Man Fashion: Car Shoe's Summer 2010 Collection

Let's face it. Those sleek lace up Oxfords might be great for the office, but step out of air conditioned comforts and they are as comfortable as straitjackets. Summer weather calls for alternate footwear after hours and clued in fashionistos know that a good pair of driving shoes is the best bet for both style and comfort.

Yes!! As we had shared with you all before, Car Shoe's designs are arguably the most copied in the world as evident by the proliferation of similar designs even among prominent footwear brands. Gianni's revolutionary design earned a patent and also the adulation from the likes of Gianni Agnelli, John F. Kennedy and Roberto Rossellini. More importantly, thanks to the versatility of his design, the shoes have evolved from being mere driving companions to smart casual staples today.

By the way, if you been to the store, you will not be alien to their bespoke service, which employs an innovative computerized system to offer mindboggling customizable options for its sporty CS trainers. Everything from materials, color, lettered or numbered monograms can be personalized on a computer. A touch screen with 3D renderings of the shoe helps collect and store custom changes, and you know what, the custom piece can be ready in four weeks.

Man Fashion: Handmade Footwear from Hungary

Built for a discriminating consumer by the world’s foremost artisans,

Ildikó Gál represents the very best in bespoke footwear for men. The first collection of men’s handmade dress shoes, all constructed by third generation Hungarian shoemakers, debuts in America this month.



Towards that end, Ildikó Gál has opened a showroom in New York at 501 Fifth Avenue. Ildikó Gál (www.IldikoGal.com) is an emerging lifestyle brand that combines modern technology with Old World craftsmanship to produce luxurious products of unsurpassed quality. Hungarian shoe artisans have perfected their craft over hundreds of years.

In spite of modern techniques and the changing world around them these craftsmen remain true to this special art form, one that has been handed down through generations. Not only have their methods remained unchanged but so too have the habitats where they live and work. From small towns and villages in rural Hungary, these shoemakers produce stunning, handcrafted footwear much like their fathers and grandfathers before them. Now, Ildikó Gál marries that magnificent tradition with the discerning taste of a modern, 21st century palette and is able to make them available to a discerning clientele here in the US.

Constructing a perfect shoe starts with a state-of-the-art scanner that measure each foot from all angles. The foot scan data is instantly transmitted to the last makers, who create lasts that reflect a customer's unique feet. Once scanned the data remains in the system so that custom lasts can be made for any future style.

The shoe design is executed completely by hand using traditional methods and the finest skins.



Each pair of bespoke footwear is delivered in a custom fitted wooden box, with custom made shoe trees, silk shoe bags and special polishes.



A mere six weeks after placing an order, a customer receives his signature Ildiko Gál handmade shoes. Priced competitively (retail starting about $2,500) when compared to the best handmade shoes in the world, Ildikó Gál footwear is made to last. The brand is designed to be sold in leading couture fashion retail stores as well as through its New York-based showroom location.



All finished footwear is stamped with the artisan’s signature and each pair is unique, a true work of art.



You can join Ildiko Gál's Facebook fan page at http://Facebook.com/ildikogal

Men Fashion: 5 Most Expensive Men Shoes

In a time when most large shoe brands, such as Timberland, Nike, Reabok have outsourced their labor, a handful of boutique shoe craftsmen have remain committed to the quality and care of an expert touch. While some may opt for a $20 pair of mass produced shoes at Target, there are others who appreciate the work of a true craftsman. When it comes to the craft of shoe making, the following 5 are some of the finest ever made– and also the most expensive. In a celebration of the historic craft of shoe making, here are 5 of the most expensive men’s shoes in the world.  



Berluti Rapiécés Reprisés ($1,830) Founded in the year 1895, Bertuli’s shoes are produced in a bevy of colors and fit the natural footline. Supple leather just make make your feet go “ah!” if you can swing the price tag.  



New & Lingwood’s Russian Calf Shoes ($1,550) This circa-1865 label makes shoes from Reindeer leather have have been “cured in baths of rye, oat flour and yeast, hand-finished and soaked in wood liquor,” according to Forbes. Sounds gross? Only until you cast your eyes on these glossy, well-crafted beauties.

 

A. Testoni Norvegese ($1,500) Extremely lightweight and elegant shoes can be hard to come by, even when you are paying top dollar. A. Testoni Norvegese’s shoes are both ultralight and very sleek, so you could run to catch that train if necessary. Or at least know that you could.  



John Lobb 2005 Shoes ($1,280) Slick, smooth, and hard to replace, John Lobb’s shoes have an unusually streamlined shape and well thought-out color combinations. In this case, mahogany and ebony join together with the trimmest of laces.  



Tanino Crisci’s Lilian Shoes ($1,250) People might not know that these shoes were as expensive as they were– they won’t stand out in a crowd– but your suits and your toes will thank you. Supremely classic design is a perfect “10.” So do you think you will spend this amount of money for a pair of shoe? Do share your opinion with Man Fashion's readers.



Source: Stylecrave.com

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Technorati Tags: Man Fashion, Men Designers Shoes, Men Dress Shoes, Man Fashion Dress Shoes

Man Fashion: Dress Shoe of the Day

Hugo Boss Levi 50127355 (Men's) - Black Leather



This classic loafer features a leather upper and metal ornamentation for a sophisticated look. Features leather linings and outsole and is lightly padded for comfort.
It's good both with office look and weekend looks on (Jeans and blazer or jacket) Metropolitan look if I may say.
Wears this shoe: To dance, work, casual etc

Man Fashion: Dress Shoe of the Day

Kenneth Cole New York Deal Me N for Men's - Black Leather


This leather slip-on features a modern style ideal for today's business man.
Available Colors: Taupe Leather, White Leather, Black Leather.

Man Dress Shoes: Back to Basics

If you are a businessman or someone who has to wear dress shoes in your place of employment it is necessary to have at least a couple of pairs of quality footwear. Like women, men are more and more concern about their choice of dress shoes and tend to find the right pair of shoes. So before you decide your pair of shoes, let go back to basic.

I think the great bulk of dress, or "business" shoes fit snugly into two broad categories.

Oxfords

Oxfords are any lace-up men's dress shoes that don't rise above the ankle. Of course, within the Oxford category, there are many varieties, both structural and stylistic.


Open-laced (Bluchers) oxfords have the sides of the shoe sewn on top of the front part. When laced, the shoe looks like it's built out in segments. Front, top, side, back, etc.


Close-laced (Balmorals) oxfords are drawn together by laces sewn under the front part of the shoe and then closed over its tongue. The result is a shoe that looks as if it's made from one piece of leather.

Some oxfords have a separate piece of leather on the shoe's toe (also known as a "cap toe"). This leather may be plain or decorated with brogueing (leather embroidery).

"Saddle" oxfords have a saddle-shaped piece of leather of a different color, or leather type, over the shoe's instep.

"Kilties" are oxfords with a tongue of fringed leather that is draped over the instep to cover the shoe's laces and eyelets.

The "wingtip" is arguably the most common of all oxfords. This footwear features toe brogueing that resembles a bird with its wings spread.

When it comes to your oxfords, never settle for anything less than genuine leather. And no matter the structural design or the style of the leather finish, when worn in black, all oxford styles match with business suits.

Black, leather, close-laced oxfords, however, are the more formal dress shoe. They work especially well with pinstriped suits and double-breasted suits. If brown, they can be worn with tweed suits and sport jackets.

When worn in brown or oxblood, open-laced oxfords match with everything from jeans and khakis, to light suits and sports coats.

Loafers (Slip-On)

All loafers are marked by a low-cut, a broad, moccasin-type top, and a wide, flat heel.

As with oxfords, there are several varieties of loafer: penny loafer, moccasin, monk strap (buckle), tassel, etc.

Unlike oxfords, however, loafers don't automatically look good on all men.
Younger men might want to approach brown monk straps with caution, as those are more common among middle-aged guys. That said, a black monk strap looks quite good on the dance floor.

The classic Gucci or Prada moccasin-style loafer has been worn by business professionals for a while now, but it also looks good with jeans for a night out clubbing. Many young fashion mavens consider these dress shoes a basic necessity.

Penny loafers are casual, and perfect for khaki-and-blazer outfits. Although originally a favorite among younger demographics, they're now largely the province of older men.

Penny loafers and suede moccasins, however, are the only "dress" shoes that can successfully be worn with shorts and a polo shirt.

Lastly, here are some tips for buying, wearing, and caring for 2009 dress shoes:-

• Protect your dressier shoes from rain/mud/snow by wearing overshoes (rubber protectors).
• Invest in shoe trees.
• Black shoes go with black, gray and navy clothes.
• Brown shoes go with earth tones.
• Burgundy (oxblood) shoes go with just about all men's colors.

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Technorati Tags: Man Fashion, Man Dress Shoes, Oxfords Dress Shoes, Loafers Dress Shoes, Man Business Shoes

Men Dates: What Shoes Have to Say about Men?

Guys, just wanna share something interesting with you today. I came across an interesting article on shoes, ie. How Men shoes Really Tell about His True Love Potential by Donna Sozio. She commented that the shoes a man wears and the way that he treats them are fail-safe indicators of not only his romantic personality, but also how he'll treat his woman. For some insight into what your shoes say about your true character and relationship style, check out Sozio's guide below:

 

If you're wearing alligator loafers… What would you naturally do if an alligator came towards you when you were on a date? Take that response and apply it to how you should approach this guy, says Sozio. "Alligators are opportunistic eaters; they crouch down until their victim isn't looking, and then they pounce, and so will a guy wearing alligator shoes," she warns. These guys are dangerous, so pay attention when you're with them, Sozio recommends. "Be on high alert around these guys," she advises. "Because they tend to be sneaky and secretive."



If you're wearing hiking boots… Sozio says that a man who wears Timberland hiking boots on a date when dinner — not an outdoorsy activity — is the type of person who wants to feel like he could be on a mountain in eight seconds if he wanted to, regardless of where he was. "This guy is someone who is impulsively adventurous, so he's looking for a woman who won't make him feel restrained," she explains. "As long as you don't make him feel tied down, he will be a loyal partner."



If you're wearing high-end designer shoes… Guys who sport this season's Gucci driving moccasins and Prada boots may very well be what Sozio calls "collectors." "This type of guy not only collects name-brand shoes, but also name-brand, 'trophy'-esque women, too," she explains. Because these men likely see women as boast-worthy accessories and not real people, Sozio notes that they most likely won't spend the time or effort required for nurturing a relationship.  



If you're wearing men's sandals… Unless you live by the beach, Sozio remarks that a man who wears men's sandals — commonly referred to as "mandals" — is confused. "This guy is caught somewhere between being Mr. Laid-back Surfer Dude and Mr. Corporate America," she explains. "He wants to be open and free, but doesn't quite know how to do so." In many ways, this man is not where he wants to be, she says, so be careful of becoming his transitional or in-between girlfriend.



If you're wearing trendy sneakers… A man who rocks a colorful pair of Adidas is someone who prides himself on being well put-together, urban and cool, says Sozio. "Even if he pairs these sneakers with a blazer, this guy wants you to know he likes to keep things casual," she asserts. This man is a creative, independent thinker, which Sozio cautions may mean that he will be hard to pin down. "If you're interested in impressing this guy, create an atmosphere where he can be in a relationship with you, yet feel independent at the same time," she advises.  



If you're wearing suede bucks… When evaluating a man wearing these preppy classics, you must first consider his age. "These are 'old man' shoes," explains Sozio. "If a young guy is wearing them, it likely indicates that he's sort of an old guy at heart; he'll be somewhat conservative and perhaps a little stodgy, never deviating from what traditional society wants him to do." If he's an older man donning these reliable mainstays, however, this could be a simple sign that's he's a solid, dependable man who would make a loyal partner.



If you're wearing a worn-out pair of sneakers… A guy who shows up for a date wearing a disheveled pair of sneakers shows no respect for himself or you, Sozio says. "You have to wonder how a guy who doesn't care enough to present himself well at a first meeting will treat you as you continue to get to know him," she cautions. "Don't think this guy is simply trying to be casually cool—casually cool can come in the form of spiffy, well-maintained athletic shoes," she notes. "A man who picks you up wearing ratty footwear isn't interested in showing you his best or the respect you deserve." So you guys need to take note of this "serious" comment.

Top Pick Man Dress Shoes for Spring/Summer 2009

Man business attire from the head down to the foot must fit comfortably, and you should remain comfortable throughout the work day. A pair of well-made man dress shoes can make or break to you and it is also important to have different pairs for different occasions.

Therefore, a comfortable dress shoe has to be a top priority for man. Because once man dress shoe purchases, it consider are final, it is important to know before hand what features, fashion in man dress shoes bring the most style and comfort to you.

So today, I would like to recommend my top pick of man designer dress shoes for Spring/Summer 2009.

1. Louis Vuitton's Men Alligator Shoes


2. Gucci Penny Shoes


3. Ermenegildo Zegna Black Buckle Shoes


4. Hermes Derby in Antique Calfskin


5. Cole Haan Lucarno Penny Shoes
6. Tod's Black Leather with side Buckle

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Technorati Tags: Man Fashion, Man Fashion Tips, Man Dress Shoes