sporty feel of indoor or work shoes, much like the Ivy Leaguers of old. They also pair well with casual styles, adding a sophisticated adult touch to weekend wear. In essence, Regal's authentic loafers have consistently preserved the freedom and versatility to be mixed into any style.
The Unmatched Quality of Regal Loafers
The dominant force in contemporary fashion is the mixed style. Its origins can be traced to the preppy style that emerged in America and gained popularity in the 1980s. Based on the Ivy League style, which flexibly incorporated dress-down elements like pairing jackets with chinos or sweatshirts and loafers, preppy further mixed in more sporty and casual items. Regal's new loafers are a perfect match for this preppy style, which is being re-evaluated today for its relaxed and free spirit.
Compared to the authentic oiled leather models, the versions made with supple suede offer a fresher, more modern vibe. They are a perfect match for essential items for spring and summer weekends, such as jeans and shorts, as well as the trend-driven sweatpant joggers. Yet, they maintain an elegant air that prevents them from looking too casual. Even when worn with bare feet and shorter hemlines, a trend gaining attention in recent years, they create a neat and sophisticated impression without appearing sloppy. This is undoubtedly due to the sharp, three-dimensional, and dressy traditional silhouette with its distinctive sidewall construction, combined with authentic manufacturing techniques like the beef roll that Regal has inherited. It is no exaggeration to say that these are loafers only Regal could create, having produced them for over half a century while continuously pursuing the ideal form for today's wearer.
As the weather warms, slip-on loafers offer freedom and lightness to your stride. And this spring and summer's liberated, stylish preppy look begins with a brand-new pair of Regal loafers. [AD]
Embroidered souvenir jackets, released by many brands this season, are a key trend item. While traditionally paired with jeans for an American casual look, the modern approach is a mixed style using two-pleat wool trousers and elegant burgundy loafers.
An outfit in coordinating tones of olive, brown, and beige, using a lustrous nylon jacket, exudes a contemporary rebellious charm. The correct choice is to pair it with oiled leather loafers that match the jacket's sheen, creating a dressy and refined finish.
A simple white crewneck sweater paired with distressed jeans, a style making a comeback this season. Adding Regal's ivory suede loafers to the feet balances the roughness of the distressed jeans, resulting in a clean and sophisticated adult look.