Run GD

I designed the Run GD sneaker to blend minimalist elegance with subtle brand heritage, creating a modern, versatile shoe that reflects Gerard Darel’s timeless spirit.

Category :

Design & Development

Brand :

Gerard Darel

Date :

2017 - 2018

The Run GD

The Run GD sneaker brings a minimalist, modern edge to Gerard Darel’s timeless aesthetic. With a sleek low-rise silhouette, clean lines, and subtle detailing, it’s designed as an effortless everyday essential. The style balances sport-inspired comfort with understated elegance, making it the perfect piece to pair with everything from tailored looks to relaxed denim.

Minimalist Silhouette with a Twist

A clean, low-rise profile defined by subtle curves and pared-back lines — elevated by a rounded cut-out at the heel with a delicately embroidered GD logo that adds softness and modernity.

Refined Craft Details

Crafted in smooth leather with a contrasting piping along the tongue edge, the sneaker blends minimalism with thoughtful finishing touches that signal quiet luxury.

Debossed “24” Signature

A discreet debossed “24” on the side nods to the house’s iconic 24 Heures bag, anchoring the sneaker in Gerard Darel’s heritage while pushing it forward with modern flair.

DESIGN

The design of the Run GD sneaker began with a clear intention : to create a minimalist, modern shape that echoed the timeless elegance of Gérard Darel, while introducing fresh, wearable energy to the brand’s universe. The process started with the brand’s icon — the 24 Heures bag — whose spirit of effortless Parisian chic inspired the sneaker’s clean lines and discreet luxury.
Every detail was carefully considered to balance simplicity and signature design. The rounded cut-out at the heel softened the low-rise silhouette, while offering a unique placement for the embroidered GD logo — a new take on branding that feels subtle yet distinctive. The debossed “24” along the side quietly anchors the design in the brand’s heritage. A piped tongue edge was added to bring a crafted, feminine touch and define the silhouette with precision. The result is a sneaker that feels timeless, light, and unmistakably Darel — designed to move, with style and purpose.

DEVELOPMENT

The development of the Run GD sneaker involved meticulous refinement to balance minimalist design with functional comfort. Initial sketches focused on creating a sleek, low-rise silhouette that could appeal to a modern, urban audience while reflecting Gerard Darel’s elegant heritage.
Prototyping emphasized the integration of signature brand details, such as the debossed “24” logo and the rounded cut-out at the heel with the embroidered GD logo, ensuring these elements were both visually impactful and durable. Special attention was given to the piping on the tongue edge, which required precise stitching techniques to maintain clean lines without bulk.
Material selection prioritized smooth, premium leathers that would age gracefully, while the construction focused on lightweight comfort and everyday wearability. Each iteration was tested for fit, finish, and overall aesthetic harmony, resulting in a sneaker that is both timeless and modern, perfectly aligned with the brand’s identity.

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