EQ E S S E N T I A L S | F A S H I O N
IN PERFECT STEP Jóse R. Monroy, an ARIAT FOOTWEAR DESIGNER, answers a few questions about the brand’s lifestyle collection, TWO24, and what’s in the pipeline.
Can you explain the significance of the name Two24 and what initiated the new Ariat line?
Two24 represents the recordbreaking 2 minutes and 24 seconds that allowed Secretariat to win the 1973 Belmont Stakes, a record that stands to this day. Secretariat cemented himself as one of the world’s most-loved racehorses and is the original inspiration for our company name, Ariat. Taking our rich equestrian heritage and commitment to long-lasting products, we created this collection of handcrafted and expertly detailed boots and shoes that reflect our story through a refined and contemporary lens. How would you define this lifestyle line of footwear?
This is a premium collection of handcrafted products that blends our rich equestrian heritage with that of mainstream fashion to create styles that are both timeless and contemporary.
Ariat footwear designer Jóse R. Monroy finds inspiration in the brand’s equestrian heritage.
There are definite signature details that we’ve included across the collection. Two of them were directly inspired by Secretariat’s racing silks and the Triple Crown title that he was awarded after his win in the Belmont Stakes. Taking the blue and white colors from the racing silks and the gold to represent the Triple Crown title, we created what we call the “Triple Crown Stitch” and the “Triple Crown Label.” The Triple Crown Stitch can be found on the back of uppers as well as on the outsole waist, while the Triple Crown Label is mainly used on the back of our sneakers. Another great signature detail is the “Western Crown.” Whether it be through a deco stitch, upper patterning, or cutout, this unique shaping is commonly seen across western products. The Western Crown can be found on the rubber top lifts in our men’s collection as well as subtle variations of it on both women’s and men’s products. Where do you find inspiration?
What are considered the signature details in the footwear? Are there key elements that you deem essential? 20 | EQ UE S T R I A N L I V IN G | AP RI L / MAY | 2020
The basis for all my inspiration starts with Ariat’s equestrian heritage. I like to surround myself with as
