Chris Echevarria, founder of Blackstock & Weber, shares his journey of building a footwear brand that has seen 300% annual growth by reinterpreting classic loafers. He discusses expanding his entrepreneurial empire with a new menswear brand, Academy, and his role as Creative Director at Sperry, emphasizing his vision to become "this generation's Ralph Lauren." The episode provides insights into brand building, strategic advertising pivots, and leveraging a strong creative vision for multifaceted business growth in the fashion industry.
Key takeaways
Focus on a niche: Blackstock & Weber's success with updated classic loafers demonstrates the power of excelling in a specific product category before expanding.
Leverage founder's vision across brands: Chris Echevarria's distinct preppy-with-a-twist aesthetic serves as a throughline for Blackstock & Weber, Academy, and his Sperry collaboration, reinforcing brand identity.
Strategic advertising pivots can drive growth: Echevarria's recent advertising changes have positively impacted brand growth and visibility, highlighting the importance of adaptable marketing strategies.
Build a brand ecosystem: Creating multiple, related brands under a consistent creative vision can amplify reach and leverage shared aesthetics and target audiences.
Aim for long-term legacy: Echevarria's aspiration to be "this generation's Ralph Lauren" underscores the importance of a clear, aspirational long-term vision for brand unparalleled growth and impact.
In 2018, Chris Echevarria launched Blackstock & Weber, the Brooklyn-based footwear brand that has become well-known for its updated takes on classic loafers. “I own the business 100%, and it’s grown 300% every year since we started,” Echevarria said on the Glossy Podcast.
Still, he’s finding time to launch other businesses and tackle new projects: In November, he introduced the brand Academy, which brings his signature preppy-with-a-twist style to menswear. And, after being announced as creative director at Sperry in September, his debut Sperry by Chris Echevarria collection debuted at Paris Fashion Week Men’s last month. On this week’s episode of the Glossy Podcast, Echevarria discusses the throughline of his projects, as well as his long-term goals for his businesses and a recent advertising pivot that’s working to his brands’ advantage.
Focus on a niche: Blackstock & Weber's success with updated classic loafers demonstrates the power of excelling in a specific product category before expanding.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Leverage founder's vision across brands: Chris Echevarria's distinct preppy-with-a-twist aesthetic serves as a throughline for Blackstock & Weber, Academy, and his Sperry collaboration, reinforcing brand identity.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Strategic advertising pivots can drive growth: Echevarria's recent advertising changes have positively impacted brand growth and visibility, highlighting the importance of adaptable marketing strategies.
What does this episode say about paid acquisition?
Build a brand ecosystem: Creating multiple, related brands under a consistent creative vision can amplify reach and leverage shared aesthetics and target audiences.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Aim for long-term legacy: Echevarria's aspiration to be "this generation's Ralph Lauren" underscores the importance of a clear, aspirational long-term vision for brand unparalleled growth and impact.
