"Behind the Brand" is our column where you get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to our partner brands and learn more about the people that make our products. Today, we meet Cristiano and Marta, co-owners of Wolf & Son.
Hi! First off, introductions are in order: What is your name and what is your role at Wolf & Son?
I’m Cristiano Lopes and together with my sister Marta Lopes, we’re both owners, producers and brand managers at Wolf & Son.
What is the story behind Wolf & Son? When did it start and what was the inspiration behind it?
We come from a family of shoe manufacturers — our company is Jovan — and in 2012 we envisioned to create our own footwear label. As manufacturers, we decided to use the best of our expertise and know-how to produce a brand of men’s footwear complemented by a junior line, made of identical shoes. We didn’t want to create just another footwear brand, we wanted to deliver a strong concept and social message.We came to Alexandra Mendes at BLANK to help us develop this idea and create our brand concept, who made an excellent interpretation of what we wanted. Wolf & Son was born in 2013, a footwear brand wrapped around the father-son universe, which later devolved into the Wolf Family imaginary.
What are the values that drive Wolf & Son?
We are proud of having a quality product that is well presented alongside the brand imaginary. Wolf & Son is rooted on family heritage and driven to promote unifying bonds. Parents walk side by side with their kids, sharing not only their life journey but also their shoes.
Which image do you personally feel really represents what Wolf & Son is all about?
This campaign image pretty much describes the brand’s concept. A playful family scene that captures the Wolf Family wearing our Albus oxford shoes. Wolf & Son is all about family ties and unifying life experiences. Its ludic universe has an old-school feeling that is proper, understated and timeless.
What are the distinctive features of Wolf and Son’s products?
Wolf & Son reinvents classics of male footwear, presenting new versions that tap into both the masculine and infantile universes. Our collection offers identical shoe models for adults and kids, including unisex models, that allows us to make shoes for all the family. Our high-quality production, clean and timeless character, fresh color palette and old-school feeling have made the brand an international reference, gaining the attention among others from Monocle, Portuguese Soul, Dsection and Vogue Niños.
How does the creative process for your products carry out?
Wolf & Son is not a fast fashion brand, we’re not in constant search for trends. We promote continuity of models across collections, introducing new models each season. We always have very present the challenge of bringing together two worlds that encapsulate two distinct segments of the market in one unifying universe — grownups and kids.
Personally, what is your day like working at Wolf & Son?
Our daily work life at Jovan factory makes us have to manage our time well in order to balance the factory private-label clients and our brand. On the days we’re more dedicated to Wolf & Son, we feel the need to change our mindset from manufacturer to customer, which is not always easy!
Is there a specific product or piece that has proved iconic for the brand?
Our signature sneakers Arabs and Youngi with our exclusive patterned rubber soles, and our Albus oxfords shoes are probably the models that best represent Wolf & Son.
I know one shouldn’t pick favorites but… what is your personal favorite piece from your current collection?
I usually wear Hattai trainers and Youngi sneakers. Possibly I would pick the ones I’m wearing today, Youngi! :)
How has The Feeting Room played into the growth of Wolf & Son?
We started by approaching other markets before exploring the national market. We have been with TFR since 2016, and it was our first partner in Portugal. This has been a wonderful partnership, allowing the label to be showcased in beautiful stores which attract a variety of interesting customers and also launches worldwide sales with the online store. TFR ongoing happenings also create a strong sense of local community which is a very attractive way for Wolf & Son’s clients to engage with the label in an inspired setting.
