INTERVIEW: Andrew Roberts On The Del Toro Shoes Re-Launch, New Collection, East Hampton Photo Shoot, And More

At the beginning of 2021, Del Toro Shoes re-launched with New York City-based entrepreneur Andrew Roberts at the helm. In addition to new leadership, the luxury footwear brand debuted their first new collection in more than two years, which encompasses original styles that are handmade in Italy, of course.

The new collection is highlighted in a campaign featuring Ettienne Percy that was shot in a gorgeous East Hampton design-focused, art-filled space by interior designer Dan Scotti.

We caught up with Roberts to learn more about his vision, the new collection, spring launches, the Hamptons photo shoot, and much more.

What is your vision for Del Toro and where do you hope to take the luxury footwear brand?

AR: I first became acquainted with Del Toro as a customer, and fell in love with the brand for its unmatched level of quality and timeless design. The Del Toro velvet slippers I bought many years ago are still my most complimented pairs of shoes. As CEO I don’t want to change too much, but rather want to revisit the original qualities that made Del Toro quickly rise to popularity and elevate those same qualities even further.

We are bringing back the focus to Del Toro’s core products and introducing new customization and personalization capabilities that make for a special and unique product, perfect for a gift or special occasion. We’ll also be introducing new weddings offerings in the near future and will have some news on that front soon. We’re always looking for ways to innovate without sacrificing craftsmanship and style.

Tell us about the new collection.

The campaign was shot in East Hampton. (Courtesy Photo)

AR: Our newest collection is both an ode to our Italian heritage and a celebration of the future with four new products that serve as an extension of our hero product. In designing our latest lines, we took classic silhouettes and added our own modern twist whether that be an accent on the shoe or something as innovative as a lightweight, non-toxic sole. The new collection is perfect for the current moment we’re in where we’re building capsule wardrobes of easy-to-wear, understated luxury pieces. These new styles can all also be customized and monogrammed.

Del Toro’s latest campaign, which features Ettienne Percy, was photographed in East Hampton in a space curated by up-and-coming interior designer Dan Scotti. Why did you select East Hampton and that particular space?

AR: I met Dan Scotti a few years ago and he’s been a design inspiration for me ever since. He expertly combined luxury and classic style with a rustic, modern vibe in the site for our campaign shoot. Similarly, Del Toro combines classic, elegant Italian sophistication with a modern edginess and it was easy to see the synergy there. I am very grateful to have collaborated with Dan on this campaign.

Given how much time our team has spent at home this past year, we knew we wanted to show our new collection in a home setting. I wanted the campaign to capture someone dressing up, having fun in a well decorated home – almost my fantasy for how I wish I spent the quarantine if I lived in East Hampton in a Dan Scotti designed home.

Ettienne Percy also perfectly took on the role and has been an incredible Del Toro ambassador and style icon.

What can we expect from the new Women’s collection launching later this spring?

AR: The new Women’s collection will feature brighter colorways that are representative of this new moment we’re entering with spring on the way and, hopefully, brighter times ahead as we return to a sense of normalcy. We created styles that exude an effortless sophistication with classic silhouettes imbued with modern elements and colors, perfect for whether you’re wearing them to work from home, run errands, or wear them for a night out. The new Women’s collection is also customizable.

Will Del Toro have a Hamptons presence in the upcoming months?

AR: We are exploring a Hamptons presence this summer. We are in touch with some boutiques about an exclusive capsule collection, which would be a dream come true. Stay tuned!

When in the Hamptons, how do you like to spend your time?

AR: I live in New York City, so I always view my trips out to the Hamptons as a great opportunity to get away and recharge. There’s nothing quite as relaxing for me as lounging, reading a good book, sipping on a Negroni. But over the past couple of years, I’ve enjoyed the following:

East Hampton Duck Pond: I’ve been feeding the ducks since I was a child, and I think there’s something so amazing and unexpected about the duck pond in the middle of the road in East Hampton.

One of the new launches. (Courtesy Photo)

Two Mile Hollow Beach: We shot some of the campaign at Two Mile Hollow and I love that stretch of the beach and the architecture around – and it doesn’t get as crowded as the other beaches in the area.

Wolffer Kitchen in Amagansett has been my go to during the quarantine, because they did an incredible job setting up a warm and safe outdoor space.

Carissa’s Bakery: The secret to any sandwich I make while I’m in the Hamptons is Carissa’s bread.

Moby’s: I’m so glad they’re back in their old space and the food is as good as ever.

Stephen Talkhouse: Prior to the pandemic, it was always a good time to grab a drink at this intimate spot and listen to live music acts – most of them being local artists. I was very saddened to learn of Paul Jones’s passing during the pandemic. Anyone who visited Talkhouse knew him as a friendly and warm man and we will miss him dearly. Please consider visiting his family’s GoFundMe.

Is there anything else you would like to add or touch upon?

AR: Customization and bespoke has always played a huge role for our customers (including back when I first learned of the brand). Creating a one-of-a-kind product for the customer is very important to us. One of my biggest priorities has been to expand our customization offerings, particularly for weddings and special events. Del Toro will work with any customer to make their dream shoe come to life, and encourage those interested to email or DM us if they are looking for a one-of-a-kind, custom shoe for themselves, as a gift or for a group.

For more information, visit deltoroshoes.com.