Founded in Paris in 1895, Berluti has long stood as a paragon of shoemaking excellence. Built by four generations of artisans, the Maison earned its reputation through handcrafted leather goods and a devotion to craftsmanship. From bespoke masterpieces to a complete ready-to-wear collection, Berluti has continually evolved throughout the years.
When the Shadow sneaker debuted in 2019, it marked a pivotal chapter in that evolution. Conceived as a natural extension of Berluti’s shoemaking savoir-faire and transition into a more relaxed wardrobe, the Shadow quickly became the Maison’s most emblematic sneaker, celebrated for its seamless union of elegance and ease.
In 2026, Berluti unveils a reimagined Shadow—more agile, more expressive, and more technically advanced than ever. At the heart of its transformation lies a completely redesigned sole, engineered with a new-generation EVA midsole that enhances bounce, flexibility, and shock absorption. Lighter and more dynamic, the sneaker delivers heightened performance without sacrificing refinement. In fact, a pair weighs little more than two apples—an almost poetic testament to its featherlight construction.
The upper, meticulously knitted with over 375,000 stitches, forms a supple, breathable structure that moulds fluidly to the foot. This technical precision coexists with unmistakable house codes: a three-eyelet lacing system subtly echoing Berluti’s iconic Alessandro shoe, delicate embroideries, and patinated leather accents that pay tribute to its boot-making heritage.
The collection expands across 15 models in nine colours, from Saint-Émilion and navy, to bright white and deep black adorned with the Scritto motif, affirming its versatility across wardrobes and seasons. Available in durable nylon, refreshing linen or knit, and even cashmere, the Shadow adapts effortlessly from summer lightness to winter warmth. Compared to its predecessor, this new generation is totally re-engineered.
To mark this evolution, Berluti launches a striking new campaign directed by Beda Achermann and photographed by Roe Ethridge. The exclusive preview took place during the Men’s Paris Fashion Week earlier this year, offering a first look at a project where contemporary vision meets timeless sophistication.
Conceived as an exploration of the Shadow as an alter ego, the campaign examines the intimate bond between shoe and wearer. Each portrait unfolds within a deeply personal setting, spaces where its protagonists live, create, and reflect, underscoring the sneaker’s role as an everyday companion rather than a mere accessory.
The cast brings together three exceptional men whose lives unfold in distinct yet complementary registers. Rupert Everett, award-winning British actor, writer, and director, is photographed in the intimacy of his home, surrounded by books and quiet contemplation. Known for breakout roles ranging from “Another Country” to “The Happy Prince,” Everett’s career spans decades of stage and screen brilliance. In this simple and understated setting, the Shadow’s inherent comfort accompanies him without compromising his genuine self.
In dynamic contrast stands Mory Sacko, whose Michelin-starred restaurant MoSuke has redefined contemporary French gastronomy. Of Senegalese and Malian heritage, Sacko blends French technique with African flavours and Japanese influences, crafting a cuisine in constant motion. Captured in his kitchen, he embodies innovation, fluidity, and the Shadow mirrors his swift, instinctive gestures, underscoring its technical agility.
Completing the trio is Charles Schumann, the legendary founder and bartender of Munich’s Schumann’s American Bar. A modern dandy with a cosmopolitan aura, Schumann is portrayed within his iconic bar, where sophistication and ease coexist. On him, the Shadow becomes instinctive, it becomes an element of composed elegance that travels seamlessly from Munich to Tokyo.
Under Achermann’s refined direction and Ethridge’s disruptive lens, the campaign elevates the Shadow beyond footwear. It emerges as a symbol of modern masculinity—nuanced, individual, and quietly assured. Rather than seeking attention, the reimagined sneaker moves with discretion, a faithful ally that evolves alongside the men who wear it.
