Teddy Santis

Teddy Santis is a Greek-American fashion designer and entrepreneur recognised for his work as the founder and creative director of Aimé Leon Dore, a New York-based menswear label that combines classic American style with streetwear influences. The luxury fashion brand has inked partnerships with Clarks, Suicoke and New Balance and received an investment from LVMH Ventures in January 2022.

Born on June 16, 1986, in Queens, New York, Teddy Santis was raised in a family of Greek immigrants. His parents owned a small diner, instilling in him a strong work ethic and appreciation for community and culture. Santis spent his summers in Greece, which connected him to his roots and influenced his design sensibilities. Despite lacking formal fashion education, his exposure to the diverse cultures of New York and Greece played a pivotal role in shaping his creative vision.

Santis co-founded an optical store in Manhattan in 2010 with a childhood friend, while also working at his family coffee shop on the Upper East Side. These experiences honed his entrepreneurial skills. His initial foray into fashion was marked by a red jumper named ‘Aimé,’ which he casually showed to Ronnie Fieg, founder of KITH. The positive response to the jumper encouraged Santis to pursue his passion for design more seriously.

In 2014, Santis founded Aimé Leon Dore, drawing inspiration from his Greek heritage and the vibrant street culture of New York. The brand’s name combines the French word for ‘love’ (‘Aimé’), a nod to his father’s Greek nickname ‘Leon,’ and a shortened form of his own name, ‘Dore.’ Aimé Leon Dore’s debut collection got a lot of attention with its fusion of luxury and streetwear, featuring timeless silhouettes and high-quality materials. The brand’s aesthetic, influenced by 1990s New York fashion and Santis’s upbringing, appealed to a diverse audience.

Aimé Leon Dore gained significant traction in 2017, marking a turning point in the brand’s trajectory. Santis’s meticulous attention to detail and storytelling through design elevated ALD’s status in the fashion industry. The luxury fashion brand’s Nolita flagship store became a cultural hub, attracting fashion enthusiasts and contributing to Aimé Leon Dore’s growing influence. Collaborations with established brands like New Balance, Clarks, and Drake’s further strengthened Aimé Leon Dore’s reputation.

In May 2021, Teddy Santis was appointed the creative director for New Balance’s ‘Made in USA’ line. This position allowed him to infuse his design sensibilities into New Balance’s premium offerings, focusing on craftsmanship and heritage. His debut collection in 2022 featured reimagined versions of the iconic 990 sneaker, incorporating sophisticated colour palettes and premium materials. The collaboration between Aimé Leon Dore and New Balance has been praised for its integration of both brands’ aesthetics.

Santis’s design philosophy centres on authenticity and storytelling. He emphasises the importance of creating products that resonate with real-life experiences and cultural narratives. Influenced by fashion icons like Ralph Lauren, Santis aims to merge the past with a visionary approach, ensuring that his designs transcend current trends and maintain a timeless appeal. Under his leadership, Aimé Leon Dore expanded its presence, opening its first international store in London. The brand’s strategic approach, avoiding oversaturation in fashion weeks and runway shows, has contributed to its exclusivity and desirability. In January 2022, Aimé Leon Dore received a minority investment from LVMH Ventures.

In 2020, Teddy Santis was honoured with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) award for Menswear Designer of the Year. This recognition highlighted his innovative approach to menswear and his ability to blend classic styles with contemporary influences. At the GQ Fashion Awards 2021, Santis received the Breakthrough Designer of the Year award. In January 2022, Aimé Leon Dore secured a minority investment from LVMH Ventures, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s growth. This partnership provided Aimé Leon Dore with the resources to expand its operations and further strengthen its position in global fashion.