The things that inspire me: people, things, and ideas. When I put together our first range of shoes I instantly knew my starting point: my parents. I’m lucky enough to have had a mum and dad who always instinctively dressed well and appreciated the joys that came with it.

I’ll always have fond memories of the effort my dad put into his day-to-day outfits. Still, it was his love for a specific brand of loafer from a store called Benito in Lebanon that I remember the most. Every time a member of the family would visit Lebanon, we had to make sure that we came back with a pair of Benito loafers for dad. It didn’t matter how many he had in the wardrobe because we knew they would always get good use.

I remember his shoes being classic and timeless, just ‘slick’ really. While most would reserve them for formal occasions my dad wore them daily, even when he was going to the shops to get groceries. I remember him in his collared shirt, well pressed slacks and his Benito’s, and of course if it was cold, one of his blazers. I saw that he took pride in the way he dressed and how he presented himself regardless of how formal it was. Dad’s sense of pride is something that has always stuck with me.

Mum’s sense of style was just as exceptional. She was elegant but never boring, colourful but never brash. Her style and grace flowed through everything she did: from her general attitude to life, to her appreciation of craft and approach to food.

My wedding day is a perfect example of all the amazing things she embodied. In spite of having recently gone through an exceptionally challenging period, mum effortlessly put together a timeless outfit. She wore an elegant embroidered gown which she complimented with a tasteful wide brimmed hat and just the right amount of jewellery. But it was her sense of joy, excitement, and constant smile, that made the day. I’ll never forget her radiance.

- Gabriel Abi-Saab, Etymology Founder & Creative Director