Boardroom to backstage: Why Itele’s loafers deserve a seat at the table

Tim Blanks

At this year’s London Fashion Week, Itele Seyi Agboola didn’t just launch a shoe collection. He introduced a new contender in the conversation around business-ready fashion — one that merges performance with polish, and structure with story.

The AW24 lineup is streamlined, intentional, and clearly targeted.

These are not casual kicks or showpiece shoes designed to sit on shelves. These loafers are built to move. From press events and gallery openings to high-level strategy meetings, the collection reflects the multidimensional life of today’s creative professional.

There’s a particular strength in the restraint. Unlike many runway debuts that lean heavily into concept, Itele pulls back just enough to let functionality shine.

The silhouettes are sharp, the leather treatments feel premium, and the finishing suggests a designer ready for serious commercial distribution.

But as with any product designed for scale, balance is key. One area that invites improvement is variety.

While cohesion is commendable, the collection could have benefited from one or two unexpected design risks. A deeper-toned pair, a different sole material, or even a seasonal standout might have added just enough surprise to anchor broader market appeal.