fw12 raf simons running shoes

These very 'Asics-like' running shoes are making a huge come back as seen in Raf Simons AW12 and SS13(runway pic). Apparently this is a very 'deliberate' effort of mixing sports and fashion. Raf has done this before. I remember there was one season with bright fluorescent colors. With thick padding and jaggedness at the sole area, perhaps they are very comfortable to wear, and thick soles are good for walking on wet surfaces.

UPDATE: Colette now carries the green versions, hi and low. I keep asking myself whether I will ever want to wear such shoes, hmmm.



Images form RafSimons.com

raf simons ss12

I am quite surprised many online stockists this season selling many Raf Simons shoes. One of the highlighted design for this season is the lace-ups with chains around or half-surround the upper/front soles. They are indeed interesting. Usually Raf shoes are made in Italy, they are quite steep in prices. While MrPorter will not usually specify the "made in x" descriptor for European made shoes  ( I might be wrong if there are exceptions) , SSENSE will usually put in "Imported" for those made in China or Vietnam or Indonesia or Malaysia blah blah. Anyway, i saw 'Made in Portugal' for Raf Sneakers in SSENSE, but I think it does not justify the prices much. My advice is to wait when end of season sales arrives. On a side note, after being absent for few seasons, Raf Simons returns to Club21 Singapore this season, shoes yes not sure about the apparels though.


images adapted from SSENSE, THECORNER, which carry quite a wide range of Raf shoes this season. MrPorter, Oki-ni and LN-CC also carry.

raf simons aw11 velcrow high cut

The classic velcro Raf Simons sneakers in autumn winter tone, dark brown. TheCorner has this now. Raf shoes are always steep in price, sadly.


images adapted from TheCorner.

raf simons aw11 horse hair desert boots

Covered with real horse hair, lined with leather and based on wooden sole, this Raf Simons desert boots is perfect for  AW11, although the price to pay for is steep. Oki-ni carries this luxurious shoes now.



image adapted from Oki-ni.com

raf simons blue velcro hitops with croc embossed leather

This velcro design from Raf Simons is classic. Embossed croc leather looks classy and luxurious. And the blue is profoundly alluring. You can get them at ssense.com at USD555. Is "Made In Italy" enough to justify the price tag?

images adapted from ssense

raf simons hitops in white

I love the contrast effect rendered by the grey cloth wrapped across the ankle. The rear zip will make it easier to put on. TheCorner.com carries this nice Raf Simons shoes.

Images adapted from theCorner

raf simons velcro in pink

Go pink may be something very daring for a guy, but frankly I totally don't mind at all. This design is classic, as every season Raf Simons will release this in different colors, trimmings and materials. SSense has this shoes at USD555.

images adapted from ssense.com

raf simons aw2011 sneakers

AW shoes cannot escape from fur, hair, skin and dark pungent colors. Raf Simons' s undaunted use of colors and materials amazed me again. I have to admit his shoes are always not cheap and hard to obtain. Club21Men the ultimate local multi-brand store used to carry some Raf Simons stuffs but now all is history. I once talked to the SA and was told that Raf Simons stuffs did not sell very well. The hefty price tags just pushed people away, I guess. In earlier years, there was a store called VENUE in Singapore also carrying some Raf's stuffs, mainly apparels. It faced its demise eventually too. Like a curse.

images adapted from RafSimons.com

raf simons hi-top with metal d-links and heel zip

Raf Simons does impress me with how he innovates his shoe design. This latest offering from him is definitely not minimalistic, but in fact teeming with complexity. The metal d-links, the heel zip behind, how the laces are tied together...all add to a refreshing look that is unprecedented. Despite the high-top contruct which is very typical of Raf Simons, this hi-tops is definitely strong, bold and daring. Available at Oki-ni at GBP420

images adapted from Oki-ni.

sandalicious ss2011

Which do you like? My pick, raf simons. Love the blue strap in the middle.

from top: Dior Homme, Maison Martin Margiela (2nd&3rd), Gucci and Raf Simons

images adapted from oki-ni, gucci, rafsimons.com

what's on my feet today...

Raf Simons Velcro, jeans by Adidas x Diesel (Thanaz)

ss2011, blue soles are hot!

I believe replication of styles and designs is inevitable. Afterall, designers are also humans, not machines. Look at these lace-ups in the coming season. Can you tell who the designers are?

nevertheless, no matter how gorgeous they are, I am not really a fan of such lace-ups because whenever I am in such shoes, I tend to slip. I can only achieve the sense of security in these lace-ups when walking on grass or soil.  Perhaps it is really owing to my bad habit of walking.  

images adapted from
store.dolcegabbana.com, rafsimons.com, luisaviaroma.com;



from top: D&G, Raf Simons, Jil Sander

red hot ss2011

I have many friends who only buy black or white shoes. I asked them why, and the reason they gave me was the convenience of matching. Well, I cannot deny that black or white shoes are easy to match but after a while I do find them boring. I take public transport such as bus and train quite frequently and I observe that most local so-called fashionistas just know how to dress up in black or white shoes, with the former prevailing. Pretty saddening isn't it? I do not really believe in the so-called "convenience", or rather black color perceived as the "cool thing". I think it is good to have a pair of black shoes, at least, but it is not the end of everything. Sometimes I saw some friends in total black and I would tease them "Who's funeral today?"

I am a color person. In my shoe collections, I do not have more than five pairs of black shoes. My favorite color is gold and blue, and now my love for red is multiplying. Look at these red offerings from Marc Jacobs, Raf Simons and D&G for SS2011, aren't they interesting and alluring? I want them all!

images adapted from rafsimons.com and luisaviaroma.com