Beware the dull.

What an interesting article! Neal makes some great points, especially about the varied styles that men wore in the past.

Unfortunately, like so many fashion commentators he swung towards the conservative and dull advice at the conclusion. It's kind of like fashion designers that always wear black. It's safe. No one will criticize you for having a black, a Burgundy and a cognac pair of oxfords.

There is great value in conforming in certain situations and environments. You may not want to draw attention to your individuality and creative flair. On the other hand, in the current business environment there are so many men in creative industries that are free of the bankers' uniform...the IBM attire. They may not even be in a traditionally creative field but bring a fresh perspective to the law firm or architectural office or marketing firm of the future.

It's these gentlemen that have been successfully integrating more "daring" styles with their work and casual clothing. The response from colleagues and customers has been positive.

For black business shoes that ooze modern sophistication check out these Radial Loafers from Vein Wear.

"Blah, Blah Blahnik", said Man.

The following article was written by Neal Santelmann:

Thanks to the HBO hit Sex and the City, there are probably few women out there now who have never heard the words "Manolo Blahnik." Among the many joys of New York life the show celebrated, few were as admired or envied as the lead character's collection of 100, give or take, of the Spanish designer's expensive, elaborate shoes. Over the show's six years the shoes became fetishized, and sales of Manolo Blahniks skyrocketed.

It is, however, extremely unlikely that the same kind of publicity would ever work for men's shoes. For one thing, most men don't sit around fantasizing about shoes all day. For another, most men's shoes are rather prosaic, not to mention strongly similar in design and function.

While shoe shopping may not mean the same for a man as for a woman, it would behoove many men to spend a little more time weighing their options the next time they need to stock up on footwear. Contrary to what many people might think, there is a considerable difference between makes and styles, even if it is not always apparent to the untutored eye. The result, too often, is that men end up buying cheap, uncomfortable or overly trendy shoes when, with a little bit of extra thought, they could have spent their money on a shoe that would have lasted them happily for years. In other words, a wingtip is not a wingtip is not a wingtip.

"Men let themselves down on their shoes," says Lynne Marks, an Atlanta-based image consultant and president of the London Image Institute, whose corporate clientele includes executives at Coca-Cola (nyse: KO - news - people ), American Express (nyse: AXP - news - people ), AT&T (nyse: T - news - people ) and the Weather Channel. "They either don't think that shoes are important, or they seem to think that shoes can't be seen. Either way, it's a big mistake."

Believe it or not, at different periods in history men's shoes were more Carrie Bradshaw than Cary Grant. While before the French Revolution most of the world's population was lucky to have shoes at all, European aristocrats used to flaunt their status through such ostentatious touches as floral clothing, embroidery, makeup and high heels for both men and women.

After the revolution, "social mores emphasized equality, and businessmen veered dramatically away from anything that might be considered frivolous toward a more somber, serious and almost puritanical style of dress, including their shoes," says Elizabeth Semmelhack, curator of the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto. Heels gave way to flat soles, shiny buckles to sensible eyelets, and pretty soon men's dress shoes had all the flare of fuel-efficient subcompacts. The now ubiquitous, Oxford-style men's dress shoe, notes Semmelhack, has been around since about 1910, when businessmen finally abandoned the ankle boot styles of the late 19th century.

While historical social upheaval certainly had a huge role in shaping what today's gentlemen wear on their feet, the current lack of distinctive dress shoe product can also be traced to the fact that, unlike women, men actually give a damn about fit. "Comfort is an enormous factor for men," says Michael Atmore, editorial director of Footwear News. "The traditional wingtip left a lot of room and was very forgiving in terms of fit. But men's feet tend to go up in size as they age. As such, most manufacturers don't put a lot of effort into extreme designs for fear of limiting their customer base over fit issues."

The question, of course, is why a man should choose to wear anything other than Rockports or sneakers. For one thing, a well-made shoe can, and should be, extremely comfortable. For another, a well-made shoe sends the rest of the world a signal about the wearer. More than any other article of clothing, shoes can influence how others view us, not to mention how we view ourselves. There's a reason, after all, why mothers traditionally advise their daughters to first look at a man's shoes.

But shoes can also make you look sharper too. "If men paid attention to shoes, it would be easier for them to put their outfits together more successfully," says Lauren Solomon, a New York-based image consultant who spent four years as the in-house image specialist at Chase Manhattan, now J.P. Morgan Chase (nyse: JPM - news - people ). "Men should look at shoes the way women do: as a great way to take what's in their closet and spice it up." Indeed, as ties become less and less requisite in the workplace, Solomon posits, the tag team of sharp shoes and matching belts could become the most distinctive element of the male regalia.

For the most part, men's dress shoe styles run Italian, British or American. The former tend to be on the sleeker side; the second distinctly traditional; and the latter almost clunkily conservative. Of course, like so much else these days, shoes are a global product, and it's getting harder and harder to differentiate geographical styles as well as manufacturers. For instance, Crockett & Jones, based in Northampton, Britain's shoemaking capital, not only markets shoes under its own label but also makes them for Polo Ralph Lauren (nyse: RL - news - people ) and Brooks Brothers.

Whatever the origin, a good pair of high-end men's dress shoes usually starts around $350. As with comparing a pricey bespoke suit to an inexpensive off-the-rack number, high-end and low-end shoes are worlds apart, despite the basic similarities. Fit is the most basic difference. A well-made suit fits the wearer perfectly. The quality of the material is equally important, and if you don't think so, hold a Savile Row suit next to something from Men's Wearhouse sometime and you'll see it immediately. Last is durability. With proper care, a good suit, and a good pair of shoes, can last for years, if not generations, making it the more cost-effective buy over time.

There is also more variation to men's shoes than many people might think. Sure, there are the basic black Oxfords and penny loafers, but there is also a wide range of other styles, colors and hides that can suit any professional or social situation. Image consultant Solomon, for instance, recommends a lace-up cap toe with a few embellishments for the office; a "fabulous" slip-on with a clean front for the same; a monk-strap that's slightly more casual for Fridays or at the yacht club on the weekend; and another equally casual cap toe for the same.

As for color, it's two blacks for the office, a burgundy or ox-blood for one of the semi-casuals, and a honey or cognac for the other one. "Stay away from brown, which is just not versatile," adds Solomon, echoing Frank Zappa's classic admonishment: brown shoes don't make it. "Otherwise, if you have great belts to go with your shoes in all these colors, you've increased your wardrobe multifold."

Ralph Lauren Polo Thong

While I'm on the subject of thongs, these from Ralphie are also very cool...same comments apply as to Bruno Magli...these puppies will set you back US$280.00...

Bruno Magli Slide

When the weather turns warm and dry it the perfect time to pull out your dress slides and tan those toes. You cannot just wear any old thong or sandal though, or you risk wasting the time, effort and money spent on your clothing. Chunky sandals will make you look like an old backpacker and rubber thongs scream scrub (ask Beyonce).

Whether it is for a twist on a light suit or with a pair of shorts you will want a sophisticated pair of leather thongs or slides. Pictured above is a beautiful pair from Bruno Magli. They feature a leather footbed in a flat Roman style. The key design feature is the woven leather panel on the outside strap. The overall look is sleek and minimal without looking like it will break.

The house of Bruno Magli is celebrating 70 years in the shoe business. I guess Bruno is old or dead by now, but whoever is designing over there is doing a fine job. Back in 1936 in Bologna, siblings Maria, Marino and Bruno turned their small family laboratory into a shoe factory. They learnt the art of cobbling from their grandfather.

This pair of slides will set you back US$275.00. Don't balk at it though. Surprisingly it can take almost as much effort to make a slide as it does a full pair of shoes. There's just a smaller leather cost.

To check out Vein Wear's slides and thongs visit http://www.veinwear.com

Subfusco Graduation Parade

Here's a couple of pics from the Subfusco Graduation Parade. Seems I have my wires crossed because I just said he dropped out of his course. Oh well. Maybe they gave him an honorary degree due to his success in the market place...

Media Launch @ TCB

Well it's official. If the media knows then everyone knows. Vein Wear will have its own retail store in the Brisbane Valley. We will also be offering customers the exclusive make-to-order Oken range of luxury men's shoes. The Oken range is completely hand cobbled in Australia using uniquely Australian leathers like Emu, Crocodile and Kangaroo. For the ladies we will be offering the exciting Kitty Croquet collection (see http://www.kittycroquet.com).

Congratulations to all the other designers (pictured below):

George Wu for George Wu Gallery. George designs and sews beautifully finished dresses. He really takes a lot of effort to choose luxurious fabrics. The other day he was telling me how he pays more than twice the regular pay rate to garment makers in order to ensure top skills.

Gail Reid for Gail Sorronda. Gail's meteoric and rapid rise in the press is nothing short of impressive. Her simple and elegant designs have been seen in more papers than any other Aussie designer in recent times, and deservedly so. With Sass & Bide's captains rumored to be her mentors, I suspect there will be plenty more magazine spreads to come.

Chelsea de Luca for Chelsea de Luca. Chelsea creates unique jewelry for all occasions. She first packed her bags and sold her collection in London. Now it's her biggest market. Brisbane is fortunate to be home to her very own store. And yay for accessories! ;)

Julie Grbac for Grbac. Juli has more experience in dress making than her youthful appearance would lead you to believe. Her mother's in the business as well. Add her sophisticated feminine style and I think it's a recipe for happy customers. I spoke with Juli the other night and her determination and resolve is inspiring.

John Prikryl for Check Clothing. John's been doing great work at Rodd & Gunn for years. Now he's got the freedom to go completely in his own direction. I worked with John in a couple of parades this year for the Melbourne Fashion Incubator and Mercedes Brisbane Fashion Festival. His clothes have a tailored ambiance mixed with a chic casual direction. Very well done.

Joshua Scacheri for Subfusco. The "Italian stallion", as no one calls him is a terrific new designer. His menswear takes you to the lifestyle you wish you had...passionate, tasteful, flamboyant and relaxed. Josh has really embraced the commercial side of the business after dropping out of his fashion course due to massive real world demand for his gear.

Highway 7 Store Opening

Highway 7 opening:

The building once housed my beloved Louis Vuitton but now after a sexy re-furb, long gone are the acres of monogrammed leather and now the Elizabeth street building is home to Brisbane’s hottest new clothing boutique, Highway 7.
The grand opening of the new store saw a young and super funky crowd, littered with A-listers, rub shoulders and enjoy their usual strut around the modern boutique, taking in all that the trendiest new clothing store in Brisbane City had to offer. ... words of Dean McCarthy.

Pictured, one of the hottest regular performers at fashion parades lately, Phillipe Witana, moonwalks his way around the catwalk in a pair of Vein Wear shoes.

Vein Wear one of TCB's Hot 7

Vein Wear one of TCB's Hot 7

TCB in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley was today announced as the new home to Queensland's hottest designers. Vein Wear was identified by Brisbane's fashion media as one of the country's best local designer labels. In recognition of this, TCB has given the label a free retail concept store to showcase their shoes for 12 months.

Vein Wear will receive 12 months rent, store design, fit-out and PR as part of the initiative from Forwin International (TCB owners). It will be a great opportunity for footwear lovers to experience Vein Wear's complete collection and a source of shoe care and design knowledge. Locals and tourists will be able to have custom fittings for the exclusive Oken range of hand cobbled shoes made in Melbourne from uniquely Australian leathers. And for the ladies, Kitty Croquet's exquisite leather boots will also be showcased.

Forwin's, Mr Ted Tseng, has explained that the venture will cost in excess of $400,000. He's counting on the label to make its mark and take Queensland fashion to the world.

At the announcement today Deputy Mayor David Hincheliffe said, "there are plenty who talk about sponsoring the creative industries, but Forwin don't just talk the talk, they walk the walk. They're putting their money where their mouth is by supporting these young designers."

The other successful designers selected are "Chelsea de Luca" (jewelry); "Check" (menswear by John Prikryl); "Gail Sorronda" (womenswear by Gail Reid); "George Wu Gallery" (womenswear); "Grbac" (women's wear by Juli Grbac); "Subfusco" (menswear by Joshua Scacheri).

Vein Wear & Kitty Croquet Parade Pics

Vein Shoe Parade

footwear parade invite

* the first 40 Insiders through the door will receive a special gift package valued at over $100 upon presentation of invitation with correct sticker

dtae: friday, 6 october

tmie: 9:00pm prompt arrival

vuene: code bar, GPO Brisbane

csot: $6 sobrisbane.com members

$10 non-members

(hint: become a member for free @ sobrisbane.com)

rvsp: frowned upon

ask: vein@veinwear.com

www.veinwear.com

In the exciting world of designer parades, shoes are always the bride's maid...never the bride. And so it has been for Vein Wear and Kitty Croquet doing countless parades with the likes of Always Habit, Hugo Boss, Kenzo, Leopold, Morrissey and Trimapee at Australia's various fashion weeks and fashion festivals.

Until now! Vein and Kitty Croquet will entertain you with the best footwear parade you are likely to see. We are challenging the "accessory" status of shoes in a bold way. It will be different ;)

It's going to be a fun night and I expect to have a drink with you. Bring your cameras and a smile :) No excuses...

It's a Friday night (so the next day is dedicated recovery). It is upstairs at GPO Code Bar, in the Valley, Brisbane. Doors open 9pm and the parade will be seated 9:30-10:00pm.

It is NOT an "invite only" event, so please invite as many friends as you like and spread the word.

For any questions, please contact me on vein@veinwear.com

Sobrisbane BED Parade - Vein Wear

Vein Footwear Parade

Trimapee Gaol Parade

Trimapee pics are still coming. I know, I know...
Sorry for the delay :)

Preview @ Fashion Exposed

Preview @ Fashion Exposed saw the nation's retailers converge to see the best of designer clothing and accessories. Parades were held by Mattino & Van Heusen with shoes provided by Vein Wear. Pics are below :)

Sorry for the delay in posts...

Whoa! So busy. Sorry for the delay in posts, I know it's been a while and there is no excuse. There's a couple great events coming up that you should get along to if you can. Vein will be doing shoes for:

• Red Cordial - Mercedes Brisbane Fashion Festival tonight 8pm at the Hilton Brisbane
• Check Clothing (new designer John Prikryl) - Mercedes Brisbane Fashion Festival tonight 8pm at the Hilton Brisbane
• Fashion Exposed - Preview runway shows at the Melbourne Exhibition Center Sunday 3rd Sept, Monday 4th Sept, Tuesday 5th Sept
• Trimapee - Australian Fashion Week parade in the old Melbourne Gaol Wednesday 6th Sept

Talk soon :)

BED @ GPO Pictures

With a big thanks to SoBrisbane.com BED is a showcase of fashions by Brisbane’s most chic designers and also international talent, held every Wednesday night for the next fourteen weeks at GPO, with last night’s launch being the most vogue party of the year to date.

Over 700 of Brisbane’s ‘It’ boys and girls filled the GPO’s top floor CODE bar, while hundreds of tea light candles set the scene and created a super smooth and sexy atmosphere for the ridiculously good-looking crowd.

With the wickedly hot fashions just as much casing the crowd, as they were on the catwalk, one didn’t know where to look.

Top male models; Luke Faulkner, Daniel Walker and international model Kent Elliot strutted the catwalk in the latest designs from HUGO BOSS (by Male Manor); Dolce & Gabbana eyewear (by Shades) and glided along in the viciously cool VEIN WEAR shoes.

(words by Dean McCarthy)

Register for the Australian Shoe Fair

Attention footwear retail store owners! Come see the Vein Winter 2007 collection at the Australian Shoe Fair in Melbourne. Dates are Sunday 13 August to Tuesday 15 August. Register to visit for free at www.australianshoefair.com ASAP. To preview the Vein collection, visit dev.veinwear.com - call (07) 3357 4558 to get the password.

Visit VeinWear.com

BED @ GPO

A series of very exciting fashion events will be commencing this Wednesday evening at GPO Hotel in Brisbane. Everyone is welcome. See Vein shoes on the runway and have a chance to win a pair of Vein shoes.

Resorting to Prada

Resorting to Prada

I think I've been searching the net for shoes for about 2 hours now and I am at the point of despair. I've been checking out most of the large online shoe retailers that sell a variety of brands. I can't believe how many ugly shoes are for sale. Unbelieveable. There must be a lot of old daggy men buying shoes online because that's all that seems to be available.

It is my goal to find interesting brands and beautiful shoes to feature in this blog. But after searching friutlessly for so long and being so tired after watching a disapointing World Cup Final, I am resorting to Prada. Can't go wrong, right?

Actually there were not too many styles in their collection that were awesome. The stand out for me is this black zip boot. There are a couple of things that caught my attention. I love the asymetrical design. It is probably made that way because they can get more shoes per cow hide by cutting it there on the inside. It is still cool.

I also love the brogue detailing. It caps the toe nicely. The picture isn't the greatest. By looking at the grain of the leather you can tell that it is a high grade, but the color in the shot makes it look drained. In reality it a strong polished jet black.

So there you go. Prada. And a steal at only US$749.00. I saw these at www.styledrops.com.

To see more hot shoes check out www.veinwear.com.

Gordon Rush Corfu Sandal

Gordon Rush Corfu Sandal

Not that there is anything wrong with Haviana's but you can't wear them all the time. In fact you shouldn't wear them any of the time unless it's on the way to the beach or pottering around in the back yard. If you are planning to go anywhere that won't let you in without foot wear and shoes aren't on the menu you will need a great pair of dress slides.

Gordon Rush has provided an excellent example. Wear them with a suit, shorts or DT's (but of course you don't own DT's do you ;) ). I probably wouldn't wear them to a bar or club. You might get past the doorman but it's important to remember that shoes provide a certain level of protection in that kind of environment. A stiletto through the toe while you're wearing slides could leave you with a limp. Not very cool...unless you get a cane and then you're very distinguished.

These slides cost about as much as a pair of shoes and they are worth the coin. Hand made in Italy (the country that robbed Australia of a place in the World Cup quarter finals). The thong design is a platted leather with openwork center detailing. Notice also the metalic rivet highlights. The contoured leather footbed has a smooth rubber inlay for comfort, shock absordtion and traction. The outsole is smooth leather with rubber traction pads as well.

You can pick these fine light steps up for a whisker over US$200.00. Buy them online at www.luxuryshoes.com.--- or nordstrom.com.

For more hot designer shoes visit www.veinwear.com

Via Spiga Detox Boot

Via Spiga Detox Boot

There are a lot of "different" and "unique" shoes around in men's fashion lately. All achieving various degrees of design success. If you are head-down and partying hard it can be easy to forget that simplicity makes a statement as strong and clear as snake skin and pink pastel leather. It's just an alternative message.

So I am putting this shoe forward as part of your regular footwear detox diet. Sparse clean lines devoid of complication. Black calf leather. Leather lined. Cushioned insole. Dress leather outsole. One inch heel. Full length side zip.

Clean out your wardrobe with this boot. Anything you can wear a black shoe with will be enhanced by this boot.

Buy it online for US$234.99 at www.shoes.com.

For more detox shoes visit www.veinwear.com.

Always Habit Winter Launch

Always Habit Winter Launch Always Habit is a Brisbane based fashion retail chain that caters for male style leaders. They launched the winter season with a parade at the Valley's Alhambra Bar. Always Habit stocks Vein shoes in their Valley, Wintergarden and Paddington stores in Brisbane Australia.

To check out these featured shoes online visit www.veinwear.com