Regarded as a pioneer of the “athleisure” footwear movement, in 2001 Clae launched its never-before seen hybrid collection that delivered the comfort of a sneaker with classic footwear styling resulting in a new definition of casual. Driving the new found athleisure category, Clae was awarded the Sportswear International Fashion Award (SIFA) for “Best Men’s Footwear Collection” in 2003. Committed to quality, detail, and style Clae is returning, after a three-year incubation, with some cult classics and newly revamped models for a consumer market place craving a fresh take on footwear.
Executive Overview
Sung Choi — Principal / Creative Director
Sung Choi made his mark in urban/street wear in the early 90’s as one of the partners in PNB Nation.
The brand’s unique approach, inspiration, designs and concepts set a tone and blueprint for generations
to follow. In 1997 he joined DC Shoes Co. as a footwear designer to help further establish the company
as the premier footwear brand in the action sports market. In 2001 he launched Clae as a boutique
label under Podium Distribution (DVS shoes, Lakai footwear, and Matix) while doubling up his duty as
the Footwear Director for the Lakai brand. For the past two years Choi was responsible for overseeing
the design of Ecko Unltd. footwear.
Derek Galkin — Principal / Sales and Creative Consultant
As a creative and sales consultant for Clae, Derek Galkin brings over 10 years
experience to the brand. Most recently Galkin served as co-founder and Vice
President of Sales and Marketing for MEDIUM Design Group where he was successful
in creating a strategic platform that launched the brand in the worlds best
retail environments such as Barneys, Beams, Scott Hill, and Fred Segal while
making creative marketing strides developing co-branded product with the
likes of Modern Amusement, Dwell Magazine, and Adobe. This ultimately led
to the Footwear News “Launch Of The Year” Achievement
Award in 2003 and the sale of MEDIUM in 2006 to London based Pentland. Previous
to his success at MEDIUM, Galkin gained his experiences aligning himself with
global brands such as Oakley, Inc., Sperry Top-Sider, Planet Earth, and Adio
Footwear.
Matthew Miller — President
Matthew Miller’s career began when he founded The Law Offices of Matthew Miller, a law firm
specializing in business law and intellectual property, focused in the fashion and action-sports markets
with an emphasis on footwear. Miller has over 10 years experience working with emerging companies
in a variety of capacities, ranging from trademark counsel to COO. After successfully selling his practice
three years ago, Miller has spent his time as a business consultant for several footwear companies.