Designer Doni Nahmias Introduces Second Sneaker as He Aims to Expand Category
California-based designer Doni Nahmias is adding a second sneaker silhouette to his eponymous label’s footwear range for fall/winter 2024.
Dubbed “The Ollie,” the low-top shoe’s design is meant to capture the mountainous ranges that meet the water throughout California, Nahmias said. The sneaker will come in three colorways (black, white and sky blue) and features an upper inspired by a popular skate shoe paired with an exaggerated sole made of lightweight materials – something very important for Nahmias.
“I wanted to develop a shoe that was lighter than our debut model, the Five-O,” Nahmias told FN. “I’ve been working on this mold for over a year now, and I’m excited how they came out. Now that this sole mold exists, it will serve as the foundation for many innovative designs to come. I want to start exploring more silhouettes going forward.”
When asked what other footwear models he’d like to release, the designer added that this new sole will be used with different uppers and on a slip-on shoe in the future.
For now, Nahmias is focusing on the launch of the Ollie and the rest of his fall 2024 collection, called “Summerland Ranch.” Drawing inspiration from the picturesque Hope Ranch in Santa Barbara, this season’s overall collection reinterprets the notion of a “California cowboy,” blending signature California design with Western influences.
Looking ahead, Nahmias said that this year is all about refining his retail strategy. “We decided to strip away some of our online wholesale business and focus more on building our own e-commerce,” Nahmias said. “We now have a solid group of 60 accounts with a total of 90 doors.”
Other interesting retail moments to come this year include a takeover at Maxfield in Los Angeles next month and a pop-up shop in Monaco during the Formula 1 Grand Prix race weekend in May.
Nahmias’ fall/winter 2024 collection, including The Ollie, is now being showcased to buyers and press in the brand’s Paris showroom during men’s fashion week from Jan. 19 through Jan. 24.