Hasta La Ideas

Innovation meets old-world style in Cole Haan’s unconventional take on the dress shoe

Jumping ahead of the current trends in men’s footwear, Cole Haan‘s LunarGrand wingtip is a classically designed full brogue dress shoe updated with an ergonomic outsole for unmatched comfort. Launching 10 February 2012, the LunarGrand has been “engineered to conquer the streets of New York City” by combining a classic design from one of the most recognizable names in formal footwear with innovative Lunarlon outsole from their parent company—Nike.

While we love the striking design of a contrasting outsole, in the LunarGrand’s case it also serves a distinct purpose. The ultra-lightweight Lunarlon increases flex, movement and wearability—making the LunarGrand a great looking, super comfortable dress shoe alternative. I walked the show floor of CES for three days straight to test the LunarGrands and became an instant fan—never before have my feet felt so good at that beast of a trade show.

This marriage of a classic design aesthetic and contemporary tech was created with the nomadic city dwelling man in mind. Cole Haan’s VP of Design Phil Russo explains “the goal of the design process was to create a wingtip to take on the streets of New York City—a shoe that utilized motion-enhancing innovations at the same time as retaining its authentic and timeless aesthetic.”

Because of their lightweight design and superior comfort we see the LunarGrand as the ideal travel shoe, as it looks just as good dressed up or down. And this is no coincidence, as Russo goes on to explain that the shoe concept came about from understanding “what people are doing in their shoes today, their expectations of style and demands of functionality,” pushing Russo and his design team to “create products that really do make a difference as people go about their everyday lives.”

For the time being the LunarGrand wingtip will be available exclusively at the Cole Haan SoHo store starting Friday, 10 February. All five colorways will be on hand retailing for $248.

Cercavo una felpa e ho beccato questa. Fa parte della collezione S/S 2012 di Carhartt. I want.

The Korean bag-makers’ latest collection of carryalls designed for high-visibility city cycling

South Korean label VAGX, maker of highly functional bags for the urban cyclist, introduces the Lumisac series with more understated branding and a fresh new design concept from its previous lines. Named for illuminating strips affixed across the bag exterior, the hi-vis collection may propel VAGX’s status as a solid, design-focused commuter style.

Besides the sleek look of the backpack, messenger bag and waist bag models, the Lumisac line packs technical function akin to brands like Mission Workshop. The fabric and color combinations are consistent throughout, with the black styles comprising 1000D Cordura nylon upper and waterproof truck tarp on the base, and the beige made almost entirely from truck tarp.

The battery-powered light strip can be turned on or set to blink, making the wearer significantly more visible while riding in low-light conditions. Inside, the line is Apple-focused—the backpack stows a pocket specifically designed for a 17″ Macbook while the messenger bag features a special slot for an iPad or Macbook Air.

The waist bag merges a traditional fanny pack with a tool belt, with ample compartments to keep essentials secure. The adjustable design can be worn around the waist, or as a sling style Bandolier bag.

Although VAGX is currently primarily sold overseas, the brand’s presence at New York’s Capsule trade show last week indicates potential for an increased presence in the U.S. The Lumisac backpack, messenger bag and waist bag are available online for roughly $225, $160 and $135 (based on current exchange).

Questo passaporto è in realtà l’invito selezionatissimo per il lancio della Air Jordan 2012 che si terrà in febbraio. Pettinato come sempre il Michele Giordano.
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The Swiss ski makers join Italian garment maker for a technically driven set of understated wool outerwear

On a recent trip to Gstaad with Bentley (more on that next week), I had the pleasure of meeting the team from Zai, the high end, handmade Swiss ski manufacturer. Patrick, Daniela and Thomas (pictured here) all happened to be wearing incredible ski suits. As it turns out, Zai has recently branched into outerwear with the Cassacca, an aesthetically subdued, technically advanced outfit for the slopes. In teaming up with exclusive Italian garment and fabric manufacturer Loro Piana, Zai is able to select from the world’s finest wools and cashmeres for the Cassacca. This complimentary alliance is founded in Zai’s commitment to innovation and design and Loro Piana’s uncompromising dedication to material standards and craftsmanship.

For the main upper Zai uses a combination of 94% wool, 5% cashmere and 1% elastane to give the wearer proper freedom of motion while skiing. The fabric blend is treated by Loro Piana’s Storm System, laminating a pliable membrane and sub-layer of microfiber for additional insulation. Once completed the fabric is treated with Rain System, a unique waterproofing process effective at both keeping moisture out and allowing the material to dry surprisingly fast.

As a garment first and foremost it’s engineered to enhance one’s skiing experience, however the Cassacca caters quite well to the Swiss tradition of après activities. The understated aesthetic is sleek, while avoiding being too sporty—a mark that’s not easily hit in the outerwear world. This “essential” design is limited to just four earth-tone colorways to keep in line with Zai’s traditions in wooden ski making.

Zai’s limited production skis expertly blend natural and man made materials for a superior ski. While the weekend warrior can appreciate the beautiful crafstmanship, these skis will be most appreciated by those working towards a triple digit day season. Standouts from the winter ’12 ski collection include the classic Testa with a walnut vaneer and the revolutionary Nezza, made almost entirely of an innovative compound called Zaira.The two hand built skis represent Zai’s superlative use of material on opposite sides of the design spectrum.

As with all superior things in life, quality comes at a price. Zai’s Cassacca sells online for $4225 while their handmade skis are officially sold through retailers in over 19 countries. Use Zai’s national directory for a list of dealers in your region.