Autumn Leaves Kicking Boot

After months of planning, mood boards, factory visits and samples, the fruits of the sixbysixbloggers project officially launch today. Now, if you've somehow missed my previous posts on the project (here and here), sixbysixbloggers is an exclusive creative collaboration driven by global online marketplace Farfetch that showcases the production skills of cool shoe powerhouse Six London whilst satisfying the design whims and extravagent fancies of a selection of bloggers. Along with Susie, The Man Repeller, Stockholm Streetstyle, The Cherry Blossom Girl and Facehunter, I've been able to create my dream pair of shoes - the Autumn Leaves Kicking boot. To think that this design idea has been pinballing around my brain for years has now been realised is nothing short of remarkable. Thanks to the talented team at Six London I've been able to create a true harvest festival of footwear in a limited run of just twenty pairs. Over the weekend, on a perfect misty autumnal morning, I squeezed my feet in to the sample and celebrated the imminent launch by kicking leaves in the park. 

As previously mentioned, the inspiration for my design centred around my love of the timing of its launch. Now is the time when the rich colours of autumn really come into play and I strive to envelop myself in nature's most magnificent palette as much as possible. These Autumn hues of plum, rich red, deep green and various shades of brown should all be celebrated. Even the sound of walking through crisp leaves excites me and I wanted to create a shoe that replicated this feeling even walking on the greyest of pavements. As I walked through the park, surrounded by leaves and little else (the odd dog walker aside), my love for the season was only heightened by the boots.

Kicking leaves in the boots for the very first time. 

My celebratory outfit includes Dries Van Noten jacket, Whizz Ltd knit and Chinos by Ben Sherman

It is a strange feeling wearing a pair of shoes that you have had some hand in designing. Something I really did not think I would ever do. These boots really are my dream shoes (for this season atleast) and I'm so happy with how they've turned out. This strange feeling will only be heightened if I ever see people wearing them out and about. Thankfully, I've been eased in to this week by a blog post from the lovely Anastasia and Duck. It'll be interesting to see them out of the blogosphere though. 

Now, if you're interested in the launch and in acquiring appropriate footwear for kicking leaves you'll have to be quick as there are only twenty pairs available. Given the limited run of the shoes, the sixbysixbloggers project launches privately today to those who signed up for updates, before launching for everyone else on Thursday. Now, I'm off to kick my way through more leaves...

Edit: As mentioned above the boots shot here were just samples. I was just too eager and excited to wait for the finished article. However, this morning I had a package from FarFetch. As requested, the leaf print has been tweaked for an even more intense autumnal feel. The result is a much richer print. Without further ado, here they are...

Currently only available to those who signed up to receive more information about the launch, the sixbysixbloggers will be on general sale tomorrow. Happy leaf kicking!

Greek fashionista's in London...

Meanwhile, as I love colour and prints I'm looking forward to attending the MARY KATRANTZOU in Soho...

Artist and Muse...

A visit to Goodhood

Throughout this blog's lifetime I have periodically bemoaned the lack of truly exciting stores in the capital. I have even defiantly declared that I can count the number of well stocked stores on one hand but there have been a number of additions that have forced me to impugn my previous statement. Over the course of the last twelve months alone I've welcomed Hostem, 3939, LN-CC, Trunk and Anthem to name but another handfull. However, as great as these newcomers are and as much as they should be lauded, I've neglected one or two that have been right under my nose. Hoxton's very own Goodhood is one of them.

Designers and partners Kyle Stweart and Jo Sindle unveiled this backstreet boutique back in 2007 and the backstreet boutique has since evolved in to one of London's finest stores. Timeout recently declared it to be the seventh best store in London and their AW11 look book, Beneath the Canvas, left many a blogger breathless whilst its collaboration with R. Newbold is enough to make a grown man soil himself in excitment. Now housed over two floors, the contemporary concept space showcases an international cocktail of independent and rare brands. A considered edit of old favourites and new discoveries it never fails to excite and inspire. The shared vision for Goodhood is one based firmly on handpicked quality from across the globe. Last weekend I arranged an early morning store visit and was welcomed by Kyle. Battling the fatigue of recent fatherhood, the passionate owner was proud to discuss his other offspring, the blossoming Goodhood. It was an absolute pleasure to be talked through the store's offering by the man himself.

"The addition of the menswear floor has been really important for our development," Kyle declares whilst admiring the increasingly busy area before him. Like everything good in this world, the store could not be rushed and the menswear space naturally evolved through the considered addition of brands and demands of the ever growing customer base. "Evolution as opposed to revolution, I think I remember seeing that on an Arsenal plaque a few years back but it works for us too" and as a Gooner myself, how could I argue with that?  "It is important for us to stick to our style and to add in to it naturally. There are moments when there is a great deal of hype around certain things at certain times and we just try to ignore it. We're never going to buy in to something just because it is hyped. We always try and judge everything on a quality level, is it value for money and qualitative." Once asked how he'd describe the style of the store, he quickly responds with, "in my head, I describe our style as indie, it can be high end or low end, it is just a feeling and everything is mixed in together." Where so many retail spaces have distinct areas, Goodhood opts to create looks that effortlessly blend labels. 

With a salivation inducing brand list that includes the likes of Junya Watanabe Man, Carharrt Heritage, Paul Smith, Tender and Monitaly to name but a few,  it is an eclectic mix but everything sits effortlessly next to one another. That said, it is anything but one dimensional. It echoes any artfully compiled wardrobe. A little of this, a dash of that, all at various price points whilst making perfect sense together. "We're drawn to the style of the East End. it has a certain look. Some people wrongly reduce it to skinny jeans, or have in their mind an idea of Frankie Cocosa but that's not true. For us it is the most stylish area in London. We're watching everybody and are now part of the community, servicing them." 

"Myself and Jo don't come from retail backgrounds. Our buying has certainly improved, as has the balance between everything. I look around at everything now and I'm really happy." A happiness that is undeniably shared and taken advantage of by the customer. Specifically looking at AW11, I pressed Kyle to talk me through of his favourites and unsurprisingly, given the amount to truly covet, he struggled before excitedly bouncing across the room. "I love it all really. The exclusive Mark McNairy's, Head Porter Plus which is a small but perfect delivery. I particularly love the fur lined ring boot from Quoddy. It is just a shame that, even in November, we are still waiting for Winter..." The store just the oozes the personality of the buying duo. Now, I could continue to wax lyrical about the store but I'd only bore you, the best way to get a feel of the place is to explore it. Take my hand and let me lead you through the space of AW11 wardrobe fillers...

As soon as you walk down the stairs you are confronted with temptation. Oh how I would have loved to have picked up the Mackintosh and Junya Watanabe rain coat. Even with a twenty per cent sale on all outerwear, the jacket is still out of reach..

So much to covet in such a tight space.

I was instantly drawn to this Junya Watanabe Man parka. 

"His are pieces that you are going to keep for the rest of your life. I've got Junya jackets that are over five years old and I still love wearing them. There is always that level of detail and quality of components that combine to create a truly special garment. We're always excited to get Junya in and people respond to it really well. It is a label, that even young guys see as an investment." 

Kyle on Junya Watanabe.

"Unrivaled is another label that always excites us." Another label picked up from Japan, Unrivaled was born out of the original "Let it Ride," label that was founded by Kiichiro-San. "There is always something special about their clothes whether it be in style or details."

You all know how much I love the British Remains' First Creepers.

"For us it is really important to have picked up footwear like that. The Creeper is rooted in outsider British culture as opposed to the wave of hunting and prep wear we've seen recently. We wanted to push forward." Kyle on the British Remains' First Creeper

Specifically designed for Goodhood these fur lined Quoddy's continue their tradition of creating the ultimate in comfort and quality.

A wall of streetwear tempation. Head Porter Plus, Norse Projects, Pigalle, Spring Courts and Vans.

Exclusive to the Goodhood Store this collaboration derby work shoe fuses a classic McNairy design with the Goodhood touch and stamp of approval.

PAM's take on the classic chino. Wish I had picked them up sooner because they no longer have my size. Nice detailing with the use of floral corduroy, subtly seen on the back welt pocket, button loops and the outer part of the turn up hem.

 I took advantage of the store's excellent array of difficult to source publications and zines. Somewhat spoilt for choice I turned to Kyle for his recommendations. I left with the debut issue of LAW and the second issue of the The Travel Almanac but was tempted by so much more.

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Whilst there has been much fanfare about the retail revolution of the East (of London), this backstreet boutique has quietly gone about its business and evolved in to one of the finest independent stores in the capital. "Every season it is getting deeper, we are buying in to more lines quite simply because we can. When you open a store it can be a long term struggle getting the brands to sell to you, there's a lot of politics involved. It is a work in progress and we're constantly working on it. It's certainly much easier now to persuade people to come on board and I'd like to continue to add the labels we've had our eye on." I, for one, cannot wait to see which labels join the already bulging brand list. Looking further ahead, Kyle Stewart revealed something that quickened the pulse even more; "we've got plans, we've got the gallery space across the road which has just re-opened. I'd actually love to open more shops on this street and am even dreaming of a hotel right on the corner. You see it in Japan, where stores take over a street and I think it works really well." Here's to the evolution (not revolution) of Goodhood and Coronet Street. The evolution is nigh.

Here's to the evolution (not revolution) of Goodhood and Coronet Street.

Weekend Reading... A long sit down with LAW

Just one week ago I poured myself a cuppa and excitedly flicked through two printed finds, LAW and The Travel Almanac. As the latter has received a fair bit of attention already, I'd like to return to the former. LAW is a platform to portray the beautiful in the everyday. This limited edition bi-annual magazine revels in revealing what others miss. A self titled 'bomb shelter for creative collaboration between the talented youth of today with grit in their teeth and something to say.' For its editor John Holt, style is everywhere. Far away from a runway or glossy publication, it can be an act or a gesture, an accent or slang. It is simply everywhere, all one has to do is look. To help fund the title, John Holt sold his dream car, a 1974 Ford Escort Mark 1. Fittingly, a classic of British style sacrificed to celebrate the wider everyday. LAW is a title concerned with documenting the over looked and giving people a sense of belonging and recognition that they ordinarily might not receive. The aim is to make fashion accessible by challenging perception that it's an elitist world by showing that it surrounds us all. Throughout its fifty three page, it pauses to shine the spotlight on a patchwork of everyday eye catchers including passionate shop owners, matchmakers, tailors, brand devotees, dilapidated funparks and cursed football kits.

In amongst the grey concrete walls, LAW is a window to the world of of the current and undercurrent. A cross section of people, places and items that others blindly walk past, making it even more important to document. The bi-annual shines the spotlight on facets of Britain and localised symbols that would ordinarily not be known outside of these shores. Lets press our noses to the glasses and see...

John Holt sold his dream car, a 1974 Ford Escort Mark 1, to make his dream magazine. A classic of British style sacrificed to celebrate the wider everyday.

The featured sneaker collection of Rob Prentice. "There's almost a Nike culture in sneaker collecting", he notes with a smile. From ebay finds to splurges, this collection details Prentice pure elation for kicks.

Forgotten dreams of an English Summer featuring Christopher Shannon and Air Max 90s.

Dean Powell's Adidas archive. "When I was a kid everybody had Adidas Santiago football boots and I think the first trainers I had were black and white Adidas Kick." Three stripes, a wealth of knowledge and a fortune of stories.

Shirley Webb's editorial is close to home. Dreamland is a waiting to be restored themepark in my hometown of Margate. 

The famous grey Manchester United away shirt. United's record in this kit was as follows. Lost 4 and Drew 1.  A furious Ferguson demand that his team change out of it at halftime at The Dell. They were 3-0 down at Southampton. 

From Dave Imms series Butchers.

Giles Peacock has kept every pair of boots he has worn since he was seven. Above is a just a taster of the collection.

Beauty in the everyday right through to the back page. LAW's pebble dash print.

Here's hoping that LAW will continue to archive real characters and document a cacophony of historic British traces as they shift, evolve and disappear from our surroundings. I'll leave you with words uttered by Jason Evans...

"I differentiate between fashion and style, I think fashion is an industry and style is an inherent quality and I'm much more interested in style than fashion"

RAF SIMONS

Raf Simons (born January 12, 1968) is a belgian fashion designer. He studied Industrial Design but after a few years of self-study, he became a menswear designer in 1995. Initially, he worked with Walter Van Beirendonk in Paris where he was exposed to the work of Martin Margiela and Jean paul Gaultier.

Inspired by uniforms of English Schools, movies and today's headlines, Raf Simons was the first designer in the 1990s to give menswear a new graphic pencil-slim silhoutte.

A favorite among the youth, he has a cult following and considered iconoclastic.

An inventive designer, Raf Simons gets his inspirations from world headlines and creates an inspiring collection based on those.

His collections (menswear only) are strongly influenced by youth culture albeit in an indirect way. He often combines strongly cut classic menswear with baggy streetwear-influenced items. Simons' style has been described as highly influential. He is cited as being one of the most important innovators in contemporary menswear by the international press

Shoe fashion

　　
        Shoe fashion is a mode of expressing yourself through footwear. Shoes often represent a particular style or era and every year footwear designers try to add and create new trends that can represent the present time of the year and hopefully make a mark in history forever.
　　There are many shoe styles through, which we recollect a period of time. Those styles still live because they were extremely successful and often in a classic way which always was and will be eternal.
　　There are many of us who want to wear shoes that are in fashion at any cost; not only in the present year but every single season: spring, summer, fall and winter. However, there is one thing we do not stop to consider: does the shoe style suit us?
　　　Your height and weight will determine whether you should choose shoe style that will emphasize a feature in your body, mainly your legs. For example, shoes with higher heels are always flattering and elogate the leg - perfect for those with short legs. But if you are tall, perhaps you want to de-emphasize your legs. If you are very thin, you might not want to wear the fashionable big chunky shoe styles which might end up looking like bricks dangling of the bottom of your very thin legs.
　　Also remember, if you wear uncomfortable shoes, others will know! How fashionable can you look when your shoes are hurting your feet and you are limping. Or if your shoes are too looses and your feet are coming out of them! Yes, comfort has to be part of your shoe fashion style because style encompasses your entire body - including what your face is expressing. So pick stylish shoes that are also comfortable for you to wear.
　　It is important you be your own critic and friend in order to be able to choose the best shoe styles that will put your best foot foward and thus, give you your moneys worth. What good does it do to wear footwear that is the latest fashion but does not suit your style and personality?
　　Shoes should only be picked because you look good in them and not because they are the latest rave. Also always remember, if you cannot wear the latest shoe design because you find them to be ridiculous, you can always wear something classic as it is always in style and it suits everyone without exception. If you do not know what color shoes to buy or wear for an important fashion meeting, always stick with black as they are classic and always in style! When you want to get a little bolder, try a brighter color like red. Why not try to make sneakers fashionable? Instead of the traditional white, sport a pair of red or metallic color sneakers. Style is not only for dress and casual shoes by any means!
　　In conclusion, here are some tips to make sure you choose the right shoe fashion style: make sure your fashion is comfortable, think about your body features and how your shoes might accentuate them and make a statement with color. Finally, when in doubt wear black!

The Documentary And A Dream AW11

The Autumn/Winter 2011 edition of J. Lindeberg's ‘The Documentary and A Dream’ is the fifth in their series of Biannual Books. The weighty publication was borne out of the desire to tell the complete story of the brand and share their thoughts and values on a level beyond commercial aspects of marketing principles. Each season creatives from various disciplines are invited to freely interpret the seasonal collection and capture a particular theme within the spirit of J. Lindeberg. Here, the talented team have strived to capture the dualism that the label revels in. The quintessentially Scandinavian competing and complimenting the quintessentially continental. Hard clashes with soft, worn against new to create fascinating encounters.

Once again, the contributors list is an impressive one. Joining Creative Director Jörgen Ringstrand are new collaborators David St John-James, Robbie Spencer, Gerry Johansson and Carlotta Manaigo working alongside existing team members including Olivier Zahm, Skye Parrot, Andreas Sjödin, Carl-Johan Paulin, Hannes Hetta, Marine Braunschvig, Marcus Dunberg, Göran Åkestam, Tinka Luiga, Eric Guillemain, Andreas Carlsbecker and Lars Johnson.

The book was launched last night in J. Lindeberg's stunning office and showroom. Now that the hangover sets in and memories of toasting the book thump around my brain, I'm fully aware that the book has now been released. This fifth edition is now available to view at J. Lindeberg stores and online. The narrative it weaves is one that expands way beyond the realms of the standard look book and runway views we are all accustomed to seeing. Throughout the book you are treated to inspiring art works, collages, interviews and an array of wonderful imagery. However, before you go and thumb through it I'd like to share a few of my favourite pages with you...

Book images supplied by J. Lindeberg. The full book is now available online to view.

Indian Summer...

Reminds me of Hilary Beane, Sy Chen and The China Club...

 "Those memorable funny Hollywood days for me" Sy Chen the Owner/Jester/Ring-Master of the China Club told me, or as I now think of it "The Style Circus" that was his Love/Work and we all lived like movie stars before. This got me to thinking, it should be a novel...

OUT LINE:                                            "Funny Hollywood Days..."

-Arriving in Los Angeles picked up in a Jeep by a blondcockney hairdresser; Nicky Someone, aggressive guy 27 then, full of himself, loved by women; we never liked each other... Can't remember how we fell out except it was spectacular!

-Sam Shepherd, man he was good looking, so charming alwayswore nice boots and comfy looking jeans always relaxed, a 'Sweet-Outlaw"

-Floyd Mutrux

-Marissa Berenson

-Simon Doonan  and the twee  Anglophiles

-Joseph and Henry, Club Lingerie 

-Larry and Susann


-Garment district

-Billy Idol portrayed "Gorgeous, of Course" for old friends'sake

-The Restaurateurs mistress who I always offered a drink to, tobe polite because he let me drink at his bar, "No I'd prefer $5 for alude" she'd say 

-Steve Jones, Sex Pistol, beautifulTough/Fearless/Scared/Spiritual Guy...  Rode around for a month with himonce as he composed and played back a million times a track he was doing for amovie...

-West Hollywood

-The Witch

-The French community living

-"Tommy Jr." and his amazing father

-Jack Nicholson and all the Homesteaders in Eagle Rock...

-Herb Albert, Artist, sweetheart...

-Mr. CHOWS... Yoshi Murata...Gatsby, Matsuma, Ja

-"FBI Special Agents and their rackets...

 -Student of Devananda out in the garden ofthe Ashram 


-Meetings, busy, getting sober


-Working in construction


Fiction/Faction/Gonzo  by Robert Cassidy, (c)2011


[DRAFT: Needs to be Up_Dated Action: 1. Change Names 2. tag blog :]