As a basketball sneaker assembled by dapper-centric artisans, the Berluti Playoff is an understated, purist piece of footwear that instantly attracts discerning men.
Imagine a basketball sneaker assembled by dapper-centric artisans. Its quality is highly curated, discreet, and deconstructed — a departure from the typical mass-manufactured synthetics, glued-together components, and polyester soles.
Berluti calls this new sneaker the Playoff, named after their first-ever Playtime sneaker, a casual low-cut pair encompassing the same leather patina seen on the House’s bags and formal shoes that are regarded today as one of their most inimitable offerings.
At mainstream brands, monograms intersperse over-the-top embellishments and uncanny shapes on window displays. Just as a spade is a spade to some, a sneaker is a sneaker. For others, the simpler the product, the more noticeable its flaws. But not with the Playoff, where the highest level of leather craftsmanship is deconstructed and enmeshed.
Like all simple rebellions, it was prophetic of their evolving image to focus on ‘streetwear’, maturing beyond its years and considerably made by the best ateliers. It is the kind of understated, purist fashion that instantly attracts discerning men.
The design features are kept straightforward sans name and label, and thus without a need for further explanation. At its core, the sneakers are constructed by the same tedious techniques seen on the House’s extensive range of leather bags and shoes, and sometimes even on its ready-to-wear pieces.
Berluti’s prized Venezia leather — the silky, gazed, and slightly-aged soft-grained leather synonymous with its faint gradient look — is thoroughly used. More importantly, it is the fact that 80 pieces were cut, treated, and individually sewn to assemble the final product that truly sets the Playoff apart from court rivals.
Often, Berluti’s offerings are simple and enveloping but what may appear minimal feels wildly indulgent. The Playoff comes either in high-top or low-cut with five different colourways including classic shades such as Nero Grigio and Honey, finished with a neon patina tightly knitting the assortments.
Once you’re done with this story, click here to discover the Berluti Playoff sneakers or here to catch up with our September 2022 issue!
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