Imagining Hugs & Co. in Rivals

The Cotswolds are buzzing, the champagne is flowing, and the shoulder pads are sharp enough to slice a lemon. With the television adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s Rivals making everyone nostalgic for the high-octane, low-morals world of 1980s independent television, it’s time to address the most pressing question in Rutshire: what on earth is everyone wearing on their feet?

At Hugs & Co., we know that a shoe isn’t just a shoe; it’s a tactical weapon in the war of social climbing, seduction, and boardroom betrayals. Here is how the iconic cast of Rivals would step out in style.

Rupert Campbell-Black: The Slate Grey Suede Driving Shoe

Let’s begin with the man, the myth, the menace. Rupert Campbell-Black—Tory MP, showjumper, and professional heartbreaker—needs a shoe that can transition seamlessly from a high-stakes committee meeting to an illicit afternoon in a hayloft.

He wouldn’t be caught dead in anything stiff or bureaucratic. No, Rupert demands our classic Slate Grey Suede Driving Shoe. It’s effortlessly aristocratic, ridiculously comfortable, and features those signature rubber studs on the sole—perfect for extra grip when fleeing down a mansion corridor after being caught in the wrong bedroom. It says, "I didn't try hard to look this good, but I still own the room."

Tony Baddingham: The Black Leather Goodyear Welted Loafers

Rupert’s arch-nemesis, the ruthless Corinium Television boss Tony Baddingham, is a different beast entirely. Tony doesn’t want effortless elegance; he wants to project absolute, terrifying power. He is a man who smells of expensive cigars and desperation.

Tony would exclusively wear our Black Leather Goodyear Welted Loafers. The leather offers an incredibly supple, premium feel, but the structure is pure corporate warfare. They are polished to a mirror shine, ideal for catching the reflection of his rivals as he steps over them. If you’re going to crush your competition’s dreams, you might as well do it with impeccable British craftsmanship.

Declan O’Hara: The Tan Suede Chelsea Boot

The brilliant, brooding, and fiercely principled Irish intellectual Declan O’Hara is far too noble for Tony’s corporate glossy look, yet far too rugged for Rupert’s playboy aesthetic. Declan needs a shoe that speaks to his artistic soul and his tendency to storm out of rooms in a righteous fury.

Enter the Tan Suede Chelsea Boot. With its clean lines and robust build, it provides the perfect foundation for a man pacing his study while muttering about journalistic integrity. It looks fantastic paired with a slightly rumpled linen shirt, and more importantly, it’s sturdy enough to survive a dramatic stomp through the muddy Rutshire countryside after an argument about television broadcasting rights.

Taggie O’Hara: The Emerald Green Suede Penny Loafers

Sweet, sensible, and utterly captivating, Declan’s daughter Taggie is the emotional heart of the novel. While everyone else is busy plotting or behaving badly, Taggie is usually found organizing a chaotic household or baking something magnificent.

Taggie would opt for our Emerald Green Suede Penny Loafers. They are practical enough for running around the estate, but the vibrant emerald suede adds a flash of youthful brilliance that turns heads without even trying. It’s a shoe that effortlessly bridges the gap between country-house casual and understated luxury—exactly like Taggie herself.

A Note for the Rutshire Elite: Whether you are plotting a hostile network takeover or merely hiding in the shrubbery to spy on your neighbours, remember that true British luxury starts from the ground up. Choose your footwear wisely; in Rutshire, someone is always watching.