If Aimé Leon Dore's Spring/Summer 2025 collection were a film, it would be a slow-burning European arthouse flick spliced with a high-octane American sports drama. Teddy Santis, ever the master of blending nostalgia with contemporary cool, has delivered a lookbook that feels like the stylish offspring of a 1970s Monaco Grand Prix and a sun-soaked Mediterranean holiday. The collection drips with effortless athleticism, sophisticated tailoring, and just the right amount of retro mischief - think Paul Newman swapping his racing suit for a terry cloth set before heading to a dockside dinner party in Mykonos.
Nautical Nostalgia Meets Preppy Perfection
Like an old-money heir deciding to trade in the Hamptons for the Greek Isles, ALD SS25 expertly navigates the fine line between coastal leisurewear and polished preppy staples. A standout piece, the nautical GORE-TEX Coast Guard jacket, feels like a uniform for the stylish seafarer who appreciates both function and flair. Terry cloth ensembles channel a luxurious poolside aesthetic, suggesting that even a quick dip should be a curated affair.
For the dapper yet daring, the collection revisits the art of suiting with playful twists. A tailored blue corduroy suit is given a pop of color with a red quarter-zip and matching beret - one part Parisian artist, one part varsity heartthrob. Meanwhile, a white pinstripe ensemble, punctuated by an NY Yankees bucket hat, proves that the marriage of sportswear and tailoring is still going strong.
The Art of Speed: Racing-Inspired Tailoring
For those who live life in the fast lane, the SS25 collection serves up some serious motorsport energy. The one-piece Porsche racing suit, a follow-up to ALD’s Porsche 993 Turbo Capsule, signals an ongoing love affair with speed. But this isn't just about looking fast - it's about the romance of velocity, the kind that evokes images of Steve McQueen tearing through Le Mans or Senna carving corners in Monte Carlo.
The Vanson Distressed Leather Moto Jacket, adorned with Champion and X-RAY patches, pays homage to the iconic patchwork of NASCAR and F1 racing gear, injecting a dose of adrenaline into the collection.
Even off the track, the influence of movement persists. Racing-style long sleeves are paired with cyclist compression shorts, topped off with a wide-brim athletic hat that seems tailor-made for both shielding from the sun and making a grand sartorial statement. Mesh fingerless biker gloves - perhaps a nod to 90s cycling culture or just an excuse to flex well-manicured hands - round out the look.
A Splash of the Unexpected: The ALD x New Balance Water Shoe
Just when you thought the collection was content to stay on dry land, ALD makes a surprising detour - into the water. In a collaboration that no one saw coming but somehow makes perfect sense, ALD teams up with New Balance to resurrect the humble water shoe. Once the footwear equivalent of a dad joke - functional but unfashionable - this version gets a sleek, modern upgrade with a Vibram outsole and pull-tab laces, making it more "Bond villain’s yacht attire" than "awkward summer camp necessity."
Beyond its utility, the shoe taps into the current minimalist sneaker trend, proving that even the most practical pieces can be elevated into statement items. It’s the kind of shoe that says, "Yes, I’m ready for an impromptu swim, but I might also be en route to a clandestine beachside art auction."
Final Thoughts: A Collection for the Culturally Curious
SS25 isn’t just a collection - it’s a curated journey through time, space, and sport. Aimé Leon Dore once again proves that blending American sportswear with international athletic influences is an art form, not a gimmick. Whether you’re channeling the reckless thrill of a racetrack, the leisurely charm of a Mediterranean summer, or the effortless sophistication of an old-school prep, this collection has something for you.
So, grab a terry cloth set, throw on a mesh biker glove, and step into a pair of New Balance water shoes - you never know where ALD’s latest sartorial adventure might take you.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Aimé Leon Dore.