SOREL POP-UP: WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN WITH FALL 2023 TAKEOVER
Making its mark on one of Brooklyn’s most style-savvy neighborhoods, SOREL brought its fashion-first designs and function-forward footwear to Williamsburg with a 10-day pop-up shop. The experience featured the brand’s Fall 2023 collection, replete with signature statement-making silhouettes and wardrobe staples. Bright, bold, and befitting for any and all climates, the pop-up embodied SOREL’s ethos of crafting stylish and sensible silhouettes.
Never one to shy away from daring designs and bright colors, SOREL fit right in with the surrounding street-style dominant area of New York. The space itself immersed shoppers in the brand’s distinct identity as they perused a range of autumn and winter-ready styles. The product assortment featured the Fall 2023 collection, including styles from the line’s Caribou X collection, men’s offerings, and sneaker-boot silhouettes. It was the ideal opportunity to get a hands-on look at SOREL’s expert craftsmanship seen in the nylon textiles, breathable mesh, and other weather-defying details of the shoes.
The experience served as a moment for Brooklynites, New Yorkers, and visitors to gain sartorial inspiration derived from SOREL’s newest offerings. Collection highlights, like the reimagined Caribou clogs and Brex Heel Zip silhouette, translates seamlessly to the nearby streets of Williamsburg, where denizens are known for unique dressing that doesn’t skimp on utility — just like the brand itself.
Emma Rogue Is the Downtown Darling of Vintage Clothing With an Affinity for Y2K Fashion
Upon entering Rogue, the vintage clothing haven evokes the feeling of being transported to a nostalgic ‘00s teenage bedroom, complete with an electric-yellow neon sign of the store’s signature Rogue logo, kitschy collectibles, and walls adorned with original ultra-rare posters of Emma’s favorite childhood crushes, films and bands (she exclusively sourced on eBay). Translating the comfort and joy of a teenage bedroom into a welcoming environment, Emma Rogue has cultivated an unparalleled destination centered around championing individuality, building community and fostering all forms of personal expression.
“I always wanted my store to feel very welcoming and feel like a home because other stores I would frequent seemed very impersonal, and the mission behind Rogue was to build a family and cultivate a community where everyone felt accepted,” Emma shared on the intent behind her store. “We’ll have the Hypebeasts, the archive boys, the Depop girlies, Coquette girls, the casual, Emma Chamberlain style girls, and it’s so cool seeing it all come together at my shop. Rogue is for everyone,” she adds. Staying true to her ethos of embracing all forms of expression, she styled a high-voltage look, evoking the attitude of an effortlessly-cool grunge goddess with SOREL’s VIIBE Clog in sea salt/black anchoring the new wave look.
“To add dimension, I wanted to wear this super distressed top that has a cool texture and silhouette with this old Charlotte Russe skirt that has pleats and pinstripes — it’s really such a quintessential ‘00s mini skirt,” she explained. From there, she layered a mix of chain necklaces, chunky leg-warmers in deep purple and reflective Rick Owens sunglasses, allowing the VIIBE Clog to pop against the varying textures and tones. Keeping in theme with the grunge-glam look, makeup artist Mollie Gloss created a molten, silver metallic eye for a dramatic shimmery effect while hairstylist Yukie Nammori created two large ponytails with an array of individual mini braids to finish the statement look in bold form.
In between traversing Los Angeles and frequenting the city’s cultural hotspots and stimulating creative spaces, singer-songwriter Hannah Anderson, also known as Sister, can be found summoning her creative juices to compose captivating lyrics. Whether the music talent is perusing the aisles of an art supply store in the West Coast city or enjoying an engaging conversation with like-minded individuals over dinner and drinks, she is in constant pursuit of inspiration for translating her artistic abilities into audio and visual magic.
A sensitive storyteller, the Houston-born-and-raised musician often croons about self-love, growth and transformation over genre-bending melodies that her loyal listeners relate to in the deepest parts of their core. While she’s a whiz with words, Sister employs soulful vocals to echo expressive lyrics with a vision that knows no bounds. On days she isn’t putting pen to paper or uncovering unique acoustic sounds by strumming her guitar in the studio, she’s harnessing her artistic prowess by creating physical pieces of art. The “Love Me Right” singer has lent her innovative talents to design her own album artwork as well as her customization projects that fully encompass the essence of her artistry.
The continual inspiration from her everyday routine in L.A., from journaling sessions to gatherings with fellow creatives, helps Hannah maintain her distinct artistic identity which also informs her own sense of style. Both colorful and graceful, Hannah’s style aesthetic not only captures her individuality completely, but it also aligns with footwear brand SOREL’s new Brex Collection. Whether she’s in the thick of the creative process for set designs—assembling hundreds of paper mache flowers for her “In Bloom” music video shoot, for example—or making one-of-one jeans with rhinestone and sequin embellishments, her creative juices are constantly flowing.
Emma Rogue Is the Downtown Darling of Vintage Clothing With an Affinity for Y2K Fashion
Located in the Lower East Side is Rogue, a vintage store of epic proportions owned and curated by the inimitable Emma Rogue. Nestled on 53A Stanton Street, her namesake vintage mecca (which opened in June 2021) houses an impressive collection of rare, archival designer finds, one-of-a-kind styles made by members of her community, and sartorial gems that stem from the ‘90s and ‘00s. With an unrivaled penchant and eye for fusing vivid color with off-the-cuff footwear silhouettes and defining aesthetics of Y2K fashion, the reigning queen of vintage clothing has become the downtown poster girl known for her daring, uninhibited, rave-tinged style.
“Everything from around the ‘90s or ‘00s is so colorful, bright, sassy and a little risque which represents my personality and the different ways I like to dress,” Emma says on her fashion ethos. Using her store as a source of inspiration and the perfect canvas to flex her style, she created a day-glo look inspired by the glory days of the underground rave scene utilizing SOREL’s new Kinetic Impact Lace Sneaker as the outfit’s main focal point. “When I was deciding what to wear with the Kinetic sneaker, I paid attention to the orange and green detailing, and the black stripes on the sneakers. I paired these crazy orange and gray rave pants that have 3M piping all throughout with a green top (I got from an estate sale) that has two stripes that zip up and down — the top is by this amazing brand Pussycat that I had never even found or heard of,” she adds.
To dial up the ensemble in true Rogue form, makeup artist Mollie Gloss created a bold, multidimensional eye look using fluffy neon pigments in a saturated tennis-ball shade, perfectly accenting the boldly-designed sneaker’s vibrant green and orange colorway. Adding more visual interest to the look, hairstylist Yukie Nammori created spiky buns to complete Emma’s vibrant, colorful and carefree look. “My view is that fashion should be fun and how I dress is based on how I feel since my moods change daily. Sometimes I’m feeling super comfy and casual, so I keep it calm with sweats or other times I really want to dress up with a new pair of platforms, have full glam, wear a mini-skirt and go crazy with layers — fashion for me is about self-expression.”
Spend The Day With Los Angeles-Based Illustrator Langley Fox
Behind every awe-inspiring art piece is an innovative creative whose real-life experiences, surroundings and individualistic lifestyle inform their visual approach. Through drawing inspiration from their day-to-day lives and both sunny and saddening memories, they are able to spark interest and conversation with their works of art. As an accomplished artist and model, Langley Fox does just that with every stroke of her paintbrush or sketching pencil on paper. A graduate of Otis College of Art and Design, Langley’s career has ranged from walking the runway for labels like Marc Jacobs to showcasing her work in galleries. It makes sense, then, that her everyday routine is as multifaceted as she is.
For the Los Angeles-based artist, putting pen to paper is practically second nature.
With years of experience as an illustrator under her belt, Langley has been able to curate a reliable routine that provides her inspiration and the bandwidth to create for hours on end. Starting her day with a dynamic boxing class or instilling breaks in between sketching sessions to ride her dirt bike in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains clears her mind and allows her to solely focus on her art later. Not only does staying active and spending time in nature aid Langley’s cathartic creative process, it also influences her edgy yet delicate approach to fashion.
The Creative’s rugged sense of style blends in perfectly with the electric L.A. art scene she’s part of and also seamlessly aligns with footwear brand SOREL’s latest product line. The all-new Brex Collection carries an array of standout styles that are both functional and fashionable, making them suitable for everyday use while providing an added flair. In the video below, watch how Langley rocks the Brex Boot Chelsea and the Brex Boot Lace in bold fashion while she showcases the ins-and-outs of her daily life as a West Coast illustrator.
Before Alexis Williams turned 20-years-old, she had launched a popular social resource platform, starred in a major fashion campaign, and had her writing published. This multi-hyphenate is not your average New York City college student, but Williams doesn't mind standing out from the crowd. In fact, she owns it.
"Growing up in a predominantly white high school really taught me that my identity is important and my uniqueness matters," says Williams on how she stepped into her confidence. "I learned very fast how important it was to take up space and make sure my voice was heard. I knew that in order to be taken seriously, I had to be ten times louder than everyone else in the room in order to be seen."
At the beginning of the pandemic, the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) student utilized her voice and skills to develop platforms aimed at educating and engaging those interested in social activism. And since the launch of her site, Williams' work has impacted those in her community and beyond. "Growing up as a young Black and Latina woman in computer science, a lot of people tell you that the work you do won't matter," she explains. "It's really fulfilling to know that over a million people have used a website I built—it not only means so much to me, but also reflects all that I've learned and in a skill that historically excludes women who look like me."
According to Williams, individuality is an asset. "I think it's really important to have confidence in those spaces that you walk into, because what makes you different and what makes you unique, gives you an edge in a room," she explains. So, when it comes to her personal style, confidence is something this rising style star believes in wearing from head to toe. Whether it's with bright colors or bold silhouettes, Williams relies on comfortable-chic staples like her SOREL sneakers for an effortlessly cool look that can make a statement throughout her day.
Why SORELs Sandals Are The Shoe of the Season
A recurring dilemma often presents itself those mornings when you find yourself debating whether to wear a shoe that’s more “fashion-forward” or something a bit more comfortable, especially when you know you’ll be out and about all day.
It’s something that the brains at SOREL know all too well, which is why their sport sandals are a popular pick for shoe lovers who don’t want to have to choose between style and function. Their Kinetic line, in particular, known for their EVA foam footbeds, scalloped soles, and easy straps, make the best case for not having to compromise.
Another added bonus, of course, is getting to show off your fabulous pedicure, something Mei Kawajiri knows a thing or two about. The Instagram sensation, also known as Nails by Mei, is known for her maximalist nail art and has worked with everyone from Gigi Hadid to Dua Lipa.
Indeed, it's why dopamine dressing is so huge on platforms like TikTok, where bright colors and prints — Mei's bread and butter — are an instant mood booster. It's no wonder why her work is so in demand: from Paris Fashion Week to celebrity bookings, her decorative nail masterpieces are social media gold, which makes her designs the perfect complement to SOREL's summer sandals.
For New Yorkers, chilly weather is the ultimate style cue. Fashionably navigating the streets of NYC requires a truly great pair of shoes—we’re talking ones that can weather commutes in less than perfect weather and still look good for your after-work drinks. So, we asked a few of our favorite NYC style insiders—Laura Jung, Micaéla Verrelien, and Jess Tran—to show us how they’re leveling up their looks this season with the help of SOREL’s latest arrivals. Ahead, find out how these three seasoned dressers are leveling up their looks with the right pair of boots, and be prepared to bookmark your favorite ’fits (FYI: there’s a lot to fall in love with).
In the wake of last year's unprecedented challenges, creative communities from all over have had to find new ways to adapt amidst a changing landscape. But some have taken it a step even further, using their platforms to tell meaningful stories about overcoming adversity, the importance of family and following your dreams.
To celebrate those who have made a lasting impact in 2020 and beyond, SOREL partnered with PAPER to spotlight the trailblazers who are continuing to disrupt their fields while remaining forever in motion. From music to beauty to photography, here's how three women are expressing their creativity and leaving their mark for a new generation.
The Step is a podcast for — and about — unstoppable individuals, and we’re celebrating perseverance and unequivocal strength as we step into what’s next. We’re talking to individuals who are boldly taking up space, making their voices heard, and tackling any challenge that dare crosses their paths. They live life in motion and we’ll celebrate that drive with a season that commemorates community, side hustles, and an endless courage that inspires all individuals to reach new heights.
Season 1: Ros Gold-Onwude, Catt Sadler, Mama Cax, Nina Dobrev, Karina Dawn and Katrina Scott of Tone It Up and Alli Web.
Season 2: Jillian Mercado, #BLACKLIVESMATTER co-creator Alicia Garza, Lyndsey Scott, Laura Marano, JoJo, Ego Nwodim
Season 3: Zuri Hall, Mabel and Shaira Frias, Kylie Jefferson, Alyson Stoner, Storm Reid
Season 4: Leyna Bloom, Jaylen Barron, Laci Mosley, Aisha Dee, Meghann Fahy, Bailee Madison
How Photographer Deon Hinton Is Staying Focused and Inspired
Mental-health maintenance, expressive style, and preparation are key.
The first time Deon Hinton flew on a plane was three years ago. He was moving to New York, a big step for the Arkansas native who left behind his family and a pre-med college major to pursue his dream of becoming a multi-hyphenate creator. Since then, the model, photographer, and writer has built a social media presence around making arresting imagery that features meticulous styling and stark environments and pairing it with poetic, affirmational captions. “My goal is to simply create a safe space for people to come and feel seen, heard, and loved,” he says. “I want to create these spaces in the most vulnerable [moments in life], because that’s where the most genuine part of me comes from.”
It’d be hard to know it from his dreamy Instagram feed with its powerful message of self-love, but Hinton grew up in poverty, was bullied for being Black, and was even homeless at one point during high school. Which is part of what fuels him to use his platform to promote positivity, joy, and confidence—all of which are reflected in his style, which subtly blends minimalism, utility, and a love of statement-making accessories. (A favorite outfit of his speaks directly to his pared-back but deeply personal fashion sense—beloved jeans that have stayed with him for years, a crisp white T-shirt, and a little flair with his must-have winter boot, the SOREL Kezar™ Moc Boot.)
“When I started on social media [three years ago], I never saw anyone doing what I’m doing,” he said, saying that allowing himself to show his softer side actually gave him more confidence. “I want it to feel like a fresh breath of air when you encounter me, whether it be in real life or on social media.”
For someone who’s made it their mission to be a light for others, staying inspired and grounded is essential to Hinton’s work. Here’s how he’s maintained his sense of self—and continued to find the inspiration he needs to create—even amidst the chaos of 2020.
Launched in 2016 to fill an EOY social content gap, I created #GETGIFTED 12 Days of SOREL Giveaways. Throughout the years we’ve partnered with Popsugar to create white label assets to support this program. In AW 2021, we decided to bring the project back in house and concept, shoot, style and design everything ourselves — along with renaming the program #SORELSZN as a modern refresh with a target being the SOREL Zillennials audience.
Style is deeply personal, and especially for queer folks whose fashion choices help amplify our colorful identities. We often communicate through clothing first and create our own language with the styles we dress in every day.
For 2021 Pride, SOREL's rainbow footwear — now available exclusively at sorel.com — is helping the LGBTQ+ community celebrate this individuality.
Their goal was to "create a very wearable and versatile Pride shoe with playful design details," including a retro '70s-inspired color palette, pearlized finish on the heel and a "Love is Love" graphic that all interprets the Pride flag in a fresh way.
Tiffany Reid Is Stepping Confidently Toward Her Goals To Ignite Positive Change
When spring is on its way, it’s almost as if an effervescent essence floats through the air signifying a fresh start: Budding blooms, sunnier skies, and renewed hope emerge after grueling winter months come to a close. Whether you’re cleaning out a closet, landing a new job, or fighting for equity, the purpose of these resolutions is to ignite positive, impactful change.
SOREL’s new campaign ‘New Hustle, New Heights’ highlights those who are taking up space, owning their narrative, and pushing their respective field to new levels. The fashion world specifically, over the last decade, has shifted its stance on global events that directly (or indirectly) impact the progress of the industry as a whole. Tiffany Reid, VP of Fashion for BDG and Executive Board Member of the Black in Fashion Council, has been able to see that shift take place in the style community.
One of her goals this year, and in the years ahead, is challenging the fashion industry to continue having tough and uncomfortable conversations and holding people accountable. “But beyond that, in terms of fashion,” she says, it’s about “putting in real actionable steps to make sure all of the promises and pledges that were made this summer are being executed on.”
The Fashion Writer Who Walked Away From the “Dream Job” And Bet on Herself
Journalist Marjon Carlos knows the power of walking away. In 2017, Carlos walked away from her job as senior fashion writer at the world’s most famous fashion magazine — her former dream job, the one that famously, “a million girls would kill for.” But while Carlos’ life looked perfect from the outside, she says she was burnt out: emotionally, physically, and mentally. “Being a Black woman there was really lonely,” Carlos says. “There were days I cried by myself in a bathroom or empty conference room.”
The leap Carlos took by going freelance was a bet on herself, and it’s paid off well. Now, she’s one of the most sought-after journalists in the industry, profiling the world’s most famous celebrities and penning the kind of cover stories that trend on Twitter. And if her former work life felt lonely, Carlos has now built up a community around herself, especially on social media, where on her show Your Favorite Auntie, Carlos holds forth on the topic of the week, and offers what she calls “a message of enlightenment, warmth, dialogue, and catharsis.” And boy, do we need that right now.
Inspired by Carlos’ determination to carve out her own lane, live vibrantly, and show up for herself and her community, The Cut has partnered with SOREL to bring you her story. Read on for a candid talk with the unstoppable Marjon Carlos about how she built her career, how the fashion industry is changing and how it can do better, and how her style propels her forward.
The Stylist and Social Media Starlet Redefining Her Platform
There’s not much you can’t discover about Jessica Wu. She’s an open book and a self-proclaimed child of the internet — oversharing is her thing. Being unafraid to address personal issues that other people shy away from, like the realities of menstruation, for example, is just a part of who she is. It’s her penchant for unabashedly spilling intimate details that’s built her an online community of over 30,000 followers. A community that helped her raise over $6,000 in mutual aid funds to issue microgrants to 24 Black, brown, and indigenous creatives and queer students during the height of the pandemic.
“When I started Instagram, like every other person I was like, ‘Let me take selfies.’ When I started pulling away from that and sharing more about what was really happening in my life, I realized people were engaging with me more, and it was super genuine,” she says. Of course, her feed is still a stylish continuous scroll of makeup, fashion, and lifestyle; as a stylist, model, and press director for a luxury fashion brand, there’s no way it wouldn’t be. During our interview, she spouted style tips, sharing ways to style sweats with blazers and why her SOREL Joan Next Lite Puffy Strap shoes are ideal for stomping around New York. Hint: it’s because they’re comfortable and waterproof — perfect for avoiding mystery subway puddles.
Wu manages to balance the fantasy of a creative social media presence with the incredibly relatable moments of life as a twenty-something in New York. So, in partnership with SOREL, we sat down with her to find out just how she does it. Ahead, she shares how this unpredictable year has made her reevaluate where she’s directing her energy, embrace a more experimental image, and, somehow, feel more hopeful.
To promote the launch of the newly redesigned Joan NEXT, we partner with Popsugar to create an immersive, visual-first, shoppable unit that lived on popsugar.com
Through the busy grind, Nunez prefers to create in the solitude of her Brooklyn apartment — painting, illustrating, and bringing all of her ideas to fruition. But the life of an artist isn’t just days spent behind an easel or computer screen: For creative meetings, appointments, and everything in between, Nunez spends a lot of time running around. From juggling a growing creative brand to making time for all of her new projects, she’s constantly on the go, tackling bigger and bigger ideas. And accordingly, comfortable style remains a big priority on her list — which is where her SOREL boots come in to carry her through. In collaboration with SOREL, we sat down with the Brooklyn transplant to talk about her art, why she embraces procrastination in her daily routine, and her go-to footwear for studio days on her feet.
How LA Designer Sonjia Williams Is Shifting The Style Conversation For The Better
Though spring doesn’t technically begin until a few months into the new year, it feels much more indicative of a brand new start than the weeks preceding it. New opportunities line the horizon, and suddenly we find ourselves encouraged to visualize our goals, get moving, and aim for the gold. If there’s one person who knows the power of the hustle, it’s Sonjia Williams. The Los Angeles-based fashion designer built her business by herself, from the ground up. Through her line, Something by Sonjia, Williams helps women feel strong and confident as they navigate through the world.
This season, Williams is focusing her hustle on growing her brand. She’s creating more pieces that women can integrate into their daily lives, making sure it all aligns with her design philosophy. “I’m always thinking about pieces that will make women look and feel great,” she says. “I also want to continue to make transitional clothing that women can wear year-round.”
To step into that motivating and empowering springtime energy, she has to have the right footwear — which is where SOREL comes in. “Women come in all shades and sizes and should be celebrated as such. I think brands like SOREL are doing that exactly,” she says. In the footwear line’s ‘New Hustle, New Heights’ campaign, the brand champions unstoppable individuals committed to transforming their worlds for the better. These leaders might be shaping the future of the fashion industry, like Williams, or contributing to their communities in other impactful ways.
Growing up, Candace Reels was always taught to "establish" herself and "be a strong woman," but as she got older she realized that not everyone had a similar support system to navigate the world with confidence. Now as the founder of Female Collective, an intersectional platform that brings women together through empowerment and self-love, Reels is working to foster these supportive networks.
"There are people around the world who are going through the same thing," Reels tells PAPER and SOREL. "And that they need help with these challenges, as well. So I think that's the beautiful thing about Female Collective is that it's the community willing to come together and help everyone on their journey."
As the first in PAPER's four-part video series with SOREL spotlighting Black changemakers who're stepping up (to inspire, educate, change and unite), watch how Reels is uniting her followers to love the person they are. "There will be tons of challenges and traumas," she says. "But that will help you grow into the person you are meant to be."
In the self-described chaotic life of chef Tara Thomas, there's no such thing as "stopping for an outfit change." During the day, she might go from the office to a community farm to source ingredients for a pop-up event or food installation. At night, she might start out julienning and plating in a sweltering kitchen, then end up hobnobbing with patrons at a formal dinner. These are the unpredictable situations the Portland native has learned to dress for — with plenty of style.
The new season always nudges me to shop for things that make me feel like the 2.0 version of myself—however, I had so many virtual shopping carts filled to the brim that I didn’t know where to start for fall… Luckily Kat Collings, our esteemed editor in chief, stepped in to help. I caught her right before she left for fashion month to get her advice on what to buy this season; basically, she’s your girl if you’re ready to do some real shopping, and if you want to find secretly practical pieces that ride the fine line between hyper-chic and actually wearable.
For style insiders around the world, fall means Fashion Month — and that ushers in a seemingly endless array of shows, events, and happenings from New York City to Milan. The busy season leaves hazy summer days in the dust, and on-the-go women turn to chic wardrobe essentials to get them from Point A to Point B in style.
The right shoes are key in these multitasking looks, which is why we’ve partnered with SOREL for styles that expertly toe the line between chic and comfortable. Turning to TZR Contributing Style Director Nicky Deam as our guide, we outfitted three women with powerful signature aesthetics in footwear aligned to their fall fashion needs.
