Tod's launches strongest Sneaker Collection to date with an exclusive Pop-Up shop at Harrods

Earlier this week I stopped by Harrod's menswear department to take a look at the recently launched Tod's sneaker-dedicated pop up shop. The pop-up, which will remain open at the men's shoe salon on the lower ground floor until April 22nd, focuses on Tod's newly expanded sneaker range.

As well as new colour ways and fabrications on their existing models the brand has introduced a handful of new styles to cover all wardrobe needs. Tod's has always excelled at marrying the smart and the casual so that their pieces can easily transition from day to evening/work to play.

Whether modern slip-ons, running inspired shoes or off-duty sneakers the entire collection has received the Tod's treatment by way of the most beautiful leathers and suedes making every piece the perfect understated gem for this upcoming season.

Hard as it was to make a choice, I came home with a pair of the perforated Nubuk slip-ons in taupe (pictured above) – I am positive I will wear nothing but this summer. If you hurry Tod's will be offering their personalisation service for the sneaker range at their Harrod's Pop-up Shop until tomorrow, Saturday 9th.

The new sneaker range is already available at Tod's stores and selected retailers. You can shop it all online at Tods.com and buy from a selection at Mr Porter.

Vans Celebrates 50th Anniversary: Here's 12 pairs you can't do without

This week Vans celebrates its 50th birthday. Everything started in California, 1966 with a man's idea to improve the deck shoe. The rubber sole and the multiple choices of upper fabrics made it quickly become popular amongst surfers, which later int he 70's made it a hit among skateboarders. The original lace-up shoe then branched out into slip-ons and the original Old Skools in the late 70's. The checkerboard became an instant hit in the 80's. Over the next 30 years the brand would continue to innovate and gather new fans from all walks of life while staying true to their streetwear and sports origins.
To celebrate such a big milestone for one of my all-time favourite brands (I bought my first pair at 15) I put together a selection of 12 pairs – classic and seasonal – that will be excellent additions to your wardrobe.

From top to bottom and left to right: Classic Slip-Ons in black and white Checkerboard Canvas,

Vans Authentic in black, Classic Slip-ons in red and white checkerboard, Vans Era x Pendleton,

Old Skool in white and Kelly green, Sk8-Hi in black, Classic Slip-Ons in white,

Old Skool Gum in indigo suede and denim, Old Skool Gum in off white, Era Canvas in blue suede,

Classic Slip-Ons in Dachshund Braided Suede, Old Skool in blue suede and canvas.

Just in: Loewe bicolour sneakers

A couple of days ago I gushed about one of the creations of Jonathan Anderson's namesake brand. Today I'm raving about another of his creations, this time for Loewe – the Spanish brand Anderson has managed to turn around in just a matter of a few seasons.
I bought these beauties above during my last visit to Paris in October. This style is the first of a dozen different designs to drop in store and online over the next few weeks and until January 2016.
The designer has found the perfect high-end approach to a casual shoe. The mix of textures and colours (my two favourite for sneakers at the moment) and the contrast brown rubber sole give the shoe a very vintage touch. Adding to this touch are the bicolour panels and perforated detailing as nod to golf shoes and the result of combining all these elements is far from retro. They are a modern classic, which I'm sure we'll continue to see in different colour ways and materials over the coming seasons. Get your pair at Mr Porter or over at the Loewe online store.

Head over to Loewe's website to explore the new colours for their brand new staple shoe like the one below.

Clarks FW15: All the New Styles to Look Forward to

This past week I stopped by the Clarks FW15 preview to have a look at the new styles we will be wearing in six months. I'm a big fan of the brand and proud owner of several pairs so this is always more of an occasion to make my personal wish list ahead of time.
Everyone's all-time favourite are obviously the desert boots, which no one makes like them. The new earthy tones on offer are perfect for the colder months and they're an easy way to add a touch of colour and texture to a look. For FW15, the brand continues to play with new patterns and materials – my personal favourites the navy check print and the suede and wool felt combo.
A personal highlight from the new collection was the style directly below – a very Clarks take on a skater sneaker, which I will definitely be buying in at least a couple of colours.
It's not easy to find good boots but I found at least two brilliant options from Clarks for the coming season. One more formal – a grainy tan leather brogue boot perfectly finished with a leather and rubber sole (you need rubber if you live in a city where it rains) and a more casual and super light option in a maroon leather and a commando sole detail.

If, like me, you can't quite wait a few months to have a few new pairs you can head over to the Clarks website to quench your thirst for shoes. If that is even possible.

My Favourite Sneakers: The New Balance CT300 & CRT300

My loving relationship with New Balance started quite late in my life, about two years ago. It was then that I bought my first pair – a bright orange pair of ML574's. I have worn and still wear a lot of different brands but New Balance continue to be the most comfortable. The reason why I didn't buy a second pair for a long while is because they tend to be a little too chunky for my taste and include way too many different pieces and details. I don't like a lot of fuss in my shoes.
Flash forward to September 2014. That's when the brand first reintroduced the CT300's as a reedition of a 1979 tennis shoe model. A capsule collection of the upgraded style – CRT300 – came out later in collaboration with different leading sneaker shops in the world. My favourite style – created with Firmament Berlin – quickly sold out in Europe but I was lucky enough find a pair during my visit to NYC for fashion week. The new style is not only a lot more streamlined and clean than its predecessors but it includes a REVlite insole that makes them extremely light and comfortable.
It then took them a little while to start producing commercial models in more conventional colour ways but, in the meantime, I managed to snatch a second pair on eBay from a smaller limited edition in grey and blue, which I haven't stopped wearing ever since.
This season, finally, the brand has started releasing 300's in four new colours: white with blue, white with red, grey and green. I'd buy them all but the piles of shoe boxes in my room will soon stop me from opening the door and so I must restrain myself in order to be able to wear them out.

They're currently available in the UK at ASOS and Size and obviously at the coolest sneaker shops in the world: Firmament Berlin, Bows and Arrows and Kith.

Five Spring/Summer Items I Can't Live Without this Season

If you'd asked me a year ago I would have never thought I'd have such a big amount of sportswear in any of my wish lists. The truth is it has been slowly growing on me after buying some pieces with the pretence of actually becoming more active. Months later, these pieces have become not only part of my lounge wear but also very much present on what I wear for more casual situations.
This season I am looking to add this black pair of slim Nike tracksuit bottoms after wearing them in grey non-stop for the past months. They're not only extremely comfortable but also structured enough that they look great with a shirt, a denim jacket and a pair of suede sneakers. The short style, which has come out in a new grey colour this season, is also perfect for the summer as they can be worn with an oxford shirt and a lightweight blazer for an upgraded look.
Since I don't want to over do it wearing my denim jacket with everything, the suede Sandro jacket is a great alternative. It's classic but has a 70's vibe I love and it easily adds a cool touch to a simple jeans and t-shirt look.
Nike's Internationalist model is also a perfect example of comfort and design and this season the brand has released the model in a new all-camel suede colour way, which will look fantastic with classic blue washed jeans.
My new favourite brand of sneakers is Eytys – a Swedish/French alliance that's brought a new edge to the lace-ups we all love to wear in the summer. At the moment only MatchesFashion.com has them available in the UK but you can head to their website for the full range, which includes low-tops and high-tops in canvas, suede and leather.

My Easter (NIKEiD-Induced) Shoe Dilemma

Even though I didn't work or think of fashion at all over this brilliant Easter break we've had, I could hardly resist to go for a little play on Nike ID on Saturday morning. Even though my friends and family tease me constantly over my obsession (and purchases) with shoes I always feel like my collection isn't quite complete. As part of this mission to create the perfect shoe collection, I felt it was necessary to add a pair of Nike Air Max, which I have never had. I've been looking for months but can't seem to find any colour styles I like and so Nike ID was the perfect way to put a remedy to this.
My dream style is mostly made of suede, with nice earthy tones and a bit more of a luxury feel, rather than sportswear. And so I went for a light grey base with deep green and beige and the classic white sole and chamber, as well as the white Nike logo in leather for a bit of a contrast.
Before I decide to click 'buy' and wait the very hard 5 weeks it will take for them to come home to me, I wanted to ask your opinion – should I go for it?

Nike.com

Just In: Nike Roshe Run (Vol. II)

I wish I could buy a new pair of shoes every week. I indulged myself last week for my birthday and a week later I thought it was still a good excuse to indulge again. Following the success of last year's Nike Roshe Run I decided to go for a different colour this time around. Though apparently identical, the new SS14 model is made from a tighter smoother mesh, which gives it a different texture. That, and the neon orange highlights make them a brilliant summer choice as they are bold without being loud.

They are available online both at Mr Porter and ASOS.

ASOS celebrates Nike Air Max Day

Today Nike celebrates 27 years since the launch of the now iconic Air Max shoe. To help them celebrate such an occasion and given that the shoe is having a revival like never before ASOS is hosting a Goolge+ hangout today.
During the hangout, MTV's Rebecca Dudley, stylist Natasha Wray and ASOS Fashion Editor Zeba Lowe will share their tips on how to wear your Nike Air Max to work, all day and in the evening.
To make it even more fun, a spy cam of sorts will be placed at the super cool ASOS HQ in London allowing participants to see how ASOS staff and models wear Nike Air Max pieces from the archive (which I can't wait to see!).

Fun as it will be, the experience wouldn't be complete without a bit of Nike shopping. That is why Google is making the hangout shoppable so you can both watch and buy from their Google Display Network.
To top it all off, ASOS will be running a series of promotions and competitions during the day on their Instagram, Facebook and Twitter so make sure you keep an eye on those.

Like so many other people I've become such a Nike junky on the past couple of years but I am yet to get my hands on the perfect pair of Air Max. Take a look at ASOS selection here and let me know which one is your favourite style.

Use the hashtag #ASOSAir tomorrow to join in!

New In: Nike Janoski Mid Wool

If you read Fashion, Frankly regularly you will know by now that if there is a particular item I can never have enough of in my wardrobe that is shoes of any style. I tend to buy an average of a pair a month, which keeps me cheeper for a few weeks and normally doesn't hurt my credit card too much.
This month I wanted to find a pair of Nike sneakers I could wear in the winter. I love my Free Run's and Roshe Run's but they simply aren't a good fit for the cold London temperature. That is why these Janoski Mid Wool style couldn't be better. With a wool upper part, sturdy sole and cork insole they really insulate my feet from the winter weather. Because they are made of such an unusual material for sneakers they add great texture to my classic clothes. The striking red sole is also an easy way to inject some colour into my dark(ish) looks.
As well as in brown, they are available in a beautiful shade of grey, also with the red sole. They're both a perfect match for your blue jeans but look fantastic with black and grey too. You can get them here.

Céline FW13 Slip-Ons: Finally something we can wear

It isn't really a new thing (especially in fashion) for women to borrow styles and pieces from the men's wardrobe. This is, in fact, the base of styles such as the 'garçon look' and even of of the foundations of Coco Chanel's philosophy. Nowadays, women around the world have made theirs some our wardrobe staples disguising the theft calling our shirts oversized and our jeans 'boyfriend'. Some celebrities – see Tilda Swinton or Ciara – even borrow looks from the menswear collections to wear to events.
I have always found this terribly unfair because we have never been able to do the same to them. Womenswear silhouettes and fits make it pretty much impossible for us to steal anything without looking like hobos in drag. So this is a time to rejoice – for FW13 Céline has released, as part of their shoe collection, a line of slip on sneakers (a.k.a. designer Vans) that industry insiders have been sporting non-stop over the latest edition of the women's fashion week. And finally here is a piece that not only we can make ours but that a lot of us will simply want to buy.
My favourite pieces and the ones I think work best for men are the felt styles in grey and khaki, which are also perfect for winter. If you like a bit of a cool trend that passes as a bit of a bold print I recommend the checked style in silk, which you can match with your girldfriend's (if she can afford it) top. For the more daring and flamboyant, Céline also offers some styles in astrakhan calfskin, pony calfskin and ostrich.

Ed's Note: I hate to admit it, but it looks like Kanye West was onto something some two years ago...

Harry Styles wears the new Nike Air Max 1

In the four months that have passed since I last posted about Harry Styles' sneaker choices that very first post about his neon Nikes has become the most visited one of the blog... ever. While I'd love to continue to milk the online power of the 'Directioners' I must admit that I continue to be genuinely interested in what Harry wears and how he Styles (geddit?) it.
This time around the singer has gone for a more retro model – the remastered Nike Air Max. I probably wouldn't have liked these at all had I not been drinking the (Nike) Kool-Aid myself for months. There is something unquestionably cool about the Max Air unit-embedded wedged sole, not to mention the benefits of a couple of extra centimetres to one's height.
Looking at the colour range online I couldn't find Style's exact model but I was quite keen on these other options in white and grey leather, all-black suede and green and burgundy leather – all available at ASOS.

Just In: Nike Roshe Run Khaki Sneakers

I've recently got back from my summer holiday and first visit (I know... shameful) to New York City. Seeing as I am trying to be a responsible young man I went with a mental list of things I wanted to buy that were cheaper in the States, just to make me feel a little better. The first of of purchases were these Nike Roshe Run sneakers in khaki.
I had been spotting this model for weeks on different websites online but was always doubtful when it came to buying them because they have such an awkward shape – in most pictures anyway. The truth is that, once on, they not only look extremely elegant and streamlined but they feel incredible. The mesh body and cushioned sole make them extremely comfortable but also light and fresh, as your feet can breath. To top it all off, the ribbed inside sole softly massages your feet as you walk. If you go for a classic colour, they become very apt city shoes that look modern and chic with a rolled up pair of jeans and an Oxford shirt.
I simply can't recommend them enough. You can get your pair over at End Clothing and at many other online retailers, should you wish to choose another colour.

Andrew Garfield loves his Nike Free Run+ 3

I have been postponing this post since May when I first saw Andrew Garfield wearing the same model and colour of the Nike Free Run+ 3 I bought back in February. Every week since then I have been seeing his wearing them everywhere to the set of 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' to business meetings and walks around town with Emma Stone. I have never been a fan of repeating shoes much too often had I not done exactly the same thing as Garfield these past few weeks. These Nikes have not come off my feet, they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. And, to be honest, if they're good enough for Spidey, they're good enough for me.
You might still have some luck if you want to buy them online but, if I'm honest, I recommend you wait until the new range of Fly Knit has been released – it will be worth it.

JustJared, Nike

Robert Pattinson Wears Balenciaga's Leather Panel Trainers

I can't say I am up to date with the relationship status of Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson but either way it looks like Kristen's love for Balenciaga has rubbed off on her vampire husband. Last week, R-Patz was spotted leaving a studio in LA wearing Balenciaga's leather panel trainers in different textures of black and khaki laces. I had been looking forward to the moment they went on sale this season to snap up a pair but, alas, it seems like I wasn't the only one... and so they literally disappeared as soon as the sales kicked in.
Here's hoping the brand will decide to produce them again for next season but seeing as they were a Ghesquière introduction I very much doubt the Alex Wang accessory team will choose to take them forward.

UPDATE: A new model of high-top Balenciaga sneakers has been released this week on Mr Porter – check it out here.

JustJared

How to Wear Neon Sneakers, by Harry Styles

When I bought my black pair of Nike Free Run +3 shoes a few months ago I went for such a boring classic colour because I couldn't figure out in my mind how to wear neon details without looking like the traffic police. Instead, I went for the bolder version of the New Balance Backpack sneakers I wanted, which I can add to pretty much any outfit I wear.
This week Harry Styles was spotted out in New York City in a pair of the same Nike Free Run +3 in neon yellow. The signer paired them up with his signature black skinny jeans rolled up, a plain white tee and a striped green shirt. The great thing about the casual look is that it elevated the shoes from sportswear to a more urban feel keeping the outfit modern and interesting.
Sadly, I could only find the shoes available online at ebay but I'm sure you might still be able to find them at stores before the sales finish.

Get the look: River Island shirt available at ASOS, Rag & Bone shirt available at

MatchesFashion.com, Nudie Jeans skinny jeans available at Mr Porter.

Just In: Comme des Garçons Shirt Benjamin II Suede Chukka Plimsolls

It's time for the sales and for some of us to try and catch all the items we've been coveting for months but unable to afford. Alas, most of the guys following my strategy seem to have my size, which means everything I want is gone!
Luckily, I was able to snatch a new pair of shoes at the My-Wardrobe sale last week and they arrived yesterday. The winner is a pair of colour-blocking suede sneakers by Comme des Garçons Shirt. The powder pink, baby blue and deep green contrast and complement each other and they're a brilliant addition to a casual look with jeans and a preppy shirt. I'll be breaking them out tomorrow for a sunny day of morning meetings.

The Jimmy Choo SS14 Collection

I could have easily spent my whole afternoon at the Jimmy Choo SS14 presentation during the latest LC:M. The brand had taken over a space on King Street in Covent Garden, which they had turned into a chic cabana full of colour, green foliage and, of course, shoes.
All the different lines stood out from the crowd thanks to the super cool stalls, which had been decorated according to their style. What tied them all together was the inspiration drawn from the 'Sapeurs' – a group of dandies from Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo. These gentlemen, who are treated as celebrities in their home town, are known for their bold sartorial choices. They admire the classic Parisian tailoring, which they wear in the most garish ways using striking colours and patterns.
Sandra Choi, Jimmy Choo's creative director, has translated these daring spirit into a collection that mixes dashes of bright colours on the soles, laces and stitching of otherwise classic sneakers and dessert boots. Degradé snakeskin or leather contrasting with python and camouflage do it for the smarter pieces.
Their signature 'Belgravia' models adopt this style for SS14 but the brand continues their start-studded offering in powder shades of pink, beige and black for next summer.
I loved some of the new introductions like the slip-on shoe, which comes in a modern velvet leopard print. And the new take on their chic urban espadrilles in soft suedes and classic hues.
From among the smart options I loved the monk strap shoes both in classic monotones and in contrasting two-tone options like the super cool camouflage-detailed or the python skin ones.
Whatever you end up going for during SS14 it is clear that, like the 'Sapeurs', classic shapes are a must but so is individuality and that's why every single Jimmy Choo piece has a character that will make you stand out from the crowd.

Fashion, Frankly and Courtesy of Jimmy Choo

Three Zara Shoes you Need in your Wardrobe this Summer

Despite the non-existant signs of Spring I am in full SS13 mood already planning my season's essentials and key pieces and I have even begun to put together (in my mind) a few looks for the upcoming London Collections: Men, Pitti Uomo and Milan Fashion Week.
Even though I am usually not too keen on buying shoes on the high street I must admit that Zara, for one, has put some really interesting options out there this season. Now, granted they won't be shoes you will have forever but at these prices you really get value for your money at the very least.
I have been meaning to buy a pair of monk straps for a while but I'm always afraid to spend a bit of money on them and never wear them. Which is why these Zara option seems like a great way to try out the shape before investing on a durable pair.
Loafers are always a Spring/Summer essential but if you are a bit bored of the classic suede driving shoe this (faux) croc version is both interesting and manly and it will inject a needed dose of texture and colour into your summer looks.
No Summer wardrobe of mine is ever complete without sneakers. I love this suede option from Zara because they have the sporty yet old-school design of a low-top but the brogue detailing and colour clocking in a sandy palette gives is a chic city vibe.

The Birthday Dilemma: Vol. 2

As you might know already – how could you not when I've mentioned it on almost every post – I am turning 25 in little over a month, the 21st of March to be exact. As I do every year, I start putting together a wish list of items I would like to get (or be given). And I feel like turning a quarter of a century not only justifies this obsessive habit but it calls for a special selection.
I have blogged about the Valentino camo sneakers quite a few times over the last few months and they are finally available online here and here. After much thinking I had decided to go for this chicer darker model. It's subtle and timeless and, hell, I can ever wear them to the gym. However, I made the mistake of checking out the rest of the SS13 arrivals at Matches driven, mostly, by the fact that I recently bought two new pairs of sneakers. And I found the most amazing pair of Bottega Veneta intrecciato suede trainers in a beige colour perfect for spring. This has put me in the same situation I was last year, when I couldn't decide which pair to go for.

And so I have decided to ask you, fellow style seekers, to help me make up my mind. Please vote on the box below for the pair you think I should get.