Rooted in Place: The Simple Loafer
The Simple Loafer is our quiet take on the Iconic Penny Loafer, an everyday shoe with a history that’s both practical and playful. Born from Norwegian slip-ons and embraced by American Ivy League style, the penny loafer earned its name from the small Coin slipped into the strap, a penny kept for emergencies or payphone calls, a personal touch that made the classic both functional and distinctive. But what does it mean to carry that tradition forward today? For us, heritage isn’t about repeating the past; it’s about reflecting on what has moved us and translating its essence into what we craft now. Our Simple Loafer carries a Bangladeshi 1 Taka Golden Coin tucked into the strap, and a nod to the original intent of the penny loafer: something small but meaningful, kept close. Apart from its aesthetics, the Coin is meant to carry the stories of the cities and the people who shape Bangladesh’s spirit.
The Strap and the Shapla
Look closer at the penny strap and you’ll see something more: the cutout isn’t just a standard slit but a petal-shaped opening inspired by the Shapla, the water lily that rests at the heart of Bangladesh’s national emblem. That emblem wasn’t the work of one person, but a quiet collaboration: Mohammad Idris drew the Shapla itself, while Shamsul Alam added the rice sheaves and four stars, and finalized by the renowned artist Quamrul Hassan. Each stroke carried meaning: resilience, sustenance, identity.
By weaving this emblematic form into our loafer, we carry forward more than a national symbol, we echo the thoughtfulness and care of those who shaped it. The Shapla blooms in murky waters, and in that resilience, we find something lasting. It’s a detail we hope brings a sense of place and presence with every step.
Crafted to Carry You, Quietly
Our Simple Loafer is crafted from soft, durable leather with a silhouette that
balances ease and refinement. The lines are clean, the construction considered, and every stitch meant to last. It’s a loafer that pairs as naturally with relaxed trousers as with tailored garments, designed for the quiet moments as much as the confident strides.
At Simple Declaration, we don’t believe in chasing trends or making noise for the sake of it. We believe in design, which carries stories of place, purpose, and intention. The Simple Loafer is more than just footwear; it’s a gentle reminder of home and a symbol of the quiet pleasures of life.