You don’t have to be an Elvis impersonator to take a walk in a pair of blue suede shoes. A style inspired by Elvis Presley’s 1955 hit song is now available at menswear retailer Lansky in Memphis, Tenn., where founder Bernard Lansky personally dressed Presley throughout his career.??
As part of a collaboration between the landmark store and Hush Puppies, known for its suede footwear, the retailer will offer a limited-edition collection of slip-on and laceup shoes in signature blue suede.
The store has been selling an Elvis-inspired apparel collection, Lansky Brothers – Clothier to the King, since 1990, said Julie Lansky, who heads up marketing. The line features reproductions of actual looks from the entertainer’s wardrobe, as well as pieces inspired by his personal style. The blue suede looks will be the first signature shoes.
“Customers have always asked for the blue suede shoes,” said Lansky, noting that the footwear will be co-branded. And because many pieces in the apparel line hark back to Presley’s heyday in the 1950s, a companion black-and-white slip-on and laceup in smooth leather will also be available.
The footwear will be available at Lansky at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis through the summer. The blue suede shoes retail for $145, and the black-and-white for $160.