Suddenly, Every Cool Girl Is Wearing Russell & Bromley Shoes – And Its New Autumn Collection Is Proof Why

In an ever-changing world of creative directors at fashion brands, it’s worth noting that most of them are crafting new brand heroes primarily by mining their own archives in creative ways. The past has become fashion’s favourite mood board right now. Over at Celine, Michael Rider is channelling old school Celine minimalism with a punk-rock edge, while Jonathan Anderson has been debuting pieces that showcase Dior’s heritage with a signature sculptural twist. But closer home, Daniel Beardsworth-Shaw at Russell & Bromley is proving that British design has always done this best – drawing on its own history, just with a little wit.

Under new creative director Daniel Beardsworth-Shaw, the British label isn’t just repackaging nostalgia; it's redefining and editing it into something that feels distinctly modern. When the brand’s new AW25 collection popped into my inbox recently, I opened it expecting sensible loafers and maybe a solid boot or two. But instead, it’s brimming with sleek silhouettes made of buttery leather and moiré satin that were, frankly, much cooler than I ever expected the iconic brand could be.

Aptly named Rebellious Traditions, the new autumn/winter collection draws not only from the brand’s archives but classic British creativity and subcultures, including British Mod, punk and club kids. But far from the bulbous loafers or chunky platformed boots you’d spot stomping around Camden, Beardsworth-Shaw's take on it is much more refined. ‘This season is not only a celebration of the British fashion movements that shaped history, but also a deeper exploration of our own. We delve into the archive to reflect on iconic designs from our 145-year history, weaving them into the present with a modern lens,’ he says.

So, what exactly does that mean for the shoes on offer? Well, you’ll find the tried and tested classic silhouettes made with European craftsmanship that Russell & Bromley is known for, infused with a fashion-forward edge. We’re talking animal prints across chunky moccasins and ankle boots, croc-embossed and kitten-heeled loafers, comfortable wedge mules, checked satins on knee-high boots and even metallic loafers perfect for the festive season.

As for autumn staple boots, the brand’s best-sellers such as the Calle western Chelsea boots, Grayson knee-highs and Kicking heeled boots are all reimagined in buttery soft leather, suede and even croc-embossed patterns. Is that all, we hear you ask? Not quite, as Beardsworth-Shaw has also introduced a few chic stilettos and slingback pumps that’ll pair perfectly with eveningwear.

In a first for Russell & Bromley, the delectable new lineup is presented on the brand’s first notable face, Billie Piper. September’s campaign, Cobblers, sees Piper in bright outfits posing around an oversized version of the Dalton boot that doubles as a cobbler’s workshop. A fashion-forward take on the woman who lived in a shoe, the campaign is yet another playful take on British eccentricity.

Whether you’re after a sleek pair of mules for the office, suede boots for weekend strolls or a vibrant heeled sandal for the party season, Russell & Bromley’s new collection has it all. With the capital’s fashion set already styling a few standouts on repeat, we’re quite certain that the collection is destined to go viral and subsequently sell out.

Ready to upgrade your footwear with a nostalgic yet modern twist this season? Shop our hand-selected pieces below.

Shop: The Russell & Bromley AW25 Collection

Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.