Who founded Aime Leon Dore in New York in 2014?

Teddy Santis founded Aimé Leon Dore in New York in 2014.

Santis created the label in Queens, drawing on New York basketball, hip-hop, Greek heritage, and classic menswear. The brand’s name is pronounced approximately “em-ay lee-on door-ee,” a detail that is often overlooked by people encountering it in writing.

Aimé Leon Dore became known for carefully art-directed lookbooks, vintage-inspired sportswear, knitwear, outerwear, and elevated basics. Its collaborations with New Balance were especially important in bringing the label to a wider international audience and helping revive interest in classic New Balance silhouettes.

The company is sometimes shortened to ALD, but that abbreviation refers to the same brand. Teddy Santis later became closely associated with New Balance’s Made in USA line, while continuing to lead Aimé Leon Dore as its founder and creative force.