This collaboration between Old Rip Van Winkle and Wolverine’s 1000 Mile was such a unique opportunity to bring two heritage brands together through material and storytelling. I led the design and development of the project end-to-end, with a focus on creating something that felt authentic to both—grounded in craftsmanship, but elevated through thoughtful, unexpected details. From the start, it was really about capturing the richness and depth of the bourbon-making process and translating that into product in a way that felt natural and considered.
The concept came to life through the barrels themselves. We sourced used Old Rip Van Winkle barrels and cut down the wooden staves to incorporate directly into the heel stacks, which became a defining detail of the collection. Each pair carries subtle variations from the wood, giving the boots a sense of individuality and history. From there, I built out the leather direction to mirror that same sense of aging—working with rich chestnut tones, deeper oil-infused browns, and burnished finishes that feel worn in the best way.
Across the collection, I explored a range of material expressions—from cleaner, more classic executions to more textured, heavily finished leathers with a slightly more lived-in feel. Small hits of red and gold were pulled from Old Rip Van Winkle’s branding and woven in through laces, hardware, and interior details to add a subtle point of contrast. Every element was designed to feel cohesive, down to the hangtags and outsole treatments, so the story carried through the entire product.
On the development side, this was a very hands-on process. I worked closely with the factory to bring some of the more unique ideas to life—especially integrating real wood into the heel—while making sure everything met the durability and construction standards of the 1000 Mile. It was a balance of pushing the design forward while staying true to the integrity of the product, and overall, a really rewarding project to take from concept all the way through to final execution.
