Del Toro started as a luxury label specializing in customized slippers and has grown in both prominence and provenance into a range of classic must-have footwear. Fusing the Italian heritage of Creative Director Matthew Chevallard with a preppy Palm Beach meets edgy street style aesthetic, this Miami-based label creates high-end designs for ‘grown-up sneaker heads’. British GQ‘s Nick Carvell spoke with Chevallard about the brands recent UK launch and continued success.
GQ: Describe your brand in five words.
Matthew Chevallard: American Prep x Italian Elegance x Sneakerhead.
How did your label come about?
It came about through a void and need. I felt like there weren’t enough high-end, unique, exclusive shoes for men. There’s also such a high price barrier for handmade products, especially in the velvet slipper realm.
Who is your style hero?
A combination of Lapo Elkann and Pharrell Williams.
What was your first stylish purchase?
It all started with football and basketball jerseys, as well as basketball shoes. To answer your question, it was my first Penny Hardaway sneakers as well as a pair of Tod’s.
Men’s Navy Digi Camo Canvas Slipper with Navy Grosgrain Trim $295.00. Buy here.
Both Stubbs & Wootton and Del Toro hail from Florida (Palm Beach and Miami respectively). What is it about the sunshine state that makes it the slipper capital of America?
Miami is a unique place because it’s a very free community – people can be themselves and portray themselves as they wish. Thanks to that and its warm climate, slippers are very fitting for the trendsetters that live here.
Apart from a pair of slippers, how do you dress well in the heat?
Linen is key.
Your shoes are a hit with American sports stars like Dwyane Wade and Chad Ochocinco. Is there a British sportsman that you’d like to see wearing them?
Absolutely, I am a big football fan. I’d say Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney or Joe Cole.
Now you’ve arrived in the UK, what’s next for Del Toro?
Continued expansion throughout Europe and Asia, as well as developing the luxury lifestyle of Del Toro. We are also opening our first boutique in Miami and introducing a variety of new products, such as leather accessories.
Men’s Navy Velvet Slipper with Skull and Bone Embroidery with Brown Sole $325.00. Buy here.
What’s the most common style mistake most men make?
Being fearful that they can’t pull something off. Also trying to match too much and over-complicating looks.
Which is your current favourite pair of shoes?
My first pair of Del Toro chukkas, in red suede.
Who is your best dressed British man?
It’s a toss up between Austin Powers and my buddy Adrien Sauvage.
Shop Del Toro’s mens collection here.
