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A Carter Lug Shaped by Craft, Culture and Everyday Utility
Created to celebrate CLAE's 25th anniversary, the limited-edition Carter Lug brings together CLAE and Union Los Angeles in a collaboration that explores craftsmanship, cultural identity and everyday versatility. Shaped through a creative dialogue between CLAE Co-Founder and Creative Director Sung Choi and Union Los Angeles Founder Chris Gibbs, the silhouette reflects a shared appreciation for considered design and enduring style.
Limited Edition
About Union Los Angeles
For more than three decades, Union Los Angeles has held a singular place in streetwear culture. Founded in New York before relocating to Los Angeles under the direction of Chris Gibbs, the retailer has become known for its independent point of view, discerning curation, and a series of landmark collaborations. Blending global influences, cultural heritage, and contemporary design, Union continues to shape a vision of style rooted in authenticity, community, and self-expression.
A Modern Boat Shoe
Originally designed for life on the water, the boat shoe has evolved into an everyday staple. The Carter Lug continues that evolution with premium pig suede, leather lining, a lightweight EVA midsole and CLAE's signature lug outsole, balancing comfort, durability and understated design for modern life.
Craft in the Details
Hand-braided suede across the vamp draws inspiration from hair braiding as a form of identity, expression and storytelling throughout the African diaspora. Square leather laces are finished with stacked beads referencing personal adornment found across Caribbean and African cultures, while a custom woven side label featuring the historic West Indies Federation flag nods to Chris Gibbs' Caribbean heritage.
"The best collaborations bring to life something neither brand could have created on its own. Chris brought a deeply personal cultural perspective to the Carter, while we approached it through craftsmanship and a design made for everyday life. The result is a shoe that's both expressive and understated, rooted in heritage while designed for modern living."
Co-Founder & Creative Director, CLAE
"I've admired Sung's work since the '90s. When the opportunity to collaborate with CLAE came along, creating something together felt like a natural next step. Lately I've been wearing a lot of loafers, and I wanted to create a style with CLAE that expanded the possibilities of that category. I'm incredibly proud of what we've created with the Carter Lug."
Founder, Union Los Angeles
Available in Silver Mink and Black, the CLAE x Union Carter Lug launches in limited quantities through CLAE.com and Union Los Angeles.
Limited Edition