Summer 2018 Sport Shoes
Hello Gents,
Summer is rapidly approaching in all its splendor so it is time for Es Mode guys to start contemplating their summer accessories. We invite you to put your manicured feet forward in some beautiful, well-crafted sneakers to make your moves in.
BERLUTI
Berluti is a name that defines style, beauty and uncompromising taste. Berluti was founded in 1895 and has a storied history of creating bespoke shoes for discerning men around the world. They have taken the art of shoemaking to the next level. Want to tattoo your shoe or have a particular color in mind? Berluti will make your vision a reality. I have been obsessing over Berluti for over 15 years so I would like to share this brand with you.
It was tough to choose just one pair of sneaker from Berluti to add to the summer list but we must!
The Playtime Palermo Leather Sneaker is a well-crafted masterpiece. It is made from one piece of Venezia calf leather; has hand sewn stop stiches on the upper; metal eyelets; diamond-shape perforations; Scritto detailing on the sole and contrasting color laces. It is priced at $1,540 and will make an impressive statement.
Please visit a Berluti Maison near you or their website www.berluti.com
KOIO (Koy-oh)
KOIO hand makes all their sneakers in the Marche region of Italy. They first came on our radar through their collaboration with Game of Thrones’ Rep the Realm series.
Koio designs some the sexiest sneakers on the market. The price-point does not reflect the craftsmanship, attention to detail and quality of the raw products used to create such works of art.
The low-top Capri Bianco is super sexy. Constructed of Vitello* leather and camoscio suede, it is lined with soft Italian calf leather, outfitted with Margom sole and finished with hand-painted edges. It is priced at a moderate $248. *Elegant calfskin with a fine natural grain and a rich hand and luster. It is exceptionally soft with a light protective, semi-bright topcoat.
In the high-top category, my obsession is the Primo Nero Camo. Unfortunately, it is practically out of stock but I think it should become a staple in Koio collection. A compelling alternative to the Nero Camo is the Primo Marsala. Constructed of Italian pebble-grain leather, it is tumbled and buffed to a beautiful finish. The Marsala is lined with soft calf leather; accented with calfskin suede; outfitted with durable, lightweight rubber sole and finished with hand-painted edges. It is priced at $298.
Please visit a Koio Boutique near you or online at www.koio.com
J.M. WESTON
J.M. Weston is another storied French luxury shoe company that has been around since 1891. They are renowned for their handmade shoes for men. I was introduced to this brand in the late 1990’s by a French Actor and have been a fan since.
The Sneaker Roland-Garros is limited edition, made specifically for the fashion forward man. It is available in blue or white soft calfskin with orange details. The ocher color of the clay combined with white and blue gives this basketball model a sporty and chic look. The insole is designed to match the foot's anatomy, with reinforced comfort given by a cork under-sole and raised buttress. It is priced at $695.
You can view the Roland-Garros online at www.jmweston.com, however, purchases can only be made at J.M. Weston Boutiques.
J.M. Weston
600 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022
212-535-2100
SAINT LAURENT
There are many awesome choices from this brand but a decision had to be made. The Bedford mid-top sneaker in white used leather is understated and best suited to the sophisticated Es Mode guys. It is embossed with the Saint Laurent Patch on the sides and is priced at $695.
Saint Laurent’s Signature Court Sneaker either in white 100% calfskin leather or Distressed Canvas and Leather will look amazing, whether you are in Saint Tropez or Mykonos this summer. They have rubber sole and the sides are embossed with the Saint Laurent signature. They are priced at $595.
Both Sneakers are available at www.ysl.com or kindly visit a Saint Laurent Boutique near you.
MAISON MARGIELA
Margiela’s Mid-Top Sneaker is very distinctive which is in line with the brand’s heritage. It is made of leather and suede; has rounded toe, rubber sole and the Margiela logo stamped on the padded tongue. It is priced at $495 and will be a great addition to your sneaker collection.
Please visit a Barneys store near you or their website www.barneys.com
GIVENCHY
Givenchy’s George V mid-top Sneaker is perfect for urban athletic tastemakers. It is made of black mesh and neoprene layered with panels of smooth white leather and secured with a nylon pull-tab. The George V has rounded toe, rubber sole and debossed logo at the midsole. It is priced at $695.
Please visit a Barneys store near you or their website www.barneys.com
GUCCI
The Gucci New Ace Leather low top Sneaker is appliqued at the quarter panels with signature green and red striped webbed bands and embroidered with a snake patch. This stylish sneaker is lined in leather and has white flat laces. The New Ace sneaker will bring the cool factor to your summer wardrobe. It is priced at $670.
Please visit a Barneys store near you or their website www.barneys.com
COMMON PROJECTS
Common Projects’ Achilles Grained Leather Sneaker was made for those edgy guys and is quite stunning. It is lined in leather; has rounded toe, padded tongue and collar and the signature metallic gold-debossed numbers at the heel. It is priced at $510 but is worth the investment.
Please visit a Barneys store near you or their website www.barneys.com
SWEAR LONDON
Swear London’s Vyner low top sneaker is constructed of smooth leather. The Vyner has padded collar and insole. Swear London will customize your sneakers by adding logo accents, interchangeable laces and metal studs on request. They are moderately priced at $295 so why not add both the black and white to your collection.
Please visit a Barneys store near you or their website www.barneys.com
TODS
Tods’ Suede sneakers are beautifully constructed with exposed stitching, rubber cupsole with embossed rubber pebbles and stamped with the Tods logo. The blue suede is particularly stunning and makes a bold statement. For those guys who would prefer a more neutral tone, the grey suede is a great option. They are priced at $495.
Please visit a Tods Boutique near you or their website www.tods.com
LANVIN
Lanvin’s Cap-Toe Suede Sneaker takes the style quotient up a notch. The low-top sneaker has patent leather cap-toe, which will serve you well on a wet day. It is lined in smooth-leather, textured rubber sole and black waxed flat laces. It is priced at $495.
Please visit a Barneys store near you or their website www.barneys.com
COMME des GARÇONS
Comme des Garçons Play has teamed up with Converse to create the Chuck Taylor 1970s Low-Top Sneakers. They are made of canvas, has tonal rubber sole and the brand’s signature heart-and eyes motif. It’s hard to improve on a classic but I think Comme des Garçons has achieved it with the white with red heart and black eyes.
Are you a budding Rock Star or aspiring to be one? Step confidently in the Chuck Taylor 1970s High-Top Sneaker in black. The white sole and white webbed trim make a great contrast. Both Low-Top and High-Top versions are priced at $135.
Please visit a Barneys store near you or their website www.barneys.com
GOLA
Gola was founded in England in 1905 as a British Sportswear brand. The company was re-branded as a retro sports fashion brand in the early 2000s.
The Harrier sneaker was first launched in 1968 in the traditional white/red colourway as a multi-sport training shoe. The New Harrier 50 were updated and re-launched to commemorate Gola’s 50th anniversary. The Harrier 50 Leather White/Red or White/White sneaker with rubber sole is sleek and fashionable. It has a low price-point of $95.
Please visit Gola online at: www.golausa.com
CARIUMA
The OCA Low sneaker is both fashionable and functional, which epitomize the Brazilian spirit. It features premium soft suede; memory foam and leather hybrid insole that molds to the feet and a unique cap toe design with fully stitched outsole. The OCA is available in navy, grey and black and has a low price-point of $98.
Please visit Cariuma online at www.cariuma.com
ONITSUKA TIGER
Onitsuka’s Mexico 66 is “Nippon Made” meaning that each pair of sneaker is made by hand and is labor intensive, the hallmark of Japanese craftsmanship. The Mexico 66 is made from black leather with suede front and gold design on the sides. It is priced moderately at $230.
Please visit Onitsuka Tiger online www.onitsukatiger.com