At the beginning of March this year, an announcement was made that two well known designers would be putting their heads together to design and produce a new line of men’s shoes. Cole Haan is an iconic fashion label that was started in Chicago, Illinois in 1928. Originally known as a men’s footwear company, they became legendary for their superior quality shoes and accessories for men and women. Being a company that honors tradition in their designs, their collaboration with Todd Snyder for men’s footwear brings Todd’s vision for classic design and highlights it with a modern appeal.
One example of the merging of these two great designers is the Lewis Chukka in Blazer Blue. The Chukka boot has been a popular style since the 1940’s and you will find this particular style in mostly brown and black leather, but Todd Snyder has taken this low leather boot and brought it to us in a fantastic dusty navy, pebbled leather. This modern twist on a vintage classic shoe allows for more versatility with a color that will blend well with both a casual look and also gives you the ability to dress it up a little.
Next is the Willet Plain Oxford in Magnet, which is a simple style oxford shoe that has Cole Haan’s classic leather sole paired with a smooth grey leather that has modern lines and contrast stitching around the laces. If you don’t know already, grey is the new black and this particular shoe gives you a traditional styling in a fresh neutral palette, which will take you from Spring to Summer and then, into Fall.
Some new Spring-Summer 2015 looks by Todd Snyder that would go great with this new collaboration with Cole Haan would be this casual grey sweater, worn over a crisp white shirt and tie, that is paired with charcoal colored trousers.
The other blue chukka could be worn with this brighter jean-style blue jacket and the dark charcoal grey pants. Both styles of shoe allow you to have fun with color without going overboard.