Once upon a time, sneakers were associated with scruffy boys who play basketball and could not care less about fashion. But that is all in the past now. Today, these casual, comfortable shoes are enjoying a chic makeover as a staple for the insouciantly stylish. A throwback to the simpler days of our youth, the sneaker has long since gone beyond its humble athletic origins and become full-blown fashion statements. Here are three brands that have brought the fine art of canvas footwear to new heights – help yourself to a pair (or two) of these very cool kicks!
Feiyue
A French brand with a Chinese name? That should be intriguing enough to warrant a closer look at Feiyue, which has been making waves in the sneakers world since 2006. Originating from Shanghai, China in the 1920s, the company was acquired by a team of innovative sneaker enthusiasts who infused it with a European aesthetic and improved quality. At the same time, they have also managed to retain the shoes’ vintage authenticity, resulting in a unique blend of cutting-edge design and classic charm. Take your pick from its extensive collection of low, mid and high cut models.
Superga
If it is good enough for Alexa Chung, it is good enough for us. A favourite of the British IT girl, Superga has been churning out its iconic plimsolls since 1911 in its native Turin, Italy. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the brand has made Chung its new face because she encompasses Superga’s fun, effortless style and personality. Its fresh, rubber-soled good looks is famed for its high quality and versatility. It can even be washed to create that cool, worn-in vintage look, just like your favourite jeans!
Both Feiyue (SGD79 to SGD119) and Superga (SGD69.90 to SGD76.90) are available at in:Famous, #03-21, Mandarin Gallery
Forfex
The anti-thesis of the retro-styled canvas sneaker, the distinctly avant garde Forfex is the brainchild of talented young designer Giovanni Forbice. Featuring bold details like brightly coloured felt petals and sharp studs, these sneakers are definitely not for the faint-hearted. With names like Sex Studs and Killers, these loud, dynamic sneakers do not merely make statements – they demand to be stared at. If you like to let your shoes do the talking, you should be making a beeline for a pair of Forfex right about now.
Forfex retails for SGD170 to SGD420 at Ambush, #03-14, Mandarin Gallery
Contrary to popular belief, men are not necessarily averse to shopping – in fact, many of them like to indulge in retail therapy as much as the average women. At Mandarin Gallery, we do not play favourites with the genders and there are fabulous buys for the boys as well. We scoured the shops for the hottest boys’ toys and this trio of new arrivals at BAPE, The Denim Store and Ambush came out tops!
The future is bright, so invest in some good sunglasses. Contrary to popular belief, a good pair of shades that will adequately protect your eyes from harmful ultra-violet rays need not cost you a limb. Granted, designer eyewear can go for up to SGD1000 in some cases, but if you will just keep an eye out for a good bargain, there are definitely more attractively priced options out there. Even as they are kinder to your wallet, you need not have to worry about having to compromise on style. Catering to the young and painfully hip, there is no doubt that cult Swedish denim brand Cheap Monday, acetate sunglasses trend-setter SUPER by RETROFUTURE and Robert Geller (for the modern gentleman) will up your chic quotient effortlessly.
There is an emerging trend of luxury street wear and it seems to be gaining momentum. While this may seem absurd to many of you, there is a growing appreciation for quality, stylish everyday threads that is differentiated from their inferior counterparts by their top-notch materials, immaculate construction, blissful comfort and admirable durability.
