A NAME synonymous with the aesthetic and purveyor of the iconic topsider, Sperry (www.sperry.com.ph) leads the charge with three new preppy propositions this fall—ranging from clubhouse to 1960s retro with its latest collections including chunky casual loafers, sneakers and, of course, the boat shoes. Last August 23, the iconic shoemaker showcased Modern Prep in new exciting ways in a fashion presentation which featured the house’s newest brand ambassador, actor Joshua Garcia.
• CLUBHOUSE PREP. Preppy dressing has always been tied to country clubs and the tennis courts that feature prominently in their manicured grounds. Think knit cardigans, crisp polos, khakis, visors, and lots of leg-baring pieces. These days, rugby stripes, rich jewel tones, berets and oversized sleeveless sweater-vests are the norm. To complement this bold new proposition, Sperry puts forward its reinvented classics like the Halyard and the Bahama in neutral shades of bone and ivory to provide much-needed contrast. Athletic stripes, chunky outsoles, and pops of tennis court green add a touch of playfulness to the shoes. Available in men’s and women’s styles.
• ACADEMIA PREP. The TV classic Gossip Girl has undoubtedly made its mark in fashion: forever engraving in our minds a trendy private school-inspired wardrobe that we all wanted to wear. A 2023 modern prep interpretation sees oversized blazers, plaid, argyle, and varsity details popping up in runways and in GRWM (Get Ready With Me) TikTok videos. Sperry is a brand whose heritage and design has been intertwined with the preppy set and aesthetic for generations.
The 1960s are having a moment in fashion this fall with psychedelic patterns, earth tones, and mod-inspired details making a comeback. Floral motifs, paisley prints, ascots, round glasses, page-boy hats, and crochet are all hallmarks of this retro revival. These fanciful touches combined with preppy details produce a unique spin on the trend that is rooted in the past but is unmistakably modern in its approach, much like Sperry’s brand identity and collection represents.
The international brand is now collaborating with actor Joshua Garcia as the brand’s face for this new era of Modern Prep, fully capturing the spirit of the brand’s storied heritage intertwined with its bold adventurous steps forward to the future. Joshua, whose film and TV roles have garnered numerous awards and accolades, reflects the brand’s ethos of making waves in one’s endeavors. His beginnings as a fresh-faced teen star and subsequent transformation into a respected dramatic actor today coincides with his style evolution—trading in boyish basics for more refined looks and Sperry’s iconic footwear. It’s no surprise that Joshua is now making waves in Manila’s fashion scene too, thanks to his bold and playful approach to his personal style, not to mention his emergence as a pioneer in the preppy trend.
