Tuesday 18 January 2011

The Material Boy #434


Below: I am on the fence for the Balenciaga's new Spring Summer 2011 Mens shoe collection... only the 'espadrille x trainers' hybrid style stood out for me...



Below: I may not have any interest with the rest of the designs, but I love this navy and white 'espadrille + trainers' hybrid'... interesting and cool shoe for summer season!



Balenciaga Spring Summer 2011 Mens Shoes

Balenciaga mens collection has been a hit and miss for the past few seasons after attempting to align the collections more closely to the womens. Nothing outstanding (or for that matter wearable) ever came out of the new brand direction, but yet nothing that were too underwhelming that can be talked about (Bad press is also publicity!). I hope the brand pays more attention to the men's division, since I know there are still a lot of male Balenciaga fans around hoping to see a revival of this highly original and avant garde Parisian house.

For Spring Summer, it's again this '50-50' attitude I see for the new Mens collection, extending right down to the footwear. A lot of recurring shoe designs (*Yawn*) are given new materials and colours, while adding a few classic loafers and boots (surprising to see Balenciaga go so restrained) to the line-up. I am not impressed in the least, except for one espadrille high-cut trainers which I am keen on:-) But only in the white and blue colour way as shown on the 2nd pic. The straw lined soles and trainer style is a unique hybrid, quite a cool design to wear around especially with half the shoe folded down. (Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore will stock this shoe at SGD 660. Still pending confirmation on what colours are available)

What are your thoughts for this new Balenciaga Mens Shoe collection? Under or overwhelmed?

Source: Balenciaga

2 comments:

Shane B said...

I've supported B as much as I can but the SS 2011 is a huge disappointment... both the accessories and clothes! I buy many B clothes but only one pair of shoes so far, the patchwork sneaker, and I don't see me buying any of the shoes in the future - -!

Kevin @ myMANybags said...

Yes, the designs are really not outstanding now... there's no surprise or wow factor in their pieces. The present style is more suited for experimental younger guys...but Balenciaga's pricing is way beyond them. Most men who can afford Balenciaga do not want to dress with the present looks.