Today's Favorites - Bottega Veneta - Denim Dress Shoes

Picture Courtesy Of: The Shoe Buff

One of the coolest shoes that I have ever seen (believe it or not) was a pair of Hugo Boss shoes that were a mix between brown leather and bright blue jean denim, in the pattern of a spectator (co-respondent). Now, I can't say if I would feel the same way about them today, as this was about 6 years ago and my tastes have changed since then, but I still remember the vivid feeling of 'wow,' those are cool! And ever since that day, I have been curious about the mixture of denim and leather, particularly on a pair of shoes. That being, when I saw this denim model, by Bottega Veneta, I was quite intrigued, even though it was lacking the leather bit of that memorable combination. But in actuality, I quite like it being solely in denim, as even though it is in a dress cut (pattern), it still has a casual feel to them. And this look makes me think that it would be the perfect shoe to wear with chinos, or any kind of casually smart trouser.

Even though I may not be the biggest fan of designer/fashion labels, I can say that what I do like about them is that they are not afraid to try anything, and sometimes that 'anything' turns out to be something quite cool and exciting, such this model here is for me. I don't think that Crockett & Jones or any other reputable high-end shoemaker would have ever considered releasing this to the world....

Today's Favorites - Louis Vuitton Monk Straps

While I cannot say that I am a big fan of mega-fashion brand, Louis Vuitton, I can say that every now and then, they do make a pretty decent shoe. This model here represents just that, for me, as well as a very intriguing take on the monk strap. While I myself, like to keep things relatively classic in my own designs, I do find it quite interesting to see what fashion designers can come up with, when it comes to tweaking an existing idea. Sometimes, it's flat out shit, and other times, it's quite cool. And while one might not fancy these women's belt like straps, I don't think that anyone can argue that the shoe below, sans straps, is a lovely model nonetheless! While black dress shoes have since grown on me, due to my time in England, and its lovely weather, I must say that for my prior tastes, this would have been an acceptable black shoe. It's something that has a bit of flair, but also a very classic undertone. Not too pointy, not too round, almost having a Riccardo Bestetti type toe, it's win-win for me!

Picture Courtesy Of: The Style Buff

Seriously.....? What is high fashion?

The words style and fashion sure do not mix, nor do they have even close to the same meaning, as we shall learn here today. Now, one might bravely call these Christian Louboutin shoes 'high fashion objects,' but one would hopefully not venture to wear these and say that they have 'style.' Obviously, those who would buy and wear them, will undoubtedly think that they have style, but oh how wrong they will be. I am beginning to think that the high fashion artists of the world have ran out of clever ideas to create so they just create the most ostentatious things that they can think of and call it fashionable. I really believe that as the days go on, these two words grow further apart from each other, when in reality I believe that in their truest forms, they should go hand-in-hand. The definition of fashion is: a prevailing custom or style of dress, etiquette, socializing. It's like when Tommy Nutter, one of the most famous designers from Savile Row, came about. He revolutionized the lapel, making it bold and beautiful. Wearing his stuff was not only fashionable, but took someone with style to pull off. Where do you think Tom Ford got his inspiration (and designs)? Tommy Nutter! So...when I look at shoes like this, I shake my head in disappointment, thinking about how someone who would design this could be so famous????