Shoes Of The Week

One of the coolest things about this shoe, which might seem insignificant to many, is the fact that it is a derby but has the appearance of an oxford (at least to me). This is important for me because I am not the biggest fan of derby's. Not that I don't like them, but 9 times out of 10, I would choose to own an oxford if given the choice. What's also great about these Zukie shoes is the fact that Mr. Hare has created something so simple but at the same time unique and different, which is always refreshing in the shoe industry due to the bombardment of crap that one see's on a daily basis. What's a shame is that I could not get the coolest colorway of these shoes from his site because for some reason it would not save properly on my computer. But if you click on the link I have provided (on Mr. Hare above) you will see this shoe in a dark teal suede which just might take-the-cake for coolest shoe of February.

What I really admire about Mr. Hare (because we have the same vision) is the fact that he was one day tired of the crap that he saw on the shoe shelves, not being able to find something unique and decided to do something about it. And what did he do? He started his own line where he could create things he liked. How cool is that! What's even better, is that luckily there were a bunch of other people who also liked his designs, allowing him to prosper in the shoe industry.

Anyway, here is one of the styles that he has coming out for Spring/Summer 2011. To see more, check out the site!

Colored/Contrasting Laces

Shoes By: Markowski

When it comes to French shoemakers and French men, in general, I have to say: THEY ARE THE MOST DARING!!!! Even more so than the stylish and bold Italians, the French will do things that no one else does or even tries. A close second may be the Japanese. But where else can you find bright blue shoes paired with pink laces and actually see someone wearing these on the streets? Some of you may find these shoes and this idea ostentatious and even just plain ugly but I think that it is absolutely fantastic that there are so many people in that country who are not afraid to actually admit that they like color and will put that out there by wearing some of the wildest shoes you could ever imagine. And better yet, they are not afraid to throw some imagination into their shoe creations by adding colored laces that are completely contrasting to the rest of the shoe. The only other maker who I know that will commonly add this feature to his shoes is Paul Smith, another gentlemen not afraid to show his love of color!

Shoes Above Top Row: Corthay (both pairs)
Shoes Above Bottom Row: Left - Corthay; Right - Paul Smith

As I always preach, the smallest of details can turn something relatively boring into something exciting and unique. For instance, the Corthay shoe (above, left) would have been just another version of a black brogued-wingtip, common as any other with just a different last shape. But adding the yellow/golden ribbon laces to it just put it into a whole other category of shoe. It is no longer just some common brogue, it is now force to be reckoned with. It is unique, eye-catching and ultimately, immaculate! While it was always a handsome shoe, it became that much more handsome by the simple addition of colored ribbon laces! And as you start to pay attention you will start to notice that this idea is almost exclusive to French makers and I appreciate them that much more for their ability to step of out the box and add a dash of color into their products.

Top Shoes: Left - Rider Boot Co.; Right - Saion
Middle Shoes: Left - Markowski; Right - Stefano Bemer
Bottom Shoes: Markowski

If you are a person who appreciates coordinating colorful outfits, this feature in the shoe will add a million more possibilities to the sartorial outcomes produced from your wardrobe. How great is that!! Obviously, if you have never done this before, it might be hard the first few times because, no doubt about it, people will stare at you. The thing that you need to do is just tell yourself that they are admiring you and that you are damn stylish. And guaranteed, as long as you put two colors that go well together, you will be damn stylish and better dressed than many people out there! For those of you reading and thinking that this is emasculating and that no real macho man would do this, you are wrong! A real man, secure and confident, doesn't give a shit if others judge them negatively (for their sartorial decisions) and wears what he wants because he wants to! So don't be afraid to put your pride aside and try something daring!

Shoe Of The Day

What's crazy is the difference between what a brand will offer in America versus the rest of the world. When I see Sutor Mantellassi shoes here in the States, the majority of them are boring and plain with a couple of interesting one's that are unique and forward. But in Italy, it's the opposite, most of them are extremely cool and unique and only a couple are for the conservative bunch. I have seen what Japanese people like by the orders they made while with Stefano Bemer and some of them were outlandish to say the least but many of the shoes were actually very unique and well thought out giving me quite a curiosity to go to Japan just to see the difference in what is offered there versus the States and Europe. Needless to say when I saw this pair by Sutor, I could only imagine that they must have either been offered in Europe or Asia but I still have hope that one day a shoe like this will grace the shelf of some upcoming, brave store in America. I will just hope that it is in my lifetime!!