Stitch 2010: Ksubi and Swear.

July 5, 2010

So attending trade-shows featuring seriously desirable footwear when in dire need of a new pair of Summer shoes probably wasn’t a genius idea in retrospect. Still, while these may not be arriving on the market for another 6+ months, it’s never a bad idea to remember to research before purchase.

Ksubi (formerly known as Tsubi) was not a brand I had expected to see whilst roaming through the Old Billingsgate Market. Now famous for its denim, the Australian fashion label and the connotations it’s always had for me didn’t exactly correlate with what I saw on offer.

^ The perfect pairing of leather and suede.

^ These had something of Prada about them. Probably the metal detailing reminding of those studded shoes.

^ Oddly attracted to these hiking-esque boots although ‘outdoorsy’ is not one of the adjectives you’d be using to describe me any way accurately. Love the smokey hue of the style on the left.

^ Blue suede. Honestly, what more do you want? Though, not overly keen on this Chelsea style.

Just a couple of paces on from the treasure trove of Ksubi boots and more was the upcoming SS11 collection from a brand that’s always been a firm favourite – Swear.

Having chatted with the v. amiable Brand Director, Jorge, I was informed that the brand’s undergone somewhat of a makeover with fresh design talent having been drafted in (Cordwainers grad, Matthew Taylor, and womenswear designer, Simona Citarella) for the design team headed up by new Creative Director, Dominic Webster, who’s set to ensure success for the brand having previously worked his magic at H by Hudson. There’s also been a subtle name change from the former, more ballsy, “S***R”, to the much more easily comprehended (on the international platform), Swear.

But the shoes. Oh, the shoes.

^ Easily the sexiest pair of shoes I’ve happened upon in months. Can’t really think of anything that screams (or should that be jollily whistles?) ‘dandy’ as loud as these.

^ Not to sound like some over-enthused infomercial but – all the statement-making style of a good shoe with the ventilation of a sandal. Need these now stat.