Q&A: Del Toro x Chandler Parsons Limited Edition Launch at The Webster

Photography by Tyler Loy on February 2nd, 2015 in Celebrity, Editorials, Fashion

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Chandler Parsons

Miami Beach, FL – January 29, 2015 – There’s nothing like the perfect pair of kicks to grab the attention of everyone around. Fortunately for customers of Miami-based shoe brand Del Toro, that is something they experience every time they slip on these Italian beauties. Chandler Parsons, the sharpshooting starting Small Forward for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, as well as Del Toro’s new brand ambassador, gave some kick to high-end lifestyle brand by collaborating to create another jaw-dropping pair. The limited-edition collaboration features a Molto Alto driving-inspired boot that sports the athlete’s signature on the tongue embroidered in gold thread. The signature detail, available in navy and red, conveys an athletic aesthetic to the shoe, applying a sport performance detail to a luxury style. This innovative element seeks to symbolize the synergy that exists between fashion and sports on a global level, transcending the conventional boundaries between athletic wear and traditional menswear. Trend setters flocked to the The Webster to celebrate the debut of the new collaboration, as well as to get a glimpse at the fresh boots. Guests mixed, mingled and enjoyed a set by DJ Skitty in between checking out the new pair. A portion of the proceeds of the sale of the shoes will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

Before the long awaited debut, we had a moment to catch up with both Parsons and Chevallard and hear about how their latest collaboration.

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Chandler Parsons

I wanted a shoe that was high fashion with a touch of basketball. Only Del Toro could bring all of this together flawlessly.

Chandler Parsons

WRE: Is this your first time collaborating with designing/fashion?

CP: Yes, this is the first time I have been involved with designing outside of the sports space. I had a great time collaborating with Matthew Chevallard.

WRE: What sparked the latest collaboration between Del Toro and NBA player Chandler Parsons?

MC: We have been friends for a couple years. He’s always been a big supporter of the brand so it was a natural fit when we discussed elevating our business relationship.

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Matt Chevallard & Chandler Parsons

WRE: How does your personal style fit with the Del Toro brand?

CP: I have been wearing Del Toro shoes since I came into the league. I can wear DT with suits or jeans. I wear them for everything except working out.

WRE: Tell us a bit about how you guys came up with the design?

CP: I wanted a shoe that was high fashion with a touch of basketball. When Matt suggested putting a high top on the driver, I thought it was a great mix of my two worlds. Only Del Toro could bring all of this together flawlessly.

MC: We focused on working on a shoe that wasn’t out. We pulled up in our archives an old shoe we had done, and retweeked and brought it back to life. We actually launched this same shoe originally at the Webster 4 years ago as really our first shoe in the market.

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WRE: If someone is to purchase this shoe, where are some of the places they will be rocking them?

CP: Everywhere! They will never take them off!

WRE: If you could describe the shoe in one word what would it be?

CP: Classic.

WRE: Before it was basketball shorts and now you see players rocking some serious trends, is the NBA fashionably competitive?

CP: All guys want to look good. In the NBA you’re dealing with some of the most competitive people on the planet, so definitely some competition going on. Like most guys, I am always noticing what other guys are wearing and trends we want to incorporate into our looks. Now they can all buy my Del Toro shoes and look even better.

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Matt Chevallard

We focused on working on a shoe that wasn’t out.

Matthew Chevallard

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WRE: How does this shoe differ from any other collaborations you have done?

MC: It’s a different style and also because Chandler Parson is our first official ambassador and athlete we’ve endorsed and worked closely with.

WRE: If you could describe the shoe in one word what would it be?

MC: Timeless.

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WRE: Why did you choose The Webster to host the launch?

MC: We have a long-standing relationship with the Webster and I’ve always viewed it as arguablly the world’s best store and have always been honoured to work with them.

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