adidas Footwear Preview SS12

There's no doubting that adidas has a poignant part to play in the history of the sneaker and urban style worlds (if you want to know more I urge you to read the fantastic book 'Pitch Invasion by Barbara Smit), and it's a brand that has played a special part in my own sneaker history with countless iconic styles from the brand gracing my wardrobe over the years.
But it was time to put the past to one side and instead focus on the future as I was recently invited to preview next season's drop of some great footwear from the brand.
All bases are covered with the Ransom and David Beckham collabs offering up more refined fashion related product, the Gazelle keeping the old school sneaker lovers happy, and the Climacool keeping things fresh and airy for those looking for a more athletic product.
All up there's enough great product coming from adidas to ensure that you should make a point in the future to check it out!

PUMA x UNDFTD Ballistic Clyde

 

As shoe silhouettes go, there is an elite core of styles that can lay claim to being some of THE most influential and iconic shoes created, and the Puma Clyde definitely falls into this category.

The guys at UNDFTD have been let loose on this iconic style twice before, and now in the third drop in the Puma x UNDFTD collab The PUMA x UNDFTD Ballistic Clyde is finally here.
Available in five ‘on trend’ pastel colours; Grey (my pick of the selection), orange, yellow, green and purple, the Ballistic Nylon upper and the use of suede on the heel and tongue make this an interesting and accessible twist on the beloved Clyde that can appeal to anyone.
So, if you fancy an order of classic shoe with a side of on-trend styling then check out Espionage, Laced and High’s & Lows for more info.

adidas Originals Jeremy Scott 2012 Fall/Winter Preview

Nothing seems to throw as much colour and controversy (don't worry, I'm not going to mention the banned 'Shackle' shoe) as a Jeremy Scott drop.
I was invited to take a peek at the Jeremy Scott x adidas Originals 2012 Fall Winter collection and while the trademark JS style is far more flamboyant, colourful and outrageous than someone like can get away with wearing, I'm always very intrigued to see what the Willy Wonka of footwear will come up with next.
Among this collection are some classic shoe silhouettes given the JS treatment, including a 'love' inspired take on the Bear shoe (is this JS's most colourful shoe yet?), as well as his monochrome & metallic take on Superstars, fluoro Bowling Shoes, blue zip up penny loafers (called the JS Slim), as well as apparel ranging from his own varsity jacket, to Versace inspired tracksuits.
All up, it's another bold and brave collection that JS-heads will lap up and love it or hate it, you can't deny that yet again there is some really impressive innovation here that yet again raises the question...what will he come up with next?

Preview - G Star SS12/13

Usually when previewing a brand or collection it's key to shoot generic product shots, but in the instance of the new G Star SS 12/13 collection I decided to capture a different angle altogether.  In the above shots I have attempted to capture the essence, tone and detailing of the collection that combines an array of jeans, jackets, and apparel for both sexes.

Across the board the collection combines the trademark detailing associated with G Star's product, with the denim featuring the brand's classic washes and cuts (including the men's new 3D style), and a showcase of the brand's RAW Correctline diffusion line which caters for those looking for 'denim couture'.  Combining formal wear tailoring with street wear details it provides a combination that allows the transition from daytime work to night time.

All up there's something for everyone, and the collection is sure to get the G Star diehards salivating once it hits stores.

Cat Code AW12 Preview; Australia

Despite its solid reputation for rugged workboots, Caterpillar has never been able to transfer the success of it’s workwear into more fashion conscious product.

That is possibly until now, as I was recently invited to preview a new Cat diffusion line called ‘Code’ which the brand are hoping can get them some wanted fashion props on the street.

The line includes some clean and simple silhouettes with easy to wear colourways that will offer the renowned Cat comfort and build quality, but packaged in a style that looks more at home on the street than the building site.  Check it out as it's dropping soon!

Boxfresh AW12 Preview

The UK menswear brand Boxfresh is due to undergo something of a rebirth in 2012, and I was lucky enough to be invited to get an exciting preview of some of the brand's new footwear and apparel lines.
The brand's name (according to Wikipedia) refers to the early hip hop term where hot sneakers were 'Boxfresh' if they were hot when they were fresh out of the box, and from what I saw of the brand's new collection there were some fresh pieces indeed.
Above are my picks, and I loved the brand's return to basics with simple yet interesting cuts in the apparel and some playful twists on classic shoe styles.
Boxfresh will be making some big noises in 2012 with some key peices starting to drop in Australia in March so check them out if you're looking to freshen you up your wardrobe.