June 28, 2011

We Are Saints The New Toms?

Forgive me for banging on about the summer trends and what’s hot but if you haven’t already realised the importance of the espadrille to this seasons fashion then you have either not been reading, or don’t like the choice style of summer footwear. Now I have already covered the history of the espadrille and suggested what to wear with the 80s inspired shoes, however this was before I had encountered one of the newer espadrille brands to storm the British world of fashion. The latest brand is of course We Are Saints. Finding some history or origins of the brand on the internet is a bit sketchy but from what I can piece together they have been around for a little while selling some items of clothing such as polo shirts, t shirts and zip tops as well as some smarter trainers that were very reminiscent of the footwear brand Bamboo A if you have ever come across them, if you haven’t it’s probably because they’re not on the top websites or in the top high street stores (and for good reason!). But anyway, they have a small offering of this available on some websites, but now they have changed tactics and are going after the on trend footwear, and what could be more on trend than the Argentinian elpargata. Basically the espadrille however they have a signature ‘wrap’ effect to their canvas upper while offering a cut out elasticated V for comfort and a vulcanised rubber sole. Suede cushioned insoles finish the shoes perfectly and you have an on trend piece of footwear for a much cheaper price than its rivals. Admittedly an amount of every pair of Toms goes towards a pair of shoes for the needy, however not everyone wants to pay the difference and just wants a pair of shoes that look good, and fit in with what everyone else is wearing. I’m not saying that what Toms does isn’t good, but sometimes people need that little bit of difference and a choice in their life, otherwise we’d all still be barefoot and wearing the same clothes!

We Are Saints Kennedy shoes retail for around the £25 mark and are available in a variety of colours including red, navy, black, grey and beige not to mention the colour palettes that are being talked about for next summer when the weather returns to hot, dry and summery! We Are Saints don’t have a fully functioning (or even functioning) site at the moment, but they are available at a whole bunch of independent retailers such as Reem Clothing, Duffer and Mainline Menswear among many many others, so in my opinion – get shopping now!

April 18, 2011

80s Fashion Gone Mad! Espadrilles

Designed and created in the 14th Century, made commercial and popular in the 80s and now back again as a key trend for summer 2011 and beyond. In the words of Rolph Harris, “can you tell what it is yet?” you guessed it, its the espadrille.

I have to admit the history of the espadrille was lost on me, twenty minute read up on wikipedia and a few forums and blogs later I can tell you that espadrilles were first worn in the 14th century and is a French term derived from the Catalan word for shoes. Espadrilles are commonly made from canvas with a rope sole and stitched together with the tough rope, however the new 2011 ranges have seen a thin rubber sole being used below a jute rope sole, this is much more funtional, hardwearing a provides much more flexibility in the sole unit and is much more eco friendly than any other options. The espadrille got its big break in the 1980s as one of the lead characters in Miami Vice wore a pair of espadrilles with his outfit. This saw popularity sky rocket until the show finished in the late 80s and the espadrille was replaced by the next big fad (unfortunately I was too young to remember the next big footwear choice!). The espadrille has returned in 2011 on the back of a couple of really successful years of canvas plimsolls and deck shoes. This return has paved the way for tapered jeans to be matched with espadrilles or plimsolls or the timeless classic flip flop.

Toms were the first to really see an increase in the sales of their espadrilles, with business going through the roof almost overnight. After what seemed like an eternity of Toms ruling the world (or at least the espadrille world) a handful of other top mens designer brands have thrown their offering into the ring the flip flop makers Havaianas being the latest. The Brazilian rubber flip flop kings have decided to expand their collection and have ventured into fantastically priced espadrilles for the summer and wellies for the winter, which will be perfect in a designer world where only hunters really offer anything, but thats a different tale for when then sunshine has disappeared! Alongside Toms and Havaianas other top brands Nicholas Deakins, Lacoste and Diesel have also added a style or two to their collections and have a branded canvas espadrille alongside their canvas plimsolls and either canvas or leather deck shoes. If you’re looking for on trend you can’t really avoid or go wrong with any form of footwear made from canvas. If you are espadrille mad and the charitable sort then you need to be looking at Toms. Slightly more pricey but Toms give a pair of espadrilles to a child in need, which is a worthy cause. If not then try any major designer footwear or clothing retailer such as Schuh, Shoes.co.uk or Mainline Menswear and you’re sure to find an outfit to suit.