Prey for the Hunted

Lately you have been seeing a lot of mens fashion that has been influenced by American work-wear. Many European fashion heads will contest that work wear is in fact the only thing that America has contributed to the world of fashion at large.

You may agree or disagree with that notion but everyone should agree the the latest boots from the American footwear stalwart Timberland are an example of the perfect intersection of work wear and fashion.

Timberland was founded in 1951 by a premier New England cobbler named Nathan Swartz. After years of fixing other peoples shoes, Nathan constructed a rugged waterproof leather work boot in a distinct yellow-tan leather that is still at the heart of the Timberland brand. In the 80s and 90s Timberlands became associated with Hip Hop and urban culture but while the company was riding the success of that trend they were stayed true to their values building hard wearing, long lasting boots, with classic style.

In 2005 Timberland launched the a sub brand called the Timberland Boot Company, with a nod to the workers of those early years and an eye for fashionable timeless boots. These are boots from a company serious about its values and its history, made for people who admire quality, authenticity and classic design that evolves with the seasons. They have built robust footwear rooted in a post-industrial mindset that combines the best traditions of mass manufacture with the earlier ideals of craftsmanship.  Details like Vibram® soles, or the ergonomically fitting moulded leather midsole, encompass the art of the cobbler and are steeped in the collection.

I personally own a pair of these boots and have been surprised how quickly they have become my favorite footwear. They do what any article of fashion clothing should aspire to do, they make me feel something. They make me feel un-intimidated by the elements, they make me feel like kicking ass, and they make me feel like waving an American flag with a hint of fuck you to the European fashion snobs.

It is hard to find a nice pair of shoes that are more unique and fashionable that a pair of Chuck Taylors but less expensive than designer sneakers from any of the big houses. Along comes a Scandinavian brand called Sneaky Steve with the perfect recipe for affordable fashion sneakers. The Sneaky Steve brand was born in 2007 and this is what they have to say about their mission.

Sneaky Steve shoes combine high fashion detailing and forward-thinking design at a surprisingly affordable price. Inspired by ’80s street and punk styles, with a touch of English Mod.

Be the first kind on your block to snag a pair of Sneaky Steve by heading over to Revolve. I am gonna get a few pairs ordered up for low profile sneakers this winter.

Many luxury brands have deep roots and trade on their storied histories to command extraordinary prices for their wears. While the likes of Louis Vuitton have turned to modern artist to offer innovation Aquascutum is looking to its past to provide direction for their current collection. Enter Aquascutum Vintage a collection of outerwear based on some of the brands most classic pieces from their 155 year history.

Aquascutum was established in 1851, the year of the Great Exhibition, when tailor and entrepreneur John Emary opened a high quality menswear shop. Two years after opening the store John Emary patented a process for waterproofing wool and introduced the world to his new brand Aquascutum. Aquascutum is the Latin term for “watershed”.

Aquascutum’s overcoats became the standard issue for British military officers from the Crimean war through the first and second world wars. As demand exploded Aquascutum built a factory in Cornby, Northamptonshire. This factory is were Aquascutum still produces most of its garments today.

While many of the highest quality brands have moved large parts of their production to the far east, the “Aquascutum Crafted in England” label is a badge of pride that is revered the world over.

When you are really ready to step up your game to a quality and style that will never go out of style wander over to Aquascutum

Well known French brand A.P.C has churned out a sharp fall/winter collection of classic styles with that certain I don’t know what. The trousers are all smart and slim and the I would buy one of each of the Jackets if several of America’s largest lending institutions weren’t all declaring bankruptcy.

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Honestly I don’t know the complete biography of Yohji Yamamoto, but being born in Tokyo at the end of World War II he seemed unlikely to become an international fashion icon. Yohji Yamamoto grew up in post war Japan and took a sensible approach to his education pursuing a degree in Law from Japan’s Keio University. Yohji graduated as a lawyer in 1966, but instead of starting his career in law he took an unlikely turn and went back to school to pursue fashion. Attending Bunka Fashion College Yohji groomed his skills for years before making his international debut with a critically acclaimed Pret A Porte collection in Paris in 1981. Even as his the reputation for his line named Y’s,  grew in the international community Yohji was mostly unknown in the US.

In 2003 Yamamoto teamed up Adidas to introduce the Y3 line that covered men’s and woman’s sport inspired fashion and highly coveted Y3 sneakers.

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Louis Vuitton has dropped a new color way that is sure to become another LV classic. This understated black and grey monogramed check is known as the Damier Graphite Collection. Louis Vuitton is introducing the Damier Graphite line as part of the Fall / Winter 08 collection. I am starting to save my pennies cause I see a new wallet in my future.

how about the worlds most elegant gym bag.

If you are looking to step up your kicks and you value hustling the streets in something that most sneakerheads haven’t even heard of, then look no further than Lanvin .  Lanvin is a French brand started by Jeanne Lanvin in 1909. She grew her local dress boutique into an empire including a dye factory and shops devoted to home decor, menswear, furs and lingerie , ultimately created Lanvin Parfums SA and introduced her signature fragrance Arpège in 1927.

Lanvin has changed hands many time and has employed a number of designers who have managed to keep the brand’s design ethos while staying relevant to modern trends.

See more shoes after the jump

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