Diet Butcher Slim Skin: nice to meet ya

Hmmm... Do I need to be slim or on a special diet in order to sport these? I hope not. Tokyo based label Diet Butcher Slim Skin has released these high shine patent high tops which, to be honest, make me quiver all over. Forget Ato's; DBSS are going to be the "it" sneaker around the block, and I hope you can see why. I have a feeling we may see Mr. West photographed in these sooner than later. These will run you approx. $800US, so you may want to consider picking up some extra shifts.





Check oki-ni.com

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More YSL!

Little did I know that one of our favourite French brands has more to offer in the casual footwear(sneaker) department. I'm a sucker for all things shiny and flashy(like a child), so I was immediately drawn to these classic 80's inspired high-tops in a silver-coloured rubberized canvas + white sole("Ooooooh...Ahhhhh..."). These guys will run you $390US which HONESTLY isn't too bad compared to other luxury-brand sneakers. I've made it a mandate that everyone is required to own at least 2 pairs of shoes; 1 black and 1 white. At $410US, YSL provides us with the relatively same style in all-black or white soft leather. This version is a lot more basic and classic; would literally be an easy fit into your wardrobe. P.S. YSL needs to re-invent their classic sneaker style every season like they do with the womens tribute pump. It's only fair!


check ysl.com

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KWest x LVuitton = finally

Season after season, hip-hop superstar Kanye West is front row at the Vuitton show. He calls himself the "Louis Vuitton don" as he's an avid walking mannequin for the label, giving them free publicity 24/7 and receiving nothing in return other than a hefty receipt (he can handle it). Things have changed as Kanye has finally taken his love for design and fashion and made something of it; fortunately enough with the most dominating fashion house in the world (I think that's pretty safe to say). A single style from the KWxLV collab debuted during Paris fashion week, on the runway for Louis Vuittons menswear show yesterday. The collab features several designs, including a simple white boat shoe embossed with the signature LV logo debuted earlier this month (shown below). The style featured in the show (calfskin - red, black)will be hitting Vuitton stores in June 2009. What do we think? The red ones tickle my fancy. Though I thought Kanye would design with a colour explosion in mind, the sneakers are tasteful and classic appealing to...everyone. P.S. Marc Jacobs in a skirt paired with Stephen Sprouse tribute leggings = priceless.





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Stephen Sprouse: A tribute for S/S2009 by Louis Vuitton

First off, Happy New Year. Content has been lacking since I was in Toronto ringing in the New Year and have just been getting settled in with school. Now, back to the important things in life, sneakers! Inspired by 1980's street wear, the eye-opening graffiti sneaker is a tribute to New York artist Stephen Sprouse who collaborated with Vuitton for their 2001 Spring Summer show. The tribute collection has a range of items from bags to sneakers (sneakers being the most vital of them all). Coming in 3 colour ways (fuschia, green, + orange), the uber limited edition sneaks are going to run the lucky sons of b**ches who have the cash, just under $1000.00 which is honestly well worth it. Think about it: super fresh sneaks + limited + Louis Vuitton = it really doesn't get much better than that. Do the research if you're contemplating purchasing since you can't acquire these suckers online. P.S. I wear size 11...



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Adding to the collection

Finally, there is an additional colour way to the Ato cow hide boot made popular by the "Louis Vuitton Don" himself, Kanye West. This black, purple, and green combination features the classic Ato double velcro strap with a mix of patent and generic premium leather. Personally, I'm not blown away by the colour way like I was for the original 4 colours that were released (check out an earlier Ato Matsumoto post located on the right, under the music player); it's way too random. But, I guess that's the point. We can all agree this is a piece of footwear made for someone who enjoys and/or craves attention. To be released March'09; save up.

check out oki-ni.com

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Marc Jacobs gives us options for S/S2009

If you don't know who Marc Jacobs is by now, you should probably crawl back under the hole where you've apparently been living. The only reason I say that is because I know way too many people who tell me they've never heard of him or "his name sounds familiar but I can't remember". Honestly, shame on you. For those of you who don't, Google him.

Back to business; A key staple in everyone's wardrobe is a fresh pair of whites, in which we can all concur. But, having a pair of whites with a bit of character makes a bolder statement. That's where Mr. Jacobs comes into play. For Spring/Summer 2009, he gives us a wide variety of sneakers that makes the common man salivate profusely. What caught my eye were the neutral coloured sneakers and the white pairs with some flare.Above, we see the uber light grey high-tops with that embossed solid-coloured checker pattern alongside a pair consisting of a white zig-zag pattern with pops of silver, which adds the flare we want. Below, this dynamic pair is covered with illustrations and phrases which makes a statement, while still keeping that idea of having fresh white shoes. All in all, Jacobs has provided us with alternatives to the plain white sneaker for summer. P.S. Do not play in mud, get them dirty, and call THAT a statement - now they are just plain dirty.



Check www.marcjacobs.com


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Calfskin footwear for Dior Homme F/W 2009

What more can we say about the brand who re-defined menswear...
Even though KVA put on a very bleak, dim and dark show for DHomme's F/W09 show, the clothes and sneakers acted as a brightly shining light. Everyone has and will continue to bitch about how KVA isn't Slimane and isn't the Dior Homme we all knew and loved. Well, of course he's not Slimane. The same goes for ANY other designer who takes the reigns of head designer or creative director of a label; the esthetic will change. Reading other blogs and comments around the net, not too many people are fond of KVA and what he's doing with Dior Homme. Personally, I'm a fan. Speaking of being a fan, let's dwell a little bit on the amazing sneakers and boots from the collection. Not a big surprise that they went with calfskin for both the high top sneaker and the boots.The patent trend, which is everywhere, is clearly carried through. The crossing between the patent and non-patent calfskin strips on the sneaker is brilliantly done with just the right amount of each. Attention must be paid to the two patent strips wrapped under the crepe sole = fantastic touch. I’m a sucker for patent, what can I say?… it just looks so damn luxy.



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Resurrected by Lanvin x Acne Jeans collaboration

It seems that I fell off the face of the planet and while doing so, forgot to leave a post reminding the readers. For that, I apologize. But, I managed to find my way back. How? Well a good oldd resurrected french label (Lanvin) helped me out as I was cleaning out "My Documents" I found a few photos of the amazing Lanvin silk-satin high-tops. So, I googled Lanvin to see what was new and exciting. Apparently falling off the face on the planet includes being completely oblivious that Lanvin and cult label Acne Jeans are collaborating for a denim line. Announced earlier this year in April, the line will hopefully (fingers crossed) be launched in 2009. I'm still diggin around to see whether or not the collab. will consist of a men's line; with the presence of the killer sneaks, I'm going to assume yes. How appropriate that they went with the shape of the uber successful Lanvin high-top (check previous posts, or search Lanvin) and the fabric is this blue-grey denim with a white rubber sole. The tills will be going insane for these ones.

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Ingelmo is a force to be reckoned with...

Mr. Ingelmo has topped him self from the other set of hightops he released seasons ago. These futuristic style high tops are putting this New Yorker on the map. Both mens and womens collections are absolutely impeccable and "bang for your buck". To cop, you're lookin at approx. $700US for the reg high tops, and another paycheque more the towering snake skin boots (I need them..like...I just do...) Oki-ni.com is releasing four colorways of the sneak this season. Nothing to say but "brilliant".


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Simple, fresh, white sneakers from the Dior Homme Spring 2009 Men's collection

When the brilliance of Hedi Slimane was replaced by a young Kris Van Assche at Dior Homme, my eyes quickly shifted towards other designers such as Simons and Elbaz. Slimane single-handedly revolutionized menswear over the years and with him being gone from the french powerhouse, I didn't bother to give Van Assche a chance; until recently. Dior Homme's Spring 2009 men's collection pushed boundaries (gold sequined denim), as it should, while still maintaining restraint (classically white hightops). Just a simple, fresh, white hightop cleaned up the collection and bumped up curb appeal (you can never go wrong with white sneakers, especially in spring/summer). Along with the 2 versions shown above, a few models rocked an all black hightop with suits and jackets. We're not going to see these in stores till next year, but be on the lookout for prices. I'll guess between $3-400. Any guesses? But yeah, it's probably about time to get back on the DH train.


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The showstoppin "De Stijl" Hiking Show Boot by Raf Simons

The young adventurous backpacker has a futuristic revalation on his journey?... That's what I got from watching Raf Simons S/S2008 mens collection. He's one of the few menswear designers who are bringing new ideas to the table - specifically regarding shape; whether it be the clothes or his ambitious signature hiking show boots the models wore through out the show.

Here is a cleear example of something that works perfectly and looks good on the runway, but does NOT translate into a regular man's wardrobe. Ok, I lied; they'd look good on the slopes in Whistler or Banff, but that's it. The idea is definitely pushing the boundaries but personally, its gone over board. Does anybody else find it ridiculous that these boots/shoes or w.e the hell they are, are being sold? Obviously being a Raf Simons product, quality materials are used such as patent leather on the exterior and black suede for the interior lining of the boot. The models are all wearing different versions/colour-ways of the boot, which I could not see anyone rocking in the real world (Denver was the best season). Also, the cork heel is ridiculous and quite random.


The multicoloured straps, especially on the white version are way too much. They add visual interest, but come on - and let's not even get into the wacky layered rubber sole. Seriously, I'm a fan of the concept but not so much the actual execution. With a few tweaks here and there, I think the boot would look decent: the white version on the first model above - solid colour for all velcro/adjustable straps and minimize the # of straps, "normal" shaped sole, and white patent leather rather than cork. With MY logical version of the boot, it would be worth every penny of the $1,800US price tag.




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Alessandro Dell'Acqua 8731 high-tops - love at first site?..

Soooo, why haven't I seen these before? I thought I was on top of the hottest silver sneaks on the market - apparently Alessandro Dell'Acqua slipped right through the cracks. I can only describe the 8731's straight from AD'A's Fall/Winter 2007 show in 2 words: Seriously severe. Who doesn't love a flashy sneaker - that's what its all about. People better be on the prowl for these babies as they are pretty rare - and it shows.
(The 8731's are perfectly in sync with the models outfits.)

4 delicious colour schemes(Black, Silver, Red, Bronze) properly accommodate the complex design and practicality. The 2 trends nowadays for sneakers, especially high-tops, are either very minimal laces or none at all,as well as straps; the 8731's clearly speak to both trends making them a priority on my wishlist. The straps are unique as they're not velcro, but snap on - and each strap can adjust to make each section of the sneak tighter or looser - genius. The bold, thick, velcro strap up top is my favourite part as it let's people know you've arrived rockin Alessandro Dell'Acqua. The sneakers exterior is covered in leather and fabric which compliment each other very well, especially on the silver and bronze versions. The rubber sole is stamped "Alessandro Dell'Acqua" which adds that desired extra touch.


Ok now, let's get serious. The 8731's are pretty rare. I found some online for $300.00US but that price is ridiculously discounted. If you manage to find them (which you won't - but if you do msg me), be prepared to dish out the benjamins.

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Balenciaga leather sneakers - yuck

Nicolas Ghesquière, or whoever the hell in in charge of the MENS division of Balenciaga, were not thinking straight when this was launched in their F/W2007 collection.
Talk about "tickity tack", Yugh - I'm all for a sneaker that stands out, but seriously - it looks the the 80's-early 90's puked all over a nice, clean pair of white hi-tops. BOTTOM LINE = colour scheme is very poorly styled. What a shame; Nicolas his house of Balenciaga are making the greatest strides in the fashion industry today, in the womenswear anyways - not so much the mens, as you can cleeeearly see. You know these are gonna cost an arm and a leg too. Oh ugly overpriced merchandise - what would the world be like without you...

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Air Yeezy's - I WAS RIGHT, HE WAS ROCKIN NIKES!

Ok ok, so if you take a look at an earlier post (May 2008 archives), I posted a video of Kanye rockin out during his concert during the Glow and the Dark Tour. We had amazing seats, but not amazing enough to see what sneaks he was rockin. I had a hunch they were nikes, but wasn't sure. Now, FINALLY I have confirmation. They were Air Yeezy's - Kanye's collab with Nike. I noticed them when he did a costume change for the encore with Lupe. He was wearing like suede/tan/sandy beige ones which were so sick. Not too fond of the purple ones which apparently he wore during the entire concert prior to changing, but it works + Ye can rock anything. The all black is pretty fresh. So yeah... I was right.

Reebok Pump Omni Lite Auduet Sneaks on my feet

Friday's low-key Voltron release party @Uncle Bob's was big success. Sneaks were flyin all across the store from the back straight to the cash register. Wanting to join in the fun, I tried on the Reebok Omni Lite Auduet sneaks by Reebok, Auduet and Mita - which I had my eye on all night (look how they SHINE). Within 5 seconds after trying them on, I whipped out the plastic, swiped, and they were mine. The colour way is what got me in the first place - Gold rush/Cumin/Sandstorm are executed perfectly pleasing the eyes in ways some can only imagine. The gold snakeskin adds a sexy, expensive touch to it along with the japanese Auduet stamp at the back. The collab for this sneak also made a model in silver (shown) which my friend got minutes before I got to the party. Luckily, I got them at a good price - elsewhere or on the net, you're lookin at droppin anywhere from $150-200, maybe even more. First time I've ever actually tried the pump feature - it's tight :p The Reebok Pumps are def on my 'to watch' list...

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Reebok "Voltron Pack" has finally landed - in YWG anyways...

Inspiration is a crazy concept - literally, anything can be inspirational. Maybe even a 1980's anitmated television series called "Voltron: Defender Of The Universe"...? Yeah - Reebok's "Voltron Pack" has finally becomes accessible to the sneaker freaks in Winnipeg. I've been reading all about them, and these bad boys are the talk of the blogs - reason being cause they are SO fresh. The concept of taking a mecha robot and breaking down its 5 components into 5 different sneakers - like a task force = brilliant. It's almost like you need to own all 5 pairs of te Voltron Pack to be complete (smart marketing move also...) I've never actually seen the show as I was just being born as it was on the air - but those of you better be familiar with the Power Rangers and how each of their special animal battle machines (zords) came together to become an Ultrazord - same concept. The Voltron sneaks are actually not pricey considering all the hype - you'd just auto assume it would be rare. Nike made a Transformers type sneak with thei Air Trainer III's - guess robots with sick colours are the new craze?...






p.s. for the Winnipeggers - Uncle Bob's is have a VOLTRON Release Party Friday June 13th - I must and will be there - hitup facebook for the details

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Copping Adidas Ecstasy Hi's in white...? I think so...

So I hit up UNCLE BOB'S after work today - to see the Adidas Ecstasy's in person. They had the Blue/blue and White ones for show and tell. I remember them being priced at $134.99 but not too too sure. But they are hot - the silver adidas across the back and logo on the side in silver caught my eye instantly - the silver adds a little bling which everybody likes. It's summertime, and I need fresh whites, so I'm debating whether to cop - unless i find something else that's"way more fresha, with way less effort".

Energie Tannis Hi's are spewing energy

In my eyes, Energie's S/S08 collection is looking mighty promising, especially with the sneaks. I've never been too too familiar with the Italian brand, but I'm now a voyeur after discovering the Energie Tannis Hi-top sneaks. My friend needed some new Converse Weapons - so I tried to find him something on ebay, until I found these and totally gave up on my friends mission as these instantly caught my eye. These babies are clean, fresh, and (most importantly) hella stylish. The entire sneak is draped in white leather, with the addition of 3 patent leather chevrons in black, grey, and navy blue. These 3 colours used minimally together are hot. The middle section has perforations, to give it a different look/texture. The more I look at them, the more I like them. The thin ankle high strap is dope, along with the ENERGIE logo stamped into the tongue. These are actually available in Canada - surprise, surprise (it's actually a surprise). I'd cop these bad boys at $209.00. They'd be easy to dress up to which is dope - I like wearing "dressy" sneakers to certain events without me looking shabby with poorly styled sneaks onn. You can check these out at styleclash.ca

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Prada Linea Rossa Hi-top makes me puke

Soo, when I think PRADA - I think expensive, stylish, luxury. The men's division isn't as well-known to the world as the women's, and this is probably the reason. The Prada Linea Rossa Hi-top Bike Sneakers are one of a kind...yuck. First of all, they look cheap. Of course, they are made with top quality Italian patent leather and mesh insets, blah blah blah - that's fine, but if you're gonna go all out on quality and charge $380 a pair, WOW me. They remind me of like elderly style shoes, minus the velcro. Colour scheme - way off, but it's really because of the shape. It's an awkward shape - they seem very uncomfortable if your wore them. AND they are for biking?... I'm confused - I guess this particular shoe is for the tasteless rich. The red stripe coming down the tongue says "PRADA" but does nothing but show the brand - and not in a good way. The low-tops are a BIT better, but still - yuck. There are many different models of the Linea Rossa - same design but different colours and materials used. Leopard print?...YIKES! Disappointing much?

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Raf Simons takes us "out of this world"

Apparently, Raf Simons (designer for Jil Sander for the past 6 seasons, and his own label, Raf by Raf Simons)has been collaborating with NASA to design what appears to be some sort of stylish space shoes?..... Well, I'm kidding - but they DO look like moon boots (especially the metallic ones - so sick). The Raf Simons Astronaut Pocket Trainers are pretty damn serious - lemme tell you. He's a brilliant designer and these innovative sneaks can speak loudly to that statement. LOVIN this hot yellow colour palette. If you look at them, it's like a basic yellow patent leather hi-top, with suede mustard yellow additions to make it stand out. I'm a fan of the double tongue (one more inside, the other outside) - would be fun to play with tucking in jeans and therefore slightly changing up the look. Obviously the focus of the Astronaut sneaks is the "practical" rear zip-up pocket - I'm a fan. Screw carrying change in your front pockets - reach in the back of your sneaks to pay for parking. The navy pair looks like black/navy, but it's actually all navy (dark patent deepens/darkens the colour even more. Just shy of $800US, these fresh sneaks are making a name for themselves. check oki-ni.com


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