Church’s celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Shannon derby with a Re-Edition of the 1974 icon, brought to life in a campaign featuring actor Harry Lawtey.
Church’s, the luxury artisanal English shoemaker today launched a new campaign celebrating the 50th anniversary of its iconic Shannon derby, which focuses on a special re-edition of the 1974 classic shoe. Casual in spirit and refined in its execution, the Shannon derby has been a timeless and integral part of the Church’s family for half a century, setting the bar for traditional derby bluchers thanks to its sleek silhouette, exquisite leather, whole cut construction.
With creative direction by David James, photography by Phil Poynter and styling by Tom Guinness, the campaign – which was shot at the 18th-century West Wycombe House in Buckinghamshire, England – sees British actor Harry Lawtey taking on the multifaceted personalities of an imagined 1960s gentleman, drawing inspiration from the likes of photographer and filmmaker Lord Snowdon, and actor and writer David Niven. Lawtey is pictured taking self-portraits in the many different guises that represent such larger-than-life characters, from the lord to the artist, via the elegant statesman. Both the film and the images show the Shannon derby at its versatile best, shifting between these very different identities with effortlessness and aplomb.
The re-edition of the 1974 Shannon is constructed from Church’s 224 last and comes in both black and dalmarnock binder leather, replete with special commemorative packaging. The broader Shannon collection is crafted using the 103 last and will be available in black, sandalwood, burgundy, navy, and wood green styles. There will also be a Made-to-Order Shannon in new burgundy crup leather.