Contents
SUMMARY
Aimé Leon Dore is a New York-based fashion and lifestyle brand founded in 2014 by Teddy Santis. Rooted in Queens, the label’s 1990s New York aesthetic has taken over streetstyle, and its Nolita flagship has become a hub for streetwear fans. It just opened its first international outpost in London, establishing itself as a leading force in contemporary fashion.
HISTORY
Founded in March 2014 by Teddy Santis, who was born and raised in Queens, New York, to Greek immigrant parents, Aimé Leon Dore emerged from Santis’s desire to merge his Greek heritage with the cultural vibrancy of Queens. The fashion and lifestyle brand gained attention for its unique ethos of streetwear and luxury aesthetics, capturing the essence of New York’s diverse fashion scene.
In 2016, ALD opened its first physical retail location on Mott Street in New York’s Nolita neighbourhood. The store became known for its evolving interior design, which changed with each seasonal collection, and its mysterious exterior with curtains over the door and street-facing windows. This approach created a sense of exclusivity and intrigue, drawing fashion enthusiasts and building a strong community around the brand.
In 2019, Aimé Leon Dore moved to a larger storefront on nearby Mulberry Street. The new location featured a living-room style interior evoking classic Parisian homes, complete with an installation from New York artist Tyrrell Winston and a Mediterranean-inspired café, Café Leon Dore. Aimé Leon Dore has collaborated with several renowned brands, including Puma, KITH, Woolrich, Suicoke, Timberland, New Balance, New Era, Paraboot, Drake’s, Porsche, and Rimowa. These partnerships have resulted in unique product offerings that blend ALD’s distinctive style with the expertise of its collaborators.
Aimé Leon Dore expanded internationally with the opening of a flagship store in London’s Soho. Designed by Sarita Posada Interiors and West Architecture, the store features a rich, moody ambiance with antique Persian rugs, Cipollino marble floors, and mid-century design elements. The interior pays homage to London’s private clubs and renowned men’s outfitter Knize, while also incorporating elements that reflect Aimé Leon Dore’s New York roots. The luxury brand snagged an investment from LVMH Ventures in January 2022.
In May 2025, the brand introduced its first original sneaker collaboration with New Balance, the RC56. This new design, modeled after vintage sneakers, features a breathable mesh base with a mix of nylon-like and leather materials on the upper, incorporating a modified “N” logo that forms part of the lacing system. The sole utilizes New Balance’s FuelCell technology for performance comfort. In August 2025, Aimé Leon Dore unveiled its collaboration with The North Face, reinterpreting classic outerwear pieces with luxury and functionality. The collaboration features the Nuptse puffer jacket reimagined with Italian Casentino wool, reflecting Santis’s upbringing in New York and his appreciation for quality materials.
VISION
Teddy Santis envisions Aimé Leon Dore as a bridge between his Greek heritage and the cultural landscape of Queens, New York. He aims to create a brand that resonates with authenticity, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary streetwear influences. Santis emphasizes the importance of timeless design, focusing on quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. He seeks to create pieces that transcend trends, offering versatility and enduring appeal. This approach reflects his commitment to producing garments that are both stylish and enduring. Drawing inspiration from 1990s hip-hop culture and the vibrant community of Queens, Santis aims to infuse Aimé Leon Dore’s designs with cultural significance. He strives to create a brand that not only offers fashionable clothing but also tells a story and connects with individuals on a deeper level.
MISSION STATEMENT
Aimé Leon Dore is dedicated to delivering high-quality products that reflect a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design. The brand focuses on using premium materials and ensuring meticulous attention to detail in every pieceThe brand seeks to create designs that resonate with individuals by drawing inspiration from diverse cultural influences. By incorporating elements from Santis’s Greek heritage and the dynamic environment of Queens, the fashion brand aims to offer products that are both meaningful and stylish. Aimé Leon Dore strives to build a strong community around its brand, fostering connections through its retail spaces and collaborations. The brand’s flagship stores and partnerships aim to create environments where individuals can engage with the brand and each other, sharing experiences and stories.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Teddy Santis – Founder & Creative Director
Giacomo Di Mattia – Chief Financial Officer
Anthony Casale – Chief Operating Officer
David Moskowitz – Director, Concept for Design
Karina Cuevas – Director, Planning
Ed Barrow – Chief Marketing Officer
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Aimé Leon Dore offers a range of menswear that combines streetwear aesthetics with classic tailoring. The brand’s collections include outerwear, knitwear, trousers, and shirts, characterized by clean lines, quality fabrics, and a muted colour palette. Each piece reflects Santis’s commitment to timeless design and cultural storytelling. Aimé Leon Dore has gained recognition for its footwear collaborations, particularly with New Balance. The brand’s reinterpretation of the 550 silhouette in 2020 garnered widespread acclaim. In 2025, the brand introduced the RC56, its first entirely original sneaker collaboration with New Balance, featuring a design inspired by vintage sneakers and utilizing advanced materials for enhanced performance. Aimé Leon Dore also offers a selection of lifestyle products, including accessories, home goods, and café merchandise. Items such as gold pendants, branded hats, and Café Leon Dore aprons reflect the brand’s aesthetic and commitment to quality.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
In 2021, Aimé Leon Dore was awarded Store of the Year at the GQ Fashion Awards. The award recognized the brand’s influential role in the streetwear scene and its innovative retail experiences. Teddy Santis was honored with the Breakthrough Designer of the Year award at the GQ Fashion Awards 2021. The awards acknowledged his innovative approach to menswear and his ability to merge luxury with streetwear influences. Aimé Leon Dore has been recognized as part of the new wave in American sportswear, alongside brands like Bode, Fear of God, and Noah. This recognition highlights ALD’s role in redefining menswear by blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary street culture influences.
REFERENCES
- “Exclusive: Meet Aimé Leon Dore, New York’s Coolest Young Label”. GQ.
- “Aimé Leon Dore for Men FW19 Collection | SSENSE”. www.ssense.com.
- “FLAGSHIP”. Aimé Leon Dore.
- “How Aimé Leon Dore Became the Coolest Store in Nolita”. Vogue.
- The Spirit of 1994 Is Alive and Well in Aimé Leon Dore New York Times
- “What Aimé Leon Dore’s Success Says About the State of Streetwear”. Complex.
- “AIMÉ LEON DORE FOR PUMA”. Aimé Leon Dore.
- “Aime Leon Dore concept shop”. Highsnobiety.
- “Kith and Aimé Leon Dore Channel the Island of Mykonos in Their New Collaboration”. Complex.
- “KITH & Aimé Leon Dore Look to Greece For New “Mykonos” Collection”. Highsnobiety.
- “Aime Leon Dore”. The New York Times.
- “New Balance collab lookbook”. Hypebeast.
- “Life in the balance campaign”. Hypebeast.
- “New Balance collaboration”. Hypebeast.
- “Porsche Carrera campaign”. Hypebeast.
- “Aime Leon Dore 38 Grand Sport Technohull”. ALD Official Website.
- “ALD Technohull Collection”. ALD Official Website.
- “What is Aime Leon Dore”. Grailed.
- “Aimé Leon Dore for Woolrich”. Aimé Leon Dore.
- “AIMÉ LEON DORE / WOOLRICH 2019”. Aimé Leon Dore.
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