The Lennie sandal combines bold geometric cut-outs with colorful leather panels and zig-zag topstitching, reimagining craftsmanship as graphic design.
Category :
Design & Development
Brand :
Free Lance
Date :
2018 - 2020
The Lennie
The Lennie sandal by Free Lance redefines artisanal flair with a bold, sculptural edge. Available in both women’s and men’s versions, Lennie stands out for its striking geometric cut-outs along the insole, offering a graphic play on negative space. The upper is composed of contrasting leather panels in a mix of colors and prints — from rich neutrals to vibrant tones — each piece outlined by a distinctive zig-zag topstitching that adds rhythm and structure.
True to Free Lance’s DNA, Lennie merges meticulous craftsmanship with daring design. It’s not just a sandal — it’s a wearable collage of texture, pattern, and form, made to turn heads and challenge convention.
New Development Evolution
As part of the evolution of the Lennie sandal for Free Lance, we explored a series of innovative insole sketches aimed at pushing the boundaries of decorative craftsmanship. The goal was to transform the insole — often a hidden or secondary component — into a central design feature.
Through a series of hand and digital sketches, we developed multiple insole concepts that incorporated creative topstitching techniques to build graphic forms directly into the footbed. One direction explored geometric patterns echoing the sandal’s cut-out structure, while another took a more narrative approach, using topstitched lines to trace the brand’s name or initials in a subtle, textured way — a hidden signature for the wearer.
This exploration of insole design brought a new layer of identity and craftsmanship to the product, reinforcing Free Lance’s commitment to detail, innovation, and expressive design — even in the places least expected.
