Article: Paperstraight Goes Santiago, Chile
Paperstraight Goes Santiago, Chile
When we were thinking about where to shoot our new footwear, Chile immediately stood out. While much of Europe was deep into winter, Chile offered light, warmth, and contrast. Santiago is a city full of character, raw streets, strong architecture, mountains in the background, and a culture that feels both grounded and forward-moving. It felt authentic. That authenticity is exactly what we look for when creating men derby shoes that are meant to be worn in real life, not just styled for a studio.
Chile isn’t just visually beautiful, it has a rhythm. From the way people move through the city to how fashion blends effortlessly into daily life, everything felt natural. That’s why it became the perfect setting for our take on minimalist streetwear. Clean silhouettes, subtle details, and strong materials work best in an environment that doesn’t need to be overstyled. Walking through Santiago, it became clear that less really is more, the same philosophy behind our designs.
The Slate Derby represents that balance. A modern interpretation of classic derby shoes for men, with a slightly bolder edge. The shape is clean, but the sole gives it presence, making it fit perfectly into the world of chunky derby shoes without losing elegance. Seeing them worn on the streets of Chile, paired effortlessly with everyday outfits, confirmed that we made the right choice. This is footwear designed to move, to travel, and to adapt.
The second part of the shoot took us underground, into Santiago’s metro stations and along its concrete stairways. These spaces felt different: raw, functional, almost brutalist in design. Yet there was beauty in that contrast. The clean lines, the rhythm of movement, the worn textures of the city created a powerful backdrop that elevated the silhouettes. This environment allowed the Slate Derby to stand out in a more unexpected way refined footwear placed in a setting that’s unapologetically real.
Shooting in the metro gave the story more edge. The light was harsher, the atmosphere more intense, and the pace faster. It stripped everything down to essentials exactly where strong design speaks the loudest. The Slate Derby held its ground effortlessly, proving that luxury doesn’t need polish to be visible. This was minimalist streetwear in its purest form: confidence through restraint, strength through simplicity.
What we loved most about this part of the shoot was the balance. The roughness of the metro stairs against the precision of the shoe. The movement of the city against a timeless silhouette. It showed us that the Slate Derby isn’t limited to one setting or one mood. Whether above ground in warm sunlight or underground in raw concrete spaces, it carries the same presence. That versatility is what defines Paperstraight and why this experience in Chile felt so complete.
Choosing Chile was never just about good weather. It was about finding a place that matched the soul of the product. The Slate Derby, especially our black derby shoes for men felt at home here. Strong, understated, and confident without trying too hard. Chile gave us more than a location; it gave us inspiration, energy, and a story we’re proud to share.
Written by Paper Straight
