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).