Stan Smith for Girls —

We’ve touched on this blog about how sportswear is very relevant on the streets of Paris. But now I’m going to feature a specific pair of “kicks” that have taken over the district of the Marais, as well as the left bank, and beyond.

Stan Smith, a tennis player who was prevalent from the late 1960s to the early 1980s was commissioned to endorse the shoe in 1971.

“The shoe, usually made with a white leather upper and laces, has a simple design. Unlike most Adidas shoes, it does not have the external three stripes. Instead there are three rows of perforations (or punched ventilation holes) on both sides of each shoe’s leather upper in the same pattern that should symbolize the three ordinary stripes. There is sometimes a sketched picture of Stan Smith on the tongue of the shoe. In some sense, the Adidas branding is minimal on the shoe. The design and form of the shoe has basically stayed the same since it was introduced, but several new versions and colorways have appeared during the years.”

The shoe was just recently re-created with slightly altering fabrics for manufacturing in the United States, and are called the “Stan Smith II”, or the Stan Smith “two’s”. Adidas offers multi-dimensional styles for both men and women, and this rings true with this shoe as well.

In fact, I picked up a pair myself!

Street Interview: François

As you walk through Paris on a regular day, you see countless people who are dressed to the nines. Many of these men and women, dressed head to toe, instill not just envy but also awe in their abilities to find beautiful pieces and put them together so well.

As I was walking to school today I saw a man who was wearing:

• A navy button up
• Black pants
• A tan Trench coat
• A maroon beanie
• Carrying a black pouch
• Wearing Adidas Stan Smiths

I stopped this man, François, on the street to ask about his life and fashion and how that impacted his day-to-day life.

Me: Could you tell me what fashion means to you on a personal level?

François: For me fashion is an important form of expression. I work at a retail job and the people that I work with all have very unique styles and fashion senses. My own personal fashion has been developing a lot over the past couple of years, and it means expressing myself and my individuality.

M: Is there any particular aspect of menswear that you find yourself most drawn to?

F: I really enjoy most parts of menswear. I have a special love for bags and shoes. Men’s shoes are my favorite way to spin an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary.

M: I notice that you are wearing Adidas Stan Smith shoes! Those have become fairly trendy here, right?

F: They definitely have become popular in the fashionable community. It’s frustrating because I’ve had them for such a long time, and many people would guess that I only have them because of their popularity. But I think that these shoes especially are fun and sporty but incredibly reliable. I’ve had them for years and they haven’t given out yet.

*François didn’t want his picture to be taken*

Billy Reid Interview

I have a friend who was working as an intern under Billy Reid’s creative director in New York City, and was recently promoted as head of Social Media and Communications for the brand as a whole.

Billy Reid is an American designer, who started in the deep south of Florence, Alabama, and is known for making classic styles in high quality fabrics. He has grown in consistency, as well as reputation, and his outerwear and shoes for men is where he is most credible.

Because Claire is a close friend, and because we frequently have creative conversation, we “back and forth” on the brand and her thoughts since she’s had an inside into the brand as a whole.

I transcribed some of her statements specific to my concentration here:

>> Billy always says « if anything, be cool. » Billy’s designs began in Florence, AL and were pigeon joked as a Southern. After years of success within that realm of fashion, he’s really looking to elevate and move beyond it. We’re going to be a part of Pitti this year, in Italy, which will be massive for us, in a European sense.

Billy’s clothes are largely made in America – it’s something both he and our customer care a lot about. There’s a pride there and also a control over the quality of his clothes and emphasis on the way his employees and workers are treated.

When it comes to how he represents European fashion that’s tough bc he focuses so much on made in America BUT our shoes are made 100% in Italy.

Libby, Billy’s Creative Director recently went to that shop and talked with the makers of our shoes and the whole process. It’s grandfathered in process and they make them all in this tiny little house in the city.

His shoe designs are very, very classic. He has done many partnerships with shoes but his actual designs are my favorite and play a huge part in elevating his collections – since they are most often built for wear and comfort and layering. But his boots, loafers, and monks make his outfits different. I think that could be a tie to European fashion. Not only that it’s made there, but his clothes are basic, staples that are built entirely about fit and to last, and that the shoes make the outfit. <<

Find more information and images on Billy Reid, here:

http://journal.billyreid.com

On the RUNway — Sam Smith

Two weeks ago, musicians and celebrities from around the world put on their best suits and gowns for the American Music Awards in Los Angeles.

There were so many notable celebrities who made the best dressed list, including Fergie, Taylor Swift and Zendaya to name a few.

However, these ladies were not the only ones to catch our attention. As we looked back at the pictures from that night, one British celebrity in particular caught our attention — Sam Smith

Sam Smith has been in the public’s attention with his feature on Disclosure’s single « Latch. »

In June of 2013 he released a seven-song EP, and in July of this year he released his debut LP.

On Sunday he stepped onto the red carpet in this get up:

His black chunk monk shoes immediately made us stop and want to share. Along with his perfectly tailored suit, this look is simple, clean, and modern.

Interview @ BPCM London

When I was in London about a month ago, I scheduled a meeting with two employees of the corporation I had the opportunity to intern with at the New York branch in the summer of 2013. BPCM is a global Fashion PR firm, with offices in Manhattan, Los Angeles, and London. With retail clients ranging from low to high construct, as well as luxury hospitality and beauty partners, the agency is versatile and thorough.

Me: How does BPCM London compare to BPCM New York, especially in parameters to Menswear?

Senior Account Executive: BPCM New York is the flagship office, so other than being larger and and more centralized to the partners, Carrie and Vanessa, our vision in London is more concentrated to our culture and brand names. For menswear, our brand listing is focused to European clients, as well as international names that we collaborate with at the office in New York.

Me: Your executives work alongside New York teams with Aldo, right?

SAE: Yes! That is a great example of our cross-clientele. Because Aldo is a global company, and equally relevant in the United States as so in the EU, we tag-team on brand strategy and event planning, as well as ground-based public relations.

Me: Since my time in Paris, I have realized the relevance of Menswear in Europe in comparison to the United States. Why do you think this is?

SAE: I think that Fashion is just viewed very differently in the States than in highly-metropolitan, European cities. There is a greater pairing between function and design that you get in the states, but it’s just not as heavily influxed, and still holds relevance in the United States. It’s all about demand and reason, and we try and tap into cultural-specific need and feed our audiences relevance through the brands that we represent.

B’s Choice: Boots for Travel

It’s hard to believe that these four months abroad are actually coming to an end. After the build up and all of this planning finally coming to fruition, the end is actually near.

This isn’t to say that in many ways I’m not looking forward to a Christmas vacation back in Tennessee. Mamie and I have both talked many, many times about how good it will be to actually see friends and family during the end of 2014.

However, before that time comes, we are going to make the most of these 13 days left in Paris! There are still so many things to see and do! One of those things includes finding a good, sturdy pair of shoes that will be comfortable for the long and extensive day of traveling that will be coming towards us on December 20th.

While walking around St. Paul, we happened to stumble up a small store with different brands of men’s shoes. These different boot in particular caught our attention:

 

These boots all are good for a day of traveling for one specific reason: easy to take off and put back on in security lines. Available in suede and leather they will be shoes that can be worn during travel but many times after as well. Another reason we chose boots rather than sneakers or plain walking shoes is that it’s winter, and you’re going to want warm feet and ankles!

Bryce

COLD WEATHER SHOES

WARNING: Paris is cooling down, and quick. We had a false alarm about winter coming a couple of weeks ago, and then France decided it wanted one last heat wave.

BUT it’s November, and autumn is actually here. We’ve talked a few times on this blog about different shoes that are important to have out and about, but we’ve never mentioned another important shoe that people need:

~*~slippers~*~

 

There are few things better than wools slip-ons with a cute pattern on them. Even better they are burgundy, a great color for the fall.

This pair of Fairisle patterned Mules are from next, a British company. Not only are they available in burgundy, but they are also available in the navy-colored pattern, and other solid colors.

On cold Parisian days, nothing is better than a great pair of slippers; these are our favorite pair right now.

Monk Shoes November (B’s Choice)

Picture from Zara.com

NOVEMBER. Cold weather, festive occasions (in America) and a transition into cold weather shoes. In looking for a pair of shoes that would be appropriate for a November in Paris, I stumbled upon these patent leather black Monk shoes from Zara.

I’ve always loved monk shoes. This style of shoe is characterized by a flap over where the tongue would normally be. This flap is then held in black by two buckles that attach to the outside of each foot. Personally, I don’t have a pair of monk shoes; I never have felt classy enough to own a pair, but I’m hoping to get a pair of monk shoes for my next pair of dress shoes.

I think this particular pair of monk shoes is perfect for November because of the many different outfits they can be worn with. Whether with a suit, a nice pair of trousers, or even a well-tailored pair of pants.

The patent leather elevates these shoes beyond the normal pair of monk shoes! Here’s to looking spiffy and fly in Paris this November.

-B

Hunter Wellies

Paris in the fall. It may be my first, but I have experienced more rain that I know what to do with.

While I love my suede Clark chukkas, they aren’t the most practical shoes to wear in the rain. Especially because they are so worn that water seeps through the sole.

I started doing some research on men’s rain boots to see what was out there. Naturally Google led me to the infamous Hunter Ltd. website.

I know many girls who wear rain boots regularly. For some reason, this trend is less popular among men. I’ve never understood why; it’s not like having dry shoes is an absurd thing to want.

As I was looking on the Hunter website I found several options for potential rain boots for this fall. The most recognizable pair from Hunter is undoubtedly the green Wellies.

Wellington boots were popularized by the Duke of Wellington, and were originally used in hunting and and outdoor wear during the early 19th century.

They started being made out of rubber, and they have become a fashion staple, being worn by celebrities around the world.

In looking at Hunter’s website, I have my own pair of ‘Wellies’ that I hope to purchase at some point:

The shorter version of the Wellington boots is more understated than the tall boots. I need to get my hands on a pair, ASAP.

-B

adidas stan smith Trends

All trends go in waves; it’s the nature of fashion and of life. This is especially evident in shoe trends. A couple years ago white high top Chucks were all the rage in Europe. That trend eventually moved to Europe as well.

Next, Europeans started wearing the black Nikes that we’ve talked about in recent posts. These are still seen quite frequently around Europe, and their presence is increasing rapidly in the States.

Now that Mamie and I are at the two month mark, we’ve seen diverse groups of people in arrondissements around Paris. And we’ve noticed another new shoe trend that is popping up left and right:

adidas stan smith shoes!

These sneakers were first released by Adidas in the 1970s as a tennis shoe. They were quite unique during their time because they didn’t feature the signature three stripes that are normally seen on Adidas products.

By 1988 adidas stan smith’s had sold 22 million pairs and were listed in the Guiness Book of World Records, and by 2008 30 million pairs had been sold in total.

But this year, adidas relaunched the stan smith sneakers, offering customers the ability of customization. Most frequently around Paris we have seen men wearing the traditional white with green accents. However, it is not rare to see white with black or red accents!

It’s clear that these shoes are becoming all the rage among younger men on the streets. They’re cool and sporty; they can add edge to any sort of outfit. Buy a pair now in order to get ahead of the masses, and you won’t be sorry!