Campus steps into neo-casual footwear with Élan and Jim Sarbh

MUMBAI: Looks like Campus is putting its best foot forward and this time, it’s dressed for more than just the track. Campus Activewear is broadening its horizons beyond sports and athleisure with the launch of Élan by Campus, a new neo-casual footwear line aimed at men seeking a balance of style, comfort and versatility in their everyday wardrobe.

The move marks the brand’s entry into one of the fastest-evolving segments of the footwear market, where consumers are increasingly looking for shoes that can transition effortlessly from boardrooms and coffee meetings to dinner outings and weekend plans.

Leading the launch is actor Jim Sarbh, whose understated style and unconventional charm take centre stage in the campaign Most Elegant Man in Town. Rather than focusing on flashy transformations, the campaign leans into a quieter idea of elegance, one rooted in confidence, authenticity and ease.

The accompanying film follows Sarbh through a sleek, minimalist setting where the shoes become less of a fashion statement and more of an extension of personality. Through cinematic visuals and fluid storytelling, the campaign presents modern elegance as something lived rather than performed.

The launch reflects a broader shift in consumer behaviour. As dress codes become increasingly flexible and occasion-based wardrobes blur, neo-casual footwear is emerging as a category that bridges the gap between formal shoes and everyday sneakers.

For Campus, the expansion represents a strategic move into a premium and rapidly growing segment. The company believes modern consumers are seeking products that offer sophistication without sacrificing comfort, creating opportunities beyond its traditional sportswear positioning.

The Élan collection spans a variety of styles, including casual shoes, loafers, derby shoes, moccasins and brogues, designed to cater to different tastes and occasions while maintaining a consistent focus on everyday wearability.

Jim Sarbh, speaking about the association, noted that the collection’s appeal lies in its effortless approach to style. Rather than demanding attention, the footwear is designed to complement it, a quality that aligns closely with the campaign’s central theme.

The launch will be supported across digital, social, retail and e-commerce channels, including Amazon and Myntra, as Campus looks to build stronger lifestyle credentials and deepen its connection with aspirational consumers.

For a brand long associated with active lifestyles, Élan signals a different kind of movement, one where elegance isn’t reserved for special occasions, but becomes part of the everyday journey.