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

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!

Roganel + Doc Martens!

Every day as I walk to class I take Rue des Archives. I pass a store called Roganel each day, and its window displays always catch my eyes. With well-known English brands and trendy mannequins, I can’t help but be drawn to this local Marais store.

In particular I found myself stopping and looking more in depth at a display of shoes.

The crate displaying Doc Martens was my absolute favorite. With fall finally arriving, sturdy boots are of the utmost importance. With their thick soles and well-treated leather, Doc Martens are perfect for cool weather; they can stand up to rain or snow, and are thick enough for wind.

The pair of cognac leather boots in Roganel’s window are at the top of my must-have list. They would match black, indigo or light-wash denim.

I can’t wait to spend an afternoon exploring Roganel’s more, and getting lost in their shoes, apparel and accessories.

– B

 

M’s Choice

Republique is an excellent subway stop if you’re looking for authentic, privately owned Parisian retailers, thrift stores and small name labels. Last Friday I spent the morning wandering the small streets, especially keeping my eye out for men’s shops.

This was not a difficult task as I passed one after another! All ranging from suiting, footwear, high scale thrift, etc.

I am a person drawn to aesthetics above all else, especially when I’m trying to whittle down from a list of options. With only an hour left before I needed to walk back to the Marais, I stumbled into a shop called Monsieur Lacenaire. While there were only a few pair of shoes being featured, the vision of the retailer was so precise. Navy block print walls and an old bike hanging up gave it a feel of specified minimalism. The colors presented in the fabrics were golden yellows, true red, navy, and deeper woodsy browns and greens.

What I especially enjoyed was the attitude of high quality, low consumption, seeing as the camel colored boots could be worn with almost all of the articles.

I got to talking to the man, and as there was a little bit of a language barrier, he gave me a card with the intention of returning. I look forward to learning more about the company!

– M

Paris is a minimalistic city when it comes to shades, but if anyone flashes color, it’s men with their footwear. I’ve noticed quite the array of patterns or bright hues in the Marais, usually from the ankle down. What better way to make a grey or navy suit your own than with a pair of red sports shoes or dotted socks? My friend Sam seems to agree, but his differentiation comes in the form of a loafer made by Walk-over, an American made shoe company that’s been around since 1758.

Sam in said loafers

– M

Hyperlink: http://www.walkover.com

Black Chelsea Boots (B’s Choice):

 

Black is the color for Paris. In our Mass Media & the Fashion Industry class, Mamie and I have learned about le parisian and la parisienne. They exude an effortless confidence, and are smart and sexy. They are typically thought to be wearing all black.

In preparation for a semester in Paris, I knew I would have to add more black to my wardrobe. The first place to start is with black Chelsea boots.

As a college student on a budget, I had to check inexpensive places first.

H&M

Zara

Black leather Chelsea boots are perfect for autumn/winter. There is only a matter of time until it is boot weather, and it’s imperative to get a pair of these before it’s too late.

I’m personally leaning towards the shoes from Zara. They’re real leather, unlike the pair from H&M, and hopefully would last longer.

The H&M pair is definitely more economical, however.

Either pair will make your Fall 2014 wardrobe sleek and cool.

-B