Theo James Stars in Church’s AW25 Campaign

For its Autumn-Winter 2025 campaign, British shoemaker Church’s turns to familiar ground—Oxfordshire’s refined countryside—and a familiar face, actor and brand ambassador Theo James. “A Day in the Life,” directed by David James, reimagines the traditional English gentleman as part-aristocrat, part-anarchist, stitched together with an undeniable flair for the dramatic.

If you’re expecting quiet moments of fireside repose, think again. The campaign sees James embracing the peculiarities of country house life with tongue firmly in cheek. He wears piped pyjamas and Poulton hiking boots while sipping tea in the garden. Later, he’s discovered lounging in bed in a full suit and a pair of polished Shannon derbies, casually flicking through the morning papers. It’s eccentric, irreverent, and unapologetically British—precisely the kind of storytelling Church’s does well.

In one vignette, James circles a billiards table in formalwear, his look anchored by a pair of gleaming Hertford loafers. In another, he reclines in a study chair with his Edworth boots resting on a grand mahogany desk, fashioning paper planes from dull correspondence. And in a scene that neatly encapsulates the collection’s mood, he pedals a vintage bicycle across a banquet hall wearing McFarlane boots, as if commuting from the drawing room to the wine cellar.

What ties all this together, beyond the wit and the tailored nonchalance, is the footwear. At the heart of the AW25 collection is Church’s Goodyear 2.0 range—classic silhouettes updated with a more flexible construction. It’s craftsmanship without compromise, combining decades of shoemaking tradition with wear-all-day comfort. The Off-Town line also makes a debut, using weather-resistant leather in styles clearly nodding to the brand’s countryside roots.

“Theo brings a modern energy to Church’s that feels authentic,” said a brand representative. “He understands the nuance of heritage without needing to shout about it.” James himself adds, “Pulling inspiration from Church’s true English heritage while showcasing the dexterity and craftsmanship of each shoe’s design was a joy.”

It’s easy to see why he’s a good fit. The campaign doesn’t feel forced or overly nostalgic. Instead, it leans into Church’s duality—traditional craftsmanship offset by a mischievous edge. The visuals, shot in an Oxfordshire manor house, reflect that push-pull dynamic, grounding the brand’s 150-year history in something refreshingly modern.

Whether it’s the polished formality of the Hertford loafer, the rugged elegance of the Edworth boot, or the everyday luxury of the Shannon derby, Church’s once again proves its versatility. The AW25 collection doesn’t just dress for the occasion—it invents new ones.

The full range will be available globally from August 2025 via Church’s boutiques and online at church-footwear.com.