The Conscious Step: A Refined Guide to Styling Artisan Sneakers
Where Italian craftsmanship meets intelligent design — footwear that speaks softly, but with conviction. At 124, we don't follow trends...
Where Italian craftsmanship meets intelligent design — footwear that speaks softly, but with conviction.
At 124, we don't follow trends — we follow form, function, and enduring style. Every sneaker in our curated collection is handcrafted in Italy by revered artisan makers: Shoto, Primabase, and Conflict For Interest. Designed for those who value detail over decoration and permanence over excess, these sneakers are as considered as the wardrobes they belong in.
With their quiet charisma and elevated construction, these are sneakers that redefine what everyday luxury looks and feels like — for both men and women.
Considered Exceptions: When Not to Wear Sneakers
Even the most refined sneaker has its boundaries. For ceremonial occasions, traditional black-tie, or formal corporate settings, classic leather footwear still holds its place. But beyond those few exceptions, a well-made sneaker can transcend categories — redefining everything from office attire to evening wear, with the right balance of elegance and ease.
Styling for Him: Intentional Pairings, Elevated Results
Tailoring, Reimagined
Pairing sneakers with suiting no longer breaks the rules — it rewrites them. A crisp navy or soft grey suit paired with clean, handcrafted low-tops introduces a modern nonchalance to traditional structure. The secret lies in contrast: sleek white leather, burnished tan suede, or tonal black styles ground the look without competing.
Denim, Refined
A tapered leg, turned hem, and soft Italian leather beneath. There’s a precision to wearing sneakers with denim — one that avoids slouch and embraces sharp, minimal lines. Earth tones and textured leathers add complexity, while keeping the look grounded and effortless.
The Black Sneaker Reframed
Black sneakers are returning — not as an afterthought, but as a statement in restraint. Textural layering, tonal variation, and sculptural soles elevate the black sneaker beyond the basics. Paired with monochrome tailoring or charcoal denim, it becomes a cornerstone of the modern man’s minimalist uniform.
Styling for Her: Modern Poise, Defined by Design
Sculpted Contrast
The interplay of soft silhouettes and structured sneakers creates an intentional balance — refined, yet quietly assertive. Pair a silk midi or pleated skirt with Shoto’s minimalist high-wall sneaker, whose elevated sole and crisp construction bring sculptural tension to fluid fabrics. It's minimalism with depth — architectural, not austere.
Precision with Personality
Tailored elements like sharp-shouldered blazers or wide-leg trousers are made modern with the unexpected addition of a statement sneaker. Primabase’s patent green sneaker with its contrast gum sole introduces a jolt of artistic energy — refined but rebellious, it turns a monochrome look into a composition. Style it with pared-back essentials to let form and finish take centre stage.
Elevated Essentials
From structured denim to knit twinsets, the right sneaker lifts the everyday into something intentional. Think tactility over trend: hand-finished leathers, contrast detailing, and quietly bold profiles. These are pieces that don’t perform — they resonate.
Sustainability in Every Step
These are not seasonal sneakers. They're designed to endure — both in wear and in relevance. At 124, we believe that the most sustainable choice is the one you continue to choose: season after season, year after year.
Every pair in our collection is handcrafted in Italy using premium, ethically sourced materials and time-honoured techniques. These aren’t mass-produced — they’re made with intention, often in single-batch productions, where every cut and stitch matters.
Exclusively at 124: Artisans of Intent
We are proud to be the exclusive Australian home of Shoto, Primabase, and Conflict For Interest — three exceptional footwear ateliers known for their artistic vision and uncompromising quality.
Available only through 124, each style is produced in strictly limited quantities — often fewer than 10 pairs per run. This ensures not only rarity but integrity: nothing is rushed, and nothing is made that doesn’t deserve to last.
Style Is a Conversation — Make It Count
Great style doesn’t shout. It’s quiet. Assured. Personal.
Our sneakers are not designed to impress at a glance, but to intrigue at a second look — to be felt, worn, and appreciated over time.
Whether you’re dressing for the office, the gallery, a long lunch, or a flight abroad, a handcrafted sneaker is no longer a compromise between formality and comfort — it’s the most intelligent solution for modern dressing.
Discover the Artisan Sneaker Collection at 124