Words like ‘limited edition’ or ‘special material drop’ always tend to stir up some excitement amongst shoes and sneakers lovers on the lookout for exclusive, one-off purchases that will allow them to feel extra special in the knowledge that they’re wearing something unique and individual. Words like ‘Naked Kudu’ could also get some hot under the collar, but the less said about that, the better.
However, there’s nothing rude or naughty about the term ‘Naked Kudu’, so don’t let your mind or imagination take you there - Please don’t. The true definition of naked when used in relation to leather is where the material has gone through all relevant tanning and dyeing processes, with the surface of the leather remaining untreated.
Why leave the surface untreated? Because a naked surface highlights any natural blemishes, scars and imperfections that the hide picked up through its life journey on the African plains. As opposed to concealing them to create smooth, uniform grain. This specific characteristic of showcasing the hides anomalies is a crucial Crown Northampton way of working when selecting interesting materials. This chosen direction, therefore, sets us aside from most other footwear brands, where the more awkward and technically difficult a material is to work with, the more we want it.
The absence of surface finishing also allows for a very soft handle with subtle pull-up properties, all whilst remaining highly durable, making it the perfect choice for footwear production. Expertly tanned and processed by CF Stead in Leeds, England. The end result. Authentic, natural beauty, blemishes and all, with a completely unique appearance across the range that brings unavoidable individuality.
As a brand, we have a history of working with different finishes of kudu from English tannery CF Stead due to the hardy yet soft and luxurious properties that kudu brings. A highly respected tannery, CF Stead produces some of the world’s best materials used in footwear and small leather goods. Stead’s finishing processes have been honed and perfected with over a century of history and heritage to draw from. At Crown Northampton, we only work with the best in their field, and CF Stead falls into that category.
For this special limited edition drop, originally shown when we attended the recent Stitchdown Boot Camp event in New York, there are 100 pairs in total. Spread across four Naked Kudu colours with only 25 pairs available in each. The different shades form a complementary colour palette to include Nutmeg, Gaucho, Chocolate Truffle and Snuff.
These colours can be ordered in four of our key styles. Two from our Classic Sneaker Collection - Overstone and Overstone Hi, and two from our Hand Stitch Sneaker Collection - Harlestone and Everdon
To pick your favourite Naked Kudu colour and sneaker style combination - Shop here.
And to wrap things up, some competition news.
Stitchdown Boot Camp Competition Winner
For those who attended the Stitchdown Boot Camp event in New York, we offered the chance to win a pair of sneakers in these new limited edition materials by entering our competition. The lucky winner was Dan Knauth, who has selected a pair of Overstones in the Chocolate Truffle. His pair are now being made to order in our Northampton factory. Congratulations Dan!
