Founded in 1879 in New York City, Vogel has long been a quiet pillar of American craftsmanship—a brand known for outfitting presidents, captains of industry, and equestrians with handmade shoes and boots that stand the test of time. For nearly a century and a half, its name has signified precision, elegance, and durability—an uncompromising commitment to craft that has outlasted fleeting trends. Now, that legacy is being reignited under the creative direction of Craig Arthur von Schroeder, the founder of Commonwealth Proper and one of modern menswear’s most exacting voices.
Von Schroeder, a lawyer-turned-designer, first encountered Vogel not as a collector of heritage brands but as a fellow believer in the rare art of American making. When he took the helm as Creative Director, he saw an opportunity to fuse Vogel’s historic mastery of bespoke shoemaking with a contemporary sensibility—one that reflects how men actually live today. His approach, much like his philosophy at Commonwealth Proper, is rooted in authenticity: respect the tradition, refine the form, and rebuild the connection between maker and wearer.
The first expression of this vision is The ICONS Collection—a suite of nine essential silhouettes designed to capture the full range of a man’s life in motion. Each icon is available in one of three distinct treatments: Work, Weekend, and Wonder. “Work” shoes are crafted in classic leathers like classic calfskin—timeless, authoritative, and ready for the boardroom. “Weekend” offers relaxed versatility in suedes and rustic calf, pairing handcrafted comfort with casual refinement. “Wonder,” the boldest expression, celebrates the art of individuality—experimental leathers, unexpected finishes, and shapes that command attention. Together, the collection honors tradition while expanding it into new territory.
At the heart of von Schroeder’s vision is a deep commitment to American manufacturing. Each Vogel shoe is made in the United States—stitched, lasted, and finished by hand in collaboration with craftspeople who share his belief that quality cannot be outsourced. In an era dominated by fast fashion and globalized production, Vogel’s renaissance stands as a deliberate act of resistance: proof that heritage and innovation can coexist when anchored in integrity.
Commonwealth Proper clients will be offered an exclusive sneak peek of The ICONS Collection this winter in Philadelphia, where they’ll experience the craftsmanship and design philosophy firsthand. If you’d like to be included on the guest list, please email kurt.souder@vogelnyc.com.
Vogel — Crafting icons, one original at a time.
CMMP — New School Tailors Since 2008