Founded by visionary duo Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan in 1928, Cole Haan Simply, 'inspiring people to live extraordinary, purpose-filled lives'.
A shared idea led Cole and Haan down a woven path towards becoming one of the footwear industry’s most respected lifestyle brands - not just within circles of working attire, but on a global scale.
Cole Haan is a key member of the TOWER Family, but, how much do you know about Chicago’s formal footwear brand? Join us below as we take you back to day one!
Starting out as ‘Cole, Rood and Haan’, the team focussed all attention on creating a range of premium footwear for the everyday working man. However, efforts would turn towards a more diversified product selection, offering a signature twist on everything from men’s apparel and accessories to women’s outerwear, handbags and sunglasses in 1979. Cole Haan launched a retail division three years later, opening over 40 stores across America, Asia, South Africa and Europe.
By taking its curated style from a limited market to the global stage, Cole Haan attracted an immense following drawn towards designer versatility; a following that stretched even further afield with Maria Sharapova at the forefront of campaigns for SS09 and FW09. It goes without saying, Sharapova set the standard rather high for CFDA-nominated designer Todd Snyder, New York’s acclaimed ballet and high profile tastemakers to chase in later seasons.
Whilst Cole Haan’s DNA remains true to how we found it nearly 100 years ago, there are multiple changes in scheduling that demand attention - foremost, the in-house push towards using nearly ‘100% recycled materials and biodegradable, plant-based soles’.
Age-old heritage that invests in supporting the sustainable future of our beloved footwear industry? Cole Haan, bravo!
This season, TOWER welcomes the Grandprø Topspin, Shortwing Oxford brogue and Generation Zerøgrand Earthlite to our shelves. Find us in-store or online at tower-london.com!