Let's be honest: fashion is an endless cycle. But sometimes, a return is more than just a loop – it's a well-deserved resurrection. This is the case with Autry, the brand that proves you don't need to reinvent the wheel to be at the forefront of trends.
For those who might have skipped sneaker history class, here’s a quick recap. In the 80s, Jim Autry, a sports shoe specialist, launched a tennis court sneaker that caused a sensation: the Medalist. Its look was understated, its DNA purely athletic. The brand disappeared from radar screens in the late 90s, but its legacy remained intact.
In 2019, four Italian entrepreneurs had the excellent idea of resurrecting the brand. Their mission? To preserve the 80s heritage while offering a modern interpretation, combining simplicity, versatility, and athletic roots. The result: Autry became the go-to sneaker for those who appreciate casual luxury and have (very) good taste.
For Spring-Summer 2026, we're celebrating good weather by revisiting the brand's icon: the Medalist. If you're looking for the perfect "everyday sneaker" that adapts to anything, look no further, you've come to the right place.
The Medalist S/S 2026 clearly draws inspiration from 80s tennis style. Imagine the charm of an old vintage photo, but with all the comfort and quality of today. Gone is the flashy "dad shoe" look; here we are in casual luxury with a clean, timeless silhouette. It's both cool and sophisticated – the kind of shoe that gets the job done without ever overdoing it.
Autry never skimps on quality, and this new collection confirms it:
Soft Premium Leather, Suede, Canvas: The perfect blend for a look that is both rich in texture and ideal for warmer days.
Padded Collar & Micro-perforated Toe: Comfort is non-negotiable. These details ensure welcome breathability and an optimal fit.
Logoed Rubber Sole: Durable, providing good cushioning, and with that subtle tone-on-tone logo detail.
Expect to see the Medalist in perfectly calibrated shades for spring and summer. From classic white/beige and white/green reminiscent of tennis courts, to bolder touches of pastel and metallic colors to add a little sparkle to your summer outfits.
👉 Discover all the new Medalist models available at Champ Libre.
Since the Medalist is the epitome of versatility, it pairs perfectly with the season's key trends, whether you're a man or a woman.
The Mix of Textures: Pair a white and suede Medalist with a semi-sheer shirt dress or an airy knit skirt.
The Oversized Suit: Break the formality of a loose-fitting suit (wide-leg trousers or revisited shorts) with your Autry sneakers. The effect is instantly chic and relaxed.
Preppy/Sport Inspiration: Tennis shorts, a sweater casually tied over the shoulders, and the Medalist on your feet.
Denim Essentials: Wear your Medalist with perfectly cut straight-leg jeans or a full denim look.
Utility/Cargo Style: Well-cut cargo pants or thick joggers pair perfectly with the athletic side of Autry.
Always Impeccable: For a more casual chic touch, opt for chino pants or cropped pleated trousers to keep the sneaker clearly visible.
Ready to step into the heritage of the 80s? Discover the entire new Autry Medalist S/S 2026 collection now at Champ Libre:
we love meeting creative people, comparing styles and media. So when we met the Manufacture XXI team (Cogitech Group) and discovered their work, we decided to think together about a way to resonate with our activities.
On one side, Manufacture XXI, the designer furniture and accessories brand of the Cogitech group, and on the other the ChampLibre brand. The first which offers an innovative approach to design by creating innovative and eco-responsible materials, and then we who since the beginning of our activity have offered PAP labels which want to do otherwise by also using noble and/or eco-friendly materials. responsible. Impossible not to find meaning in it!
The framework was quickly found, the Cogitech workshops with its machines, its prototypes, its showroom, its materials, its colors, its backstage... Both based in Dijon, our partnership would aim to marry our SS24 collections with their design expertise .
We love adding a distinctive artistic touch to our clothing selections
SS24 while Cogitech sought to enrich its furniture with a modern and urban aesthetic. This collaboration will therefore allow their creations to take on a whole new dimension and ours to express their strength and style in an atypical setting. Give a framework, a decoration to our SS24 collections, and in return give humanity, life to all these machines and these creations.
During our recent photo shoot at their premises with the talented photographer Vincent Arbelet, the creative enthusiasm was present and the entire ChampLibre team was delighted to collaborate with the Cogitech team to create original scenes.
This collaboration embodies the perfect union between fashion and furniture, and our clothes blended perfectly with their furniture and lighting. It highlights the essence of innovation and creativity in our search for quality and singularity. Together, ChampLibre and Cogitech are pleased to be able to present this collaboration to you.
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