May 17, 2011

Are Mid Tops the New Hi Tops?

Over the course of the last few weeks I have seen a growing trend in the limited number of high top trainers, but an increase in what the brands are now calling ‘mid tops’ which you can only assume are half way between a normal shoe and an 80s inspired hi top. The most common brand appearing with these newly styled mid tops are American sportswear giants Nike that offer an amazing range of sleeker converse style ankle high shoes, but also a range of quite chunky retro styled colourful and bright trainers. Also getting in on the act are the German footwear giants and rival companies Puma Archive and Adidas Originals. Their styles are again bright and colourful sticking with their retro styling, but also are available at a slightly cheaper price than Nike. The high top or mid top is coming back alongside the 80s fashion revivial that appears to be happening, and can be mixed with a variety of styles or looks. They can be worn with two styles of jeans, either loose or tapered, with the hem of the jeans tucking into the mid tops or the loose jeans sitting over the mid tops and appearing as regular trainers. They can be worn with shorts, but make sure that they’re tonal in colour and not too smart, this is a really casual look so you want something sporty to match with the retro shoes. The other option is another sporty one, and a younger mans sort of style, in jogging bottoms. Now generally elasticated at the bottom of the leg these can sit over or inside the mid top depending on whether you want to show them off or not.

Other than the above mentioned Puma Archive, Adidas Originals and Nike you can also find some amazing mid tops from Lyle and Scott, Fred Perry, Italian brand Superga, Supra and Vans, each with its own price range and signature design. With the fashion dictating that mid tops are becoming a key part of the clothing and footwear collections there is a massive gap in your wardrobe for you to grab yourself some mid top trainers, some tapered jeans and carry off a sporty casual look this summer. Why not give it a go?

March 28, 2011

20 Years of Nicholas Deakins

I have only really become a fan of Nicholas Deakins shoes in the past six to twelve months with the styles before not really inspiring me, nor were they seen in a great light by the fashion public who saw them a slightly undesirable due to the type of people that would wear them. While this may still be the case in small areas Nicholas Deakins have reinvented their footwear ranges with three key areas ‘Nicholas Deakins’, ‘Deakins’ and ‘Nicholas Tate’ all offering footwear, but that something a little different every time. I think i’m most impressed with the Nicholas Tate range and around 50% of the styles in the Nicholas Deakins range. The ‘Deakins’ collection is OK, but quite largely branded, which for a pair of smart shoes sort of defeats the object in my opinion. The Nicholas Tate footwear is the newest of the three ranges and sees founder, owner and chief designer Craig Nicholas Tate offer a higher end smart option for is footwear with brogues, deck shoes and chelsea boots made from luxury suedes and leathers. With minimal branding the focus is firmly on the quality and craftmanship and moves considerably away from the style of shoes that has made Nicholas Deakins famous.

The ‘Nicholas Deakins’ range is a mixture of trainers, boots, shoes and the signature rhin overstitch style that has made the Leeds based shoe brand famous over the years. There are quite a few new styles in there, but the boots, espadrilles and newer styles of shoes stand out a mile and offer that something a little different for the footwear fans. This range is defined by Nicholas Deakins on their own site as:

The heritage collection from Nicholas Deakins encapsulates the whole ethos that created the brand 16 years ago. Green Label is widely regarded as the most popular collection due to its diverse styling and supreme construction. The brand boasts quality with a visibly urban street level appeal and lies at the heart of the company’s brand heritage. A vibrant, fashionable and accessible collection, Green Label is designed with the needs of the brand sensitive, fashion aware customer in mind. The collection targets key commercial trends whilst retaining desirability. Strong branding, high quality components and construction that is second to none combine to offer a desirable Markey focussed collection. Nicholas Deakins is renowned for sole designs and sole branding, which is unique within the industry.

The whole thing is based around commerciality and popularity and is well worth a look if you’re looking for some new smart shoes, or need a well made, quality pair of shoes or boots from a leading UK designer name. 2011 sees the 20th anniversary of the footwear with their first collection being released for autumn winter 1991 with only 500 pairs produced and sold around Britain. Twenty years on and Nicholas Deakins have grown considerably but also now have presence abroad and are on the verge of being one of the countries great homegrown footwear brands. Keep an eye out over the course of the year if you are a Nicholas Deakins fan as there is bound to be plenty of limited edition shoes, competitions and all round great fun to celebrate this momentous milestone in their history.