The Riviera. It’s a great phrase, isn’t it? Instantly evocative of crystal-clear waters gently lapping on powdery beaches, chilled rosé sipped on shady terraces and white linen shirts worn over lightly tanned skin. Wish you were here? We know we do.

It’s a no-brainer, then, that the French Riviera should serve as inspiration for Crockett & Jones’ SS23 shoe collection. Sure, the heritage British shoemaker may actually be based in Northampton, but with more than a century of supplying retailers all over Europe under its belt, Crockett & Jones knows a thing or two about European elegance – and its new collection is a case in point.

Making up the range of supremely soft and lightweight unstructured loafers are four styles: Antibes, Nice, Cannes and Harvard 2.

Harvard 2 in khaki suede

Harvard 2 in snuff suede

Confirmed Crockett & Jones fans will likely be well acquainted with the Harvard penny loafer. In fact, you probably already own a pair. Built on the classic Last 376, it is, after all, one of the brand’s best-selling and most highly sought-after designs. For summer, the Harvard 2 is offered as an unlined version in two new colourways – snuff suede and khaki suede – and finished with a flexible and lightweight City rubber sole. Perfect for pairing with chinos and an open-collar shirt for a stroll down the Croisette.

Antibes, Nice and Cannes, meanwhile, represent brand-new additions to the Crockett & Jones line up and all are based on the new Last 393: a chic low-profile loafer ideal for summer. All are also built on Crockett & Jones’ unique Superflex sole – an incredibly flexible leather base treated with waxes during a highly-scientific tanning process to leave it supple and comfortable without sacrificing grip. Yes, that’s right, summer loafers that (almost) guarantee no blisters. A modern marvel.

Antibes in ocean blue calf suede

Cannes in dark brown calf suede

First up, Antibes is a playful tassel loafer available in both ocean calf suede and chestnut soft-grain leather – great with tailored shorts for casual occasions. Alternatively, opt for the Nice penny loafer in tobacco calf suede or dark brown soft grain leather, or the minimalist Cannes loafer in dark brown calf suede or tan soft grain leather. Smart enough to wear with a linen suit at weddings and garden parties, they also double up as great holiday options if trainers and flip-flops aren’t really your thing.

So, now you’re suitably shod, we’ll see you at golden hour for sunset drinks at the rooftop bar…

Shop the full collection at crockettandjones.com.