kids on the street

Deep Red

Deep red (not the horror film by Dario Argento although wearing a 12cm heel all day...), an elegant luxury with half a golden heel and gold lining.  Delicate pattern and sophisticated curves.  For real collectors of shoe beauty and craftmanship.

  

While drinking a coffee and eating cake made from rice flour at a hip little joint just off Corso Buenos Aires the charming and chatty proprieter eagar to talk about the future of the Italian accessory industry, assured me of the emergence of high craft manufacture (the re-birth of the artisan).  Going back to traditions of high quality, lower production and calling upon the older generation to pass on knowledge that nearly has been forgotten.  Usually tempted to take the advice of the taxi driver or hairdresser as gospel seeing as though these folks could take charge of any dire situation, economics, world crisis, how to make the best Ragu etc.  I sat there and listened to his philosphies (also cornered and not able to hide or politely excuse myself) it immediately took me back to what I call the golden era of Italian fashion and music the mid 1950s-60s and 70s (no  I did not time travel back there, I can't prove my theory, I do not own a magical crystal).  What a wonderful renaissance that would be, new thoughts, new processes, having an open mind, keeping alive tradition, saying let's try to make that crazy design instead of no it can't be done and I can't be bothered trying to figure it out.  Sounds rather bitterly optimistic...And all that for one pair of red velvet pumps.    

I propose a toast, to The Future! 

Industrial strength

A tough man's shoe.  It can kick you in the pants and make you cry and still look good with jeans...And now for some lumberjack forest man music, makes me wanna chop a tree.

 

Wooden Docs

Dr Martin's - a shoe brand that will never die out.  The 90s one wore the flavour, cherry-red or the  standard licorice black 8'' boots.  Now due to the creative minds at play and new technologies that help with pattern and texture we have arrived at the wooden Doc.  Tis true the angry fashion of 90s grunge which reflect the uncertanty and the disillusionment of the youths at the time (just watch an episode of the beloved Daria) mixed in with Steve Erkel dorkyness that now the nebulous hipster kids have adopted with great gusto including non-functional glasses and a fascination of mustache paraphernalia is in full force.

Wooden Docs - Eh, why not?

Style Icon: Auntie Mame

Style Icon - The character Auntie Mame played by the quick, humorous and talented Rosalind Russell screams divinity.  This 1958 filmed production based on the novel by Patrick Dennis can lay it's success not only on the great acting ability of Roz but also with the extravagant and eccentric costumes designed by Australia's Orry Kelly.  Fabulous, Darling!

Two Young Ladies

Two shy young thoughtfully dressed ladies wait patiently in the cold.  Arms crossed as to ease the shivers of a rather chilled February afternoon.  Hair impeccably coiffeured and lips contoured. The outfits inspired from another age, another time, another manner.  A rather English vintage look that probably is best described as Vivenne Westwood-ish with it's tailoring, mix of textures and pattern and a hint of fox hunting.

It's been a year

To celebrate a very inspiring camp classic 'Mommie Dearest'.  I think we should all try to fit it into our day...I know at least I will try to and at the most improper moment to.  Hehehehe

All together now - 'Don't fuck with me fellas.  This ain't my first time at the rodeo'

Wintergreen

Wintergreen.  You know, the specialists say that green shoes don't sell...case closed!  Ok, so maybe they don't as well as the all time favourite, 'mournful black' but one can not deny that they cease to be acquired.  I sport evidence Sherlock!  One who owns a pair of green, has I think, a rather optimistic outlook.  I mean it's not everyday that one can wear such a colour with every outfit.  It takes a rather confident chap or lass to habit such a peculiarity.  The refined eye can make it an elegant 'must have' piece in the wardrobe especially if the likes of Mr. Louboutin has added it to his collection or deemed so.  While others like moi, take it to the ends of trashville wear it with a sequined bolero and yell Ole!  Until it is as dead as a trampled salesgirl at a 75% off vintage Dior sale...Now, that's squashed.

Cool croctastic!

Kony 2012

Sacrifice.

Please watch video on link provided.

Kony 2012

Sometimes you have to do, as you believe.  Watch, listen, act.

Standing proudly

Standing proudly in his white duffle coat.  Crisp, clean, perfect.  Yes, good lad.

The key is?

Key chain necklace another way to port them around and open doors.  It may be of a personal collection?