ONES TO WATCH: GALET

Loafing around has taken on a new meaning for men since Jonathan Horemans and Javier Goggins decided to introduce Galet in 2004. Their handmade line of French footwear combines sophisticated style and complete comfort in one shoe, with retail prices in the $250 range.

“Javier and I started Galet because we felt that there was a need for a well-made, high-end, comfortable loafer for men with a more fashion-forward focus than what was out there,” says Horemans. “Furthermore, we believe that the car shoe shape is dated and often loses its shape. But the slipper silhouette is very chic but versatile at the same time. So we have added a rubber sole, so men are able to wear it like a normal loafer. By playing with the materials, we are giving men more options than they previously had.”

The pair is particularly proud of their flagship store in Saint-Germain, Paris, which has a private room in the back where loyal customers can choose from limited edition designs or have bespoke models made for them. But they’re even more excited to expand in the U.S. market. “We believe this will be a very important and interesting market for us,” says Horemans. To that end, they opened a mobile pop-up shop in the Hamptons this summer using a fully restored Citroen-H van from the 1950s. “We thought it was a great way to represent Galet in the United States,” he says. “We wanted to create an experience which makes people smile, just like our shoes.”