Charly and Lockie Cunningham are the founders of new British sneaker label SANS MATIN, designed in London and handmade in Medellin, Colombia.
During a five-month backpacking trip around South America, a muddy trek and a slight complication involving a pair of sneakers and a tumble-dryer, led to the cousins needing a new pair of trainers. After exploring every option Charly and Lockie realised their dream sneakers did not exist and with that the SANS MATIN story was born.
We caught up with Charly and Lockie for the latest in our ‘My London’ interview series
Favourite neighbourhood:
Notting Hill, we love the mix of independent shops and cafes and the general atmosphere of the area!
Favourite place for brunch:
There’s so many places in London that make a banging brunch but we would always have to go for the critically acclaimed ‘fry up à la Madré’!
Best coffee in London:
Fleet Street Press – used to help some university hangovers – best coffee in London.
Favourite gallery or museum:
It has to be The Natural History Museum for childhood memories, but the TATE Modern is always a winner.
Tell us a secret:
We can pretty much recite the whole of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Favourite place to shop:
Seven Dials – smaller streets and the character of the area means it’s always a good day out – you never know what you’ll find. However, in quarantine, we’ve loved finding beautifully curated collections by online independents!
Favourite place to find inspiration:
Wherever we’re together really, when we have the time we spend hours bouncing ideas off one another.
Best London destination for a date:
Gold, great food and amazing atmosphere – try get a table at the back of the restaurant. For after dinner drinks, head over to ‘The Distillery’ on Portobello – incredible gin cocktails.
Favourite park:
It has to be Hyde Park, we’ve never forgotten the big pirate ship in the playground from when we were kids.
Favourite food market:
Southbank food market, if you want the best Pad Thai of your life go to (PAD+SEN) on Friday.
Your sanctuary in the city:
Holland Park Japanese Gardens – where we can find our zen!
What inspires you?
Brands that have truly been built around core values, especially with a good story behind them. It makes it feel more relatable, and we love it when we feel a personal connection to a brand. This is definitely something we hope to emulate at SANS MATIN.
This season I’m loving:
Tiger King… but joking apart, the Sunspel Essentials are definitely a must have for every man looking for comfort and style.
