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When J.Crew announced Brendon Babenzien would be taking the helm for the venerated brand, there were questions about the appointment of a streetwear-entrenched director at what was widely considered one of the few remaining bastions of smart-casual menswear. Babenzien’s credentials speaks for themselves — the ex-Supreme man founded red-hot NOAH in 2015 — but the obvious play to re-enter J.Crew’s name in the “cool” conversation was certainly a gamble.
As it turns out, the risk payed off. While trends and interest are so often associated with luxe designers and centuries-old fashion houses, J.Crew has slowly been building up clout as not only a trusted retailer of premium menswear, but as an arbiter of taste and even a (gasp) serious player in the collab game. At the end of last retail year, the giant teamed up with Blackstock & Weber for a pattern-loaded loafer, much to the delight of those who stay up on #menswear. And it seems as thought they’ve repeated the feat with their most recent collaboration.
Diemme x J.Crew Roccia Vet Boots
The J.Crew x Diemme Roccia Vet Boots are any outdoorsman’s dream. Crafted with padded inner linings, extra ankle support, premium leather and Cordura nylon, they’re specifically built to take you anywhere you want to go — and look damn good doing it. With nods to both the heritage origins of the collaborators and the on-trend hiking boot style, the Roccia Vet Boot feels organic and interesting in a time of needless and silly crossovers.
The collaborator in question, Diemme, has flown relatively under the radar until recently, as the GORP-movement has increased demand for stylish, outdoor-inspired apparel and footwear. Made entirely by hand at the Calzaturificio Diemme factory in Onè di Fonte, Veneto (a small town in northeastern Italy), the Italian brand works with some of the world’s best materials to create limited runs of artisan-made footwear.
Inspired by the Appalachian Trail and its incredible biodiversity, the limited-edition boots are more than just a hot footwear collab. Fifteen percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, which protects, manages and advocates for the 2,200-mile path.
Diemme x J.Crew Roccia Vet Boots
The collaboration features two distinctive earth-tone palettes: the Hightower Grey colorway leans heavy on greens and greys for an urban look, while the Katahdin Brown style embraces tans and khakis. If you’re looking for a bit more pop, the women’s styles — which, by size conversion, run through a men’s 9 — offer vibrant hues of romance pink, soft mint, and light carmel.
You can support the ATC (and your wardrobe) and cop a pair of the Roccia Vet Boots today, and you can learn more about the mission to conserve and education at their website. Regardless of wether you cop a pair, consider supporting the ATC, and know this: J.Crew is officially cool again.
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