Special thanks to:
Damien Van Der Vlist (Photography)
Chris Stewart (Styling, Hair, Makeup)
Szuting McCallum (Co-ordinator)
Vanessa Hoe (Clothing)
Joshua Scacheri (Clothing)
Phillipe (Model)
Jess (Model)
Too Tom's
While I was on the subject of eco-friendly and socially responsible shoes I thought I'd mention the brand Tom's Shoes. The concept behind TOMS is that for every shoe you buy, they will give a pair of TOMS shoes to a needy child in Argentina.
At first glance I thought, what a great idea. But something just doesn't sit right. It's always hard to criticise someone doing charity work. Please hear me through...
From the website and 'tear-jerking' video it seems like the whole basis of the label is to be a charitable one. It really feels like the money you spend on the shoes goes to help needy kids. The idea being that you can accept paying US$38 for a crappy looking shoe that costs about US$4 to make, because you are doing a great thing for society.
What is really happening though? You spend $38 and feel warm and fuzzy. TOMS gives a child a pair of shoes that cost $4 and pockets $30 profit.
Firstly I think the impoverished children depicted in the video could better use food and medicine rather than a pair of shoes. Secondly I think companies that flash around their charitable exploits as marketing material are using a crass ploy. In the case of TOMS it really looks like a diversion.
The question is, would as many people buy a pair of cheap and flimsy shoes for US$38 if TOMS quietly donated $4 to a professional aid organisation? My guess is no. Would the unfortunate children receive a more meaningful benefit? I suspect so.
What do you think?
Terra Plana Old Street
Welcome to the new regime. A world filled with manufacturers that listen to a conscious. One such manufacturer is Terra Plana (TP) and they are my new favourite footwear label.
TP espouses eco-friendly and socially responsible designer footwear. The designs are mostly casual in nature. You can see yourself wearing them while sipping on Kopi Luwak from a company that preserves the natural habitat of the Palm Civit.
This model is called Old Street and you can do the world a favour by purchasing it for US$180.00. You can check out the whole range at http://www.terraplana.com.
But what does eco-friendly really mean for this shoe? Well, it uses a side-stitching construction and therefore requires minimum glue to keep it together. Some of the materials used to make the shoe have been recycled. It could be anything the stitching to the rubber soles. The materials sourced for the shoes are from local suppliers which cuts down on transportation emissions and energy consumption. The shoes are particularly light, so they use less energy when shipping directly to your feet.
The boots pictured above are part of the Vivo Barefoot collection that sports a Kevlar protected, paper-thin flexible sole. Why? I'll tell you in another post. You'll be hearing more about Terra Plana!
Mariano Step-up Volley
It is a tall order to beat the classic Dunlop Volley for comfort and durability. Some, like my friend Chippers, would even say they are hard pressed to find a better looking shoe. For him, on a comfort, durability, versatility, aesthetic and economic scale the Volley represents the ultimate in footwear. On most counts I totally agree. All except the visual appeal.
In many regards the history of the Volley does command kudos. Since 1939 when they cost your average strapper 25 shillings, over 20 million pairs have been sold in Australia alone. It really deserves its own blog.
I seem to have been distracted. The point of mentioning the Volley was merely to contrast its waning visual appeal to a great alternative...the Mariano's Trekker pictured above. These are a beautiful casual shoe made from white suede and leather. The sleek profile and uncluttered lines are relaxing on the eye. And that's what you should be doing when you're wearing them. Relaxing.
Product Information ‧ Material Leather and Suede ‧ Color White ‧ Heel height 0.67" 1.7 cm ‧ Heel type Rubber ‧ Sole Rubber ‧ Lining Genuine Leather ‧ Closure Lace-up ‧ Weight gr 800
These shoes were made in Italy, not that that really matters if they're made poorly. They will cost you about AU$400.00...or 14 pairs of Volleys ;)
Kinky Boots
So football (soccer) players aren't exactly renowned for their raw masculinity, at least in comparison to rugby players and boxers. I am, regardless, a huge football fan. I was therefore of mixed feelings when I heard about Prior 2 Lever's recent project. It involves bespoke football boots sporting pretty pink flowers. Possibly pansies.
On the one hand, sweet art by Elefant incorporated in molded soles is sensational. On the other, it does little for the brutish respect the sport is struggling to achieve Down Under. Possibly leave these designs for fashion footwear.
You can't buy these babies yet Zidane, they're not in commercial production. They have been shown in an art gallery though...ahem.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
