Vans x Star Wars Footwear Collection

Vans x Collection of Star Wars footwear launches May 4, 2014.

Since its release in 1977, Star Wars has become a force to be reckoned with in both film and pop culture.  Its influence on art, design and movie-making is global.  Iconic footwear and apparel brand, Vans has collaborated with Lucasfilm to create a collection of footwear that pays tribute to the classic film series.  The limited edition collection features images of the iconic characters and graphics influenced by the films.  Only 300 pairs are available.

Calvin Garcia and Taka Hayashi are both designers at Vans who were equally eager to bring this concept to life.  "Being a huge fan of Star Wars and Vans growing up, I was really excited to be a part of this special collaboration," said Hayashi.  "I was thrilled to find out that we were going to collaborate with Star Wars! Working closely with one of my heroes, legendary Vans skateboarder, Steve Caballero, we created a unique customer twist on the iconic Half-Cab label which depicts two of my favorite Star Wars characters, Yoda and Darth Vader, skateboarding in outer space," Garcia added.

The timing of this collection is perfect considering the announcement that original cast members, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher will be appearing in Star Wars: Episode VII, reviving their iconic characters.  A limited selection of items will be available in stores as of May 4 and the full assortment will be available in June around the world.

Calvin Garcia and Taka Hayashi, designers at Vans worked on the Star Wars collaboration. 

The designs were simple and kept the tradition of Vans styling while infusing the small details to bring the Star Wars concept to life.  The knowledge and love the designers have of the characters benefited the final concepts.  "The Empire Strikes Back was definitely one of my favorites out of all the Episodes.  I wanted to incorporate some of the memorable characters and scenes from the movie.  My idea was to inject Star Wars characters into some of the iconic Vans prints by reworking them into a seamless look between the two worlds. From a distance it looks like the original Vans print but the closer you get, the more you start seeing Star Wars emerge." Hayashi said.

It will be interesting to see how fans of both the films and the brand respond to the items once they are available in store.  Garcia said, "I can't wait to see Star Wars fans and skateboard enthusiasts alike battling it out in these shoes, wearing Chewbacca masks and wildly swinging light-sabers around."

CLICK HERE to shop the collection.

Half Cab LX Darth Vader (Black) $140, Yoda (Turtledove) $140.

Darth Vader skateboarding detail. 

Gwen Stefani Launches Accessories Collection

Gwen Stefani launches new accessories collection: gx by Gwen Stefani 
available exclusively at ShoeDazzle.com/gx. (PRNewsFoto/ShoeDazzle)

Singer/Designer Gwen Stefani has launched a collection of accessories exclusively available on the Shoedazzle.com website. "I'm so excited to be launching my new accessories line gx.  The collection is fun, stylish and has some attitude.  The idea behind gx is to design high quality and amazing product that I can't wait to wear but at the same time is really well priced."

The collection of shoes and handbags are priced from $69.95-$110.95.  The designer has created items that bring together many elements we see in her personal style and in some of her previous clothing collections.  A mix of tribal, pop, punk and street style are all major influences in her latest endeavour.

Rachel Zoe is the Chief Stylist of ShoeDazzle and spoke of Stefani's new venture with the brand. "I couldn't be more excited for the launch of gx by Gwen Stefani for ShoeDazzle.  Gwen is an incredible friend and designer.  Her style has always been a huge source of inspiration for me."  Stefani's personal style certainly shows through in some of the items.  She has always been a trendsetter and brings her sense of style to the table using African influence, mesh and lace up details along with this season's trend of black, white, red and cobalt blue.  You'll find platforms, wedge sandals and a variety of handbags that combine zippers, details, and patterns giving that modern edge she is known for.

Photo: shoedazzle.com/gx

ShoeDazzle was Co-Founded by Kim Kardashian, Brian Lee, Robert Shapiro and Eng in 2009 as a fashion subscription service where clients have a personalized experience of boutique shopping.  VIP members get special pricing after they pay a $39.95 monthly membership fee.  New exclusive collections are debuted every month on the website.  The company currently serves over 20 million clients and is the largest online fashion subscription service since it merged with JustFab Inc last year.

CLICK HERE TO SEE COLLECTION on www.shoedazzle.com/gx

Sarah Jessica Parker's Shoe Line

Photo: Nordstrom.com

Last year's announcement that Sarah Jessica Parker would be selling her new footwear collection, SJP, exclusively at Nordstrom, had us waiting in anticipation to see what would be in store.  Best known for her role as Carrie Bradshaw in the hit HBO Series, Sex & The City, the actress quickly became an icon over the last 15 years for her personal style.  Her character was known for her extensive shoe collection and even had an iconic moment when her character's then boyfriend Aiden's dog chewed a pair of her coveted shoes.  

In real life, Parker has maintained her status as a fashion icon through her own personal sense of style apart from her television character and is often seen wearing everything from Manolo Blahnik to Louboutin.  It's only fitting that she is now launching her own shoe line.

This is not a first foray into design and retail for Ms. Parker.  Her first experience came with her line Bitten for Steve & Barry's back in 2007 and then she spent over a year as President and Creative Director for Halston Heritage.  She says that doing this new shoe collection is more personal because she is not under the direction of an existing brand or company to create.  She has the freedom to create something that represents herself more.  Parker is actually creating an entire collection of shoes, handbags and trench coats.  She is working with the president of Manolo Blahnik USA, George Malkemus.

  "I thought about launching my own line for a long time. It just feels like an enormous privilege to be doing it now with George and with Nordstrom, which is really my dream retailer." she said.

Set to launch at Nordstrom on February 28, the line will have price points ranging from $195 - $485 USD and include an assortment of shoes, handbags and trench coats.

STYLE | STREET STYLE SHOES AT PARIS FASHION WEEK

If there is one thing that you can count on at Paris Fashion Week, it's the unique sense of style of everyone on the streets. It doesn't matter if it's the famous socialite or the young teenager strolling by, Paris seems to bring out some of the best in fashion. Take a look at this video filled with shoes spotted on the feet of fashion goers during Paris Fashion Week for the spring 2014 collections.

STYLE | GARDEN VARIETY

Chinese Laundry

 The floral trend in fashion is not reserved for just pretty dresses and flowy blouses.  The trend has made it's way to the feet.  You're sure to find a garden variety of styles, colours and shapes.  Everything from skinny heels to wedges and sneakers.  Make your shoes the focal point of your outfit by keeping your look monochromatic.

Ego and Greed bowler Espadrille shoe.

Vans spring collection in full bloom. 

Wedge Sneakers

Wedge Sneaker by KAS, Ash Alex ($248) (www,kickassshoes.ca)

If you haven't already noticed, this season's hottest new shoe is the sneaker wedge.  So many women have been spotted sporting these shoes that give the look of a long lean leg while providing the comfort of a running shoe.  

A great alternative in the summer for those casual days when you're just doing some running around but still want to look stylish.  Check out the video below to see how some women have been rockin' these kicks. 

Madonna's Brother Launches Shoe Line

                                                   

 

Christopher Ciccone (Photo: Dailymail.co.uk)

When your big sister is a worldwide superstar, it's hard to step out of her shadow.  Christopher Ciccone, younger brother of Madonna, is showing the fashion world his sister isn't the only one with creative talent.  The artist/interior designer just launched his first shoe collection at London Fashion Week.    

Being the brother of a music and fashion icon can be something of a challenge to create product that would been seen as innovative and to garner the respect of the design community.  The collection includes rubber boots, brogues, sneakers, sandals and his version of riding boots.  Most of the styles use rubber, leather and canvas to create pieces that have his artistic stamp on it.  Ciccone's designs were inspired by Mondrain, Delacroix and Georgia O'Keeffe.  He says that doing shoes isn't like his artwork because with this anyone can have a pair.  But with art it's limited to one buyer.  

He told CBS.com, "The difficult task was to bring something new to the market and give (the shoes) an uplift and make them a bit more interesting to wear as fashion as opposed to something that just keeps your feet dry."

He chose to debut the collection in London because he says that he's always had a connection to the city.  "I think the footwear connects to the city itself from the design point of view and from a functional point of view."  The shoes, with their rubber soles are definitely suited to wet weather conditions London is best known for.

The Ciccone Collection

                                         




References: cbs.com, Yahoo! News, Reuters

     

Time for a Bootie Call

Casadei suede ankle bootie for fall 2012. 

Yes, it's that time of year when we transition from the hot, lazy, days of summer to the barely warm days and cool nights of fall.  During the beginning of the season we can still look forward to warm days that remind us of summer but are quickly nudged with a cool breeze on a fall evening.

Back view of booties by Matt Bernson

Early fall is the best time to wear booties with the open back or open toe style.  Save the fur and sweater trimmed looks for the cooler days of October and early November.

Matt Bernson booties

Booties looks great but they can also be a tough footwear choice because they tend to make the ankles and calves look bigger than they are.   Wearing a pair of booties with tights, leggings or slim trousers the same color as the boot give the lean look that won't make your calves look heavy.  Color blocking tends to bring attention to your shoes but you risk looking shorter or making the leg look stumpy.

Lulu by Sam Edelman.

This year there are so many styles to choose from, you're sure to find what will look best on you and mix with your wardrobe.  If you want an edgier look go for a studded or embellished bootie like the one by Oscar de la Renta pictured below.  Perfect for an evening out, this bootie would look great with a plain mini dress so your shoes are the showstopper.

Sequined ankle bootie by Oscar de la Renta.

                                  

Riding in Givenchy

Givenchy Fall 2012

The sleek loook of the Givenchy boot collection for fall is nothing short of spectacular.  These riding boots are so lovely I don't think any rider would want to risk damaging them by actually riding.  Instead pair them with equestrian inspired looks or even with a beautifully tailored suit or evening dress. 

Some stars have already been seen wearing these.  Lala Anthony was wearing them with denim shorts at an event.  Personally I like the look more dressed up as they are in the looks pictured above.

Fall 2012 Givenchy boots.

 

The Fold-over look was all over Givenchy runway for the fall season.

Pointy Toes

Franco Sarto Spring 2013 (Photo: Thomas Iannaccone)

The pointy-toe shoe usually comes in the form of a sexy high heel.  When it comes to flats, the last few seasons the ballerina inspired style has been the trend.  Coming next spring designers are bringing back the pointy-toe flat.  You'll find metal-cap toes and other little details making them the next big thing for spring 2013.  You might even find some in stores now to get ahead of the style game.

Joan & David  (Photo: Thomas Iannaccone)

See by Chloe (Photo: Thomas Iannaccone)

Bird-Caged Shoe

Charlotte Olympia.
(Photo by: Courtesy Photo)

Once in awhile there is something very creative that a designer does and is out of the ordinary.  Today I discovered this shoe by Charlotte Olympia for the Resort 2013 collection.  Check out the heel made to look like a birdcage.  It even looks like there is a little carved bird inside.

Would you wear these?  I think they are adorable.

Adidas Cancels Shoe

  Since originally posting the story on the JS Roundhouse Mids by Adidas, they have decided to cancel the shoe.  This after a public outcry that these shoes were reminders of the history of slavery in America.  The sneakers were scheduled to hit stores in August and would have retailed for $350 USD.

  The designer of the shoe is TO Jeremy Scott.  From Los Angeles, he says he was inspired by the 1980's children's toy My Pet Monster.

  Reverend Jesse Jackson was a big critic of these shoes calling them "slave shoes."  He was quoted in the New York Times saying, "The attempt to commercialize and make popular more than 200 years of human degradation, where blacks were considered three-fifths human by our Constitution, is offensive, appalling and insensitive."

My Pet Monster.  The 1980's toy the designer said he
was inspired by when designing the shoes.

  But was that the designer's intention?  Are these shoes really being racist?  Many say yes.  Some say no.  when I originally posted this story some of my friends made comments about how to them it looked like it was representative of being a "slave to fashion."  Another said it reminded her of "S&M".  One comment on Facebook said he saw it as "A representation of the debt we are enslaved to and can't get out of."  But then there were those who saw it as a reminder of slavery. Not just slavery of Black people but any people who have been enslaved throughout the world's history.

  Whatever the thoughts, the backlash was too much for Adidas and the shoe is no longer going to be sold.

New Adidas Style Offending Blacks

JS Roundhouse Mids by Adidas

Adidas recently unveiled a new style that has people talking.  Scheduled to be sold in stores this August, many are accusing them of promoting slavery with this new design.  It features an orange, plastic shackle that's attached to the high-top sneaker with an orange chain.

The shoes are the JS Roundhouse Mids and so far social media is abuzz with what they think about these new kicks.  The Facebook Fan Page has over 36,000 Likes already (at the time I wrote this post), but there are also several comments about how ridiculous and negatively it promotes slavery.  The shackles are particularly representative of the 19th century slavery that took place in the Americas of Africans.  The other point is that orange is typical of the jumpsuit worn by many prisoners in America.

Here are a few comments from the Facebook Page:

Brandon Hayes

"Where's the DISIKE button when you need it?"

Bill Chitwood
"I choose to regard this as a symbol of the HUGE Federal debt we're all shackled to, and thus, find them highly appropriate and devastatingly topical.  I also refuse to assume responsibility for how YOU take them or how your feelings might (or might not) be hurt by a silly pair of shoes."

Tom Brown
"It's an odd fashion statement and reminders to slavery cannot be ignored.  Plus, we're living in a time of great wealth inequality, so it's no wonder to me why people are shaking their heads over this story.  We can say ok...maybe the designer didn't mean to bring up African slavery.  Maybe he didn't mean to bring up any part of the 10,000+ year history of slavery on earth.  Maybe the designer didn't mean to bring up the ever-increasing wealth of the wealthy and increasing poverty of the poor, but too late...nerve has been touched.

Lynette B. Johnson
"As a Black person, I don't look at history in "black and white."  I can see slavery behind these shackles.  I can also see Auschwitz, and the concentration camps; or how about these Japanese detainees held in concentration camps during World War II?  So it's not really a black and white thing, it is?  But those shoes ARE offensive."




Thousands on other social networks including Twitter have also taken offense to these new sneakers.  People are saying that Adidas was very insensitive in their choice of this design.

What are your thoughts on this new design?

The Cap-toe

Cap-toe pumps by Schultz. (Photo: Lauren DiLello)

The metallic cap-toe is the latest trend in ladies footwear.  They have a little bit of retro inspiration that sort of has that ode to the 80's feel to them.  This is one trend that goes from feminine to edgy.  It all depends on your personality for what works for you in your wardrobe.  A variety of styles are available from the high end down to low priced styles.

Nearly every designer from Manolo Blahnik to Sam Edelman have their own version of the captoe.  You don't have to be a celebrity to slip into a pair of these; stars like Solange Knowles and Gwyneth Paltrow have been spotted wearing them.  Anyone can pick up a pair.  It's the perfect accessory to add something to your outfit.  Whether you're wearing jeans or all dressed up, it doesn't matter, it's a look you can work.

Stuart Weitzman captoe Mary-Janes.

Printed Pumps

Nicholas Kirkwood  - Spring 2012

Printed pumps and other footwear are one of spring's biggest trends.  You'll find patterns on everything from pumps to wedges and even some ballet flats.  You'll love the bold patterns, ethnic inspirations and brilliant color combinations.

The best way to wear this trend is to make your shoe the center-piece.  Wear all one color and add your shoes as the focal point and you're sure to turn heads.

Burberry Prorsum Woven Raffia

Sterling Shoes (Canada)

Truth or Dare by Madonna

Three styles from Madonna's new Truth or Dare footwear collection.
(Photo: Thomas Iannaccone)

She's been a fashion icon she she appeared on the music scene back in the 80's.  Through the course of her career she's been a trendsetter and has represented designers from Jean Paul Gaultier to Versace.  She took the leap into design in 2007 in a collaboration with H&M.  By 2010 she launched a label for young women called Material Girl.  The label's success has led to Madonna's desire to expand her fashion lifestyle brand.  With a fragrance set to debut next month, she is also stepping into the footwear business.  The icon is launching a shoe collection under the label, Truth or Dare, scheduled to hit stores in Fall 2012.

  The collection will be produced by the Canadian footwear retailer Aldo Group Inc.  There will be over 60 styles available with prices ranging from $89 to $349 USD.  The selection will include various styles from flats to over-the-knee boots.  We can expect to see Madonna's creativity in the design of the collection.  She plans to have a hands-on approach consulting on every aspect of the design process.    
Madonna's stylist, Arianne Phillips, will also be an important part of the product development.  Phillips was quoted in Footwear News saying, "Her fingers are really on this brand.  The first thing I did was remind her (Madonna) of all the shoes she wore over the years and we took the styles that we can't live without."

  Stores that plan to stock her merchandise include Nordstrom and Macy's in the U.S, Selfridges in the U.K. and at The Bay in Canada.  By 2013 the label should be available in parts of  Europe including Italy and Spain.  The hope is that Madonna's name will garner mass appeal.  Her personal style and evolution over her career has set trends and defined a generation in fashion.

Haute Heels

Kawa Peep toe pump.  Guess by Marciano

Nothing says sexy like a great pair of heels.  For the holiday season, shoes are high with covered platforms in mixed textures.  This pair is Guess by Marciano and is a mix of satin and lace.  Two great fabrics for the holidays and a bold rich color contrasted by the black lace is truly a modern feel.

$3000 Louboutin Pumps

Check out these gorgeous Swarovski covered Christian Louboutin shoes.  They are worth $3000.  These shoes are so pretty they look like a piece of art.

Not Your Average Ugg Boot

Giorgina Boot by Ugg Australia ($650, Ugg Collection)

When you think of Ugg boots, the vision of the classic pull on, slipper like, sheepskin lined style that's been worn by so many women and men on the planet over the last decade comes to mind.  But, this boot above is one that's so sexy, I would not have ever thought Ugg when I first saw it.

But, that's just perception because Ugg does in fact carry an array of styles that are nothing like the classic that made the brand world famous.  The brand also carries apparel and an assortment of handbags.

New Style at TOMS

TOMS Ballet flats in the upcoming Spring 2012 collection

Take a look at the latest in the TOMS brand.  Everyone has seen the classic slip-ons but, soon you will be able to pick up a pair of these chic stylish flats and still know you're making a difference in someone's life with the one-for-one program.

TOMS was originally launched in 2006 with a simple concept.  Provide a pair of shoes to a disadvantaged person around the world with each pair sold.  Since then the movement has grown to now include eye-wear; launched earlier this year.