Dimitar Kehayov, Founder of KHV CONCEPT / Handmade High-End Footwear

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, host Peter Brooker speaks to Dimitar Kehayov, founder and creative director of KHV CONCEPT, an independent footwear brand creating modern luxury sneakers and shoes designed to bridge the gap between casual sportswear and classic menswear. With a background in fashion buying, merchandising and retail, Dimitar spent years developing his knowledge of the fashion industry before launching KHV CONCEPT. Frustrated by the lack of footwear that combined the comfort and versatility of sneakers with the elegance, refinement and timeless appeal of formal shoes, he set out to create his own solution. KHV CONCEPT is designed in London and handcrafted in Italy by a third-generation footwear manufacturer with decades of shoemaking experience. Each pair is finished through a detailed multi-step process, with particular attention paid to construction, materials, fit, durability and the small details that help the shoes retain their shape and appearance over time. Dimitar explains why Portugal was ultimately not able to deliver the level of craftsmanship he wanted and how he found the Italian factory that became a key creative partner. He also discusses the challenges of working with traditional Italian family-run manufacturers and the importance of finding production partners who understand an emerging designer's vision. The conversation explores Dimitar's approach to modern minimalism and why he believes minimalist footwear should be mor