Shoes say as much about the wearer and his or her character as do eyeglasses. Jamie Hayon’s line of shoes for Camper is perfect for self expression. With his industrial design aesthetic and love of tap dancing shoes, Hayon has created a collection of sporty shoes that has a touch of elegance; an upgrade from the humble sneaker. With its smooth, form-fitting shape, linen-print lining and diamond-patterned sole, this shoe is more than just a mere accessory for the feet – it’s a fusion of style, form and function. – Kate Vandermeer
Is it just us or are architects designing a lot more than buildings
these days? Starchitect Zaha Hadid has made headlines with her
collaboration with Chanel, where she designed a futuristic mobile art container - which has just landed in Central Park NYC - and her work with Brazilian shoe brand Melissa.
But
Hadid isn't the first architect to venture into fashion. In 2003
Galahad Clark, of the Clark family global shoe empire, started the shoe
brand United Nude
with architect Rem D Koolhaas. Their objective was to create a shoe
collection which expressed the intersection of design and fashion; to
create footwear that explored both aesthetics and innovation. Mission
accomplished. - Laura Demasi
In a world where the latest buzz is all about “design collaborations” it’s refreshing to see one that is seamlessly and intrinsically linked with outstanding results. Carlos Campos
is fast becoming a star-on-the-rise with his modern menswear collections featuring well-tailored pieces constructed using exceptional fabrics. His latest collection for Spring 2009 is a study in luxe sportswear with clean shapes, attention to detail and a clean palette of eggshell grey, crisp white and electric blue. The matching shoe collection by J Shoes features all the same colors in patent, leather, canvas and the collection’s feature patterned fabric from as a highlight. Using J Shoes signature hand-crafted philosophy this collection merges function with form creating a new style of shoe that is neither classic nor casual but a comfortable in-between. The result is innovative, luxe footwear that just seems to “work” without trying too hard! – Kate Vandermeer
The latest unexpected fashion pairing comes from Finland’s 56-year-old design powerhouse, Marimekko, and the King of Shoes, Manolo Blahnik.
Blahnik Spring/Summer 2008 collection will include shoes in the
venerable Marimekko pattern Mini-Unikko (shoe on left).
Maija Isola designed the pattern in 1964 in protest to Marimekko’s
founder and mastermind Armi Ratia’s pronouncement that there will not
be floral patterns in Marimekko. Unikko not only melted Ms. Ratia’s
heart but it has become one of the most enduring and recognizable of
Marimekko patterns. The other Marimekko Blahnik shoes will be adorned
in the more graphic BonBon pattern.
Apparently, Blahnik had decided to base his latest collection on the
wonderful architectural lines he saw in Hagia Sophia, Turkey. He then
came upon some Marimekko fabrics in a little shop in Bath, England.
According to Blahnik, “the two just happened to fall perfectly into
place — as bizarre as that combination may sound.” To wear these
fusions of Turkish architecture and Finnish protest we will need to
wait until January 2008 when they will be available in Blahnik stores
in London and New York. By Tuija Seipell
There's something tantalizing about twice-dipped
things: chocolate covered strawberries, caramel covered apples, cheese
covered popcorn...to name a few.
Little did we know, this same rule applies beyond food, to shoes. Hester Vlamings line
of two-tone, color-dipped heels, boots and slingbacks are double the
treat. The leather hues range from mustard to burnt orange to ivory to
gold - all of which are enhanced by the contrast of the dark,
ebony-embossed toe.
Though a fashion scene newbie, Vlamings is
astutely on trend with her multi-hued wares, as any fan of Yves Saint
Laurent, Miu Miu, Prada or Dolce & Gabbana can attest to. The
designer is a cobbler of the finest education, with a degree in fashion
and industrial design at the Artschool in Arnhem. Currently Vlamings'
stylings can be found in several boutiques throughout the Netherlands.
And
her shoes are not only commercial-minded. The art community has taken
notice of her artistic designs, and fashion afficianados can take in
her work in galleries and museums throughout The Netherlands, Belgium,
Germany and France. By L. Harper
Though born Canadian, Patrick Cox seems to have thoroughly absorbed the British birthright of effortless punk in his designs. Cox first defected to metropolis London at the impressionable age of 20. He then studied shoe design at Cordwainers College at Hackney in London. Two years later, Cox released his very first shoe collection in 1985.
Since then, Cox has opened several eponymous boutiques: one in London, two in Paris and one in Lyon, France. The designer released a diffusion line, "Wannabe," was awarded the British Fashion Council. "Accessory Designer of the Year" in 1994 and 1995, and has been praised in the fashion scriptures of Vogue, Glamour, Elle and Harper's Bazaar, among many others.
Cox's most recent collection for the Fall/Winter 2007 collection displays his signature pairing of cheeky and classic. The Triziana pump features a gold weave construction that belies the funky metallic gold base, finished with a snooty turned-up-toe. Likewise, Cox' men's collection walks the fine line: "his take on the traditional brogue is remarkably restrained. His only concession to quirkiness? The metallic gold coloration underlying the toe pattern," says men.style.com.
Regardless, there's an undeniable affinity for sequins and shiny patents. In fact, Cox conceded that the current women's line was a nod to the sparkly Garland duds of Oz fame. But spindly, delicate, Choos these are not. As Cox divulged in UK's Times, "I don't like women teetering around on little spindly stilettos. I like a more aggressive spiked heel. It's not pretty and twee." By L. Harper
As we have seen in various posts here on The Cool Hunter, footwear has become a genre of art all of its own.
Much like the how the simple need for shelter has crescendoed into
superfluous McMansions, the shoe started out as a humble necessity: to
keep the toes out of harm's way. Currently - as anyone who's purchased
a pair of platform sneakers or sky-high stilettos can attest - a need
for beauty and style has far overshadowed the trivial want for comfort.
Oscar Wilde once professed, "One should either be a work of art, or
wear a work of art". The financially fortunate seem to agree, with
well-manicured feet peaking from artistic footwear worth their weight
in rubies and diamond detail. Cobbler extraordinaire Stuart Weitzman
took this tendency to an unprecedented pinnacle with the unveiling of
his "Cinderella Slippers" which were were worn by singer Alison Krauss
at the 2004 Oscars ceremony and priced at $2M.
Thankfully, the art of footwear is not limited to those of
stratospheric bank accounts. The need for fashionable shoe has crossed
all social boundaries. Collecting retro-style sneakers to high-end
designer fashion heels, shoe sales are a major part of the
international fashion market and a serious indicator of status and sub
culture.
Naturally, the shoe store has evolved, side-by-side, into an equally
stylish hub of modern fashion. No matter if you're talking about a pair
Jimmy Choo wedges (a must on the streets of Manhattan) or a rare
collectable pair of original 1972 Adidas sneakers – there is a
carefully manicured storeroom and market-analyzed price tag for each.
So what's your favorite shoe store? We're asking our readers to tell us
about the most unique shoe store in their part of the world for a
feature that will appear in magazine print.
We want to see stores that feature the most original display and
merchandising techniques out there.
From sneaker shops to high-end
department stores to exclusive boutiques, if you know of a great
candidate then send us an e-mail,
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Of course, those with the best tip have a chance of winning a pair of Evisu sneakers.
They were the talk of Balenciaga's Fall 07
showings recently - the new "IT" shoe that is a clear derivative of the
classic Balenciaga style, but appears to have been "built" by a small
child in Denmark. How does one wear such a must-have accessory? With
grey woollen tights or jodhpurs, apparently. Sarah W
We're loving this quirky take on this summer's must have shoe, the wedge. Created by English shoe designer Angeline Tournier,
these light weight wedges feature òBetty & Veronica" cartoon strips
on the heels. The t-bar straps come in great summer colours. Now all
you need is a sundress or a pair of peddle pushers and this season's
hot look is complete. by Lisa Evans