Prey for the Hunted

I have to be honest I kind of dismissed the whoel boat shoe phenomenon as a passing hipster trend, but I am getting the feeling that this trend is still pretty far from sinking as we enter spring 2009.  The original Sperry Top Sider (pictured above) was invented in 1935 by Paul Sperry. The shoes became popular as they were adopted by the US Navy because of the traditional non marking white out soles.

Here we are 70 years later and every hipster kid and shoe brand wants to jump on the boat shoe trend. Where the hell is this trend going? Well when you see niche brands and fashion brands a like jumping on the band wagon you think this trend is here to stay.

More on Boat Shoes

One look into Tim Hamilton’s humble beginnings and you might not guess that the man was on his way to being a major force in mens’ fashion. This same young man who grew up as the youngest of seven in children in Iowa has now received the coveted CFDA Swarovski Award for Menswear. While the label that bears the Tim Hamilton name is only 3 years old Tim is no stranger to the fashion word having come from a design internship with Ralph Lauren and a Parsons education. See More Tim Hamilton 2009

Gourmet is a relavtive new comer to the sneaker scene, having been around since early 2008 as far as I can tell. (There lack of website makes fact checking difficult) They are an independent shoe company combining a unique perspective and sneaker industry pedigre that will hopefully help them rise above being another obscure streetware brand for sneakerhead kids. The brains behind Gourmet Shoes are Jon T. Buscemi (Girl/DC shoes), Greg Lucci (Zoo York) and Greg Johnsen (Situationormal/Hall of Fame). In 2008 they launched with a very streetware collection of shoes based loosly on the silohettes of the fames Air Jordan XII and XIII.

Not that I can’t appreciate some Skittle colored Jordans but I am thankful that the company has been evolving rapidly coming up with some fresh and truly original designs. Gourmet’s founders also have stayed true to their mission of using premium materials in all there shoes ranging from patent leathers to EPI leather borrowed straight from the pages of the Louis Vuitton catalogue.  The photos below are some of the new styles coming for Spring Summer 2009.

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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