Mastermind

This is probably old news for a lot of you, but I couldn’t let this one go by.  It looks like Joshua Katcher of The Discerning Brute is starting his own online shop called Brave Gentleman.  It is a high-fashion site, selling everything from clothes to accessories to beauty products.  All products are certified by Mr. Katcher to be cruelty-free, and sustainably produced in fair labor conditions.

Of course, there are shoes!  Novacas is the manufacturer of this first collaboration, featuring “thicker, tougher, and eco-superior faux-leather and faux-suede, made fairly in Portugal, and cruelty-free – this capsule collection is tailored, cool, and inspired by workers, masterminds, and defenders.”

Say what you will about the styles,  but you have to give credit where it’s due.  These shoes look like they are super high quality, and obviously a lot of thought has been put in to designing them.  The price is a little steep – $230 to $300, but if you pre-order online before June 30, you can save $20.  Also available is an Olsen Haus oxford shoe called Time Traveler.

Check it out the shoes  at Brave Gentleman!

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Oh, hello Jack Purcell – the other classic Converse shoe… but it’s so classic, it never goes out of style.  Converse has updated the materials in these LTT model, this time they’re using washed cotton twill uppers.  That and you have some very crisp, bright colors, perfect for the summerytime.  I’m digging the ocean blue ones the most.

Available in yellow, grey, and blue at Urban Outfitters for $60.

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I had to big up another one I found on Premier, this time the Nike Blazer Mid in grey canvas.  I’ve always been a big fan of the Blazer, as I have featured the Huf Blazer and the AC Hi on this site previously.  I personally like the Huf Blazer’s stripped down minimalism and vulcanized sole, but I am really feeling the mid action here too.  I’m more of a black canvas kind of guy, but the grey color on this is versatile enough, and I could see myself rocking this all year round.  And, there isn’t the issue with the “leather” swoosh – all canvas everywhere, baby.  No room for mistake of accidentally buying leather.

Available at Premier for $75.

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Yes!  I have been waiting for you, Vans Chauffeur Stripes.  You are an elusive one.  I’ve been scouring the hills for a low profile boat shoe, something with a little more pizzazz, if you will.  I wasn’t entirely smitten with your sibling, the Zapato Del Barco.  But it was the only vegan boat shoe I could find.  But there are so many canvas boat shoes, you say… bah!!!  They always use the stupid leather strip to wind around the heel.  Damn them, damn them to hell.  But no matter: Vans finest minds ingeniously substituted a plain white round lace; a very elegant solution.  Summer, I am now ready for you.

Available at Premier

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UPDATE 6/24/11: Unfortunately, these shoes are NOT VEGAN.  I got an email from a reader who bought these and the insides actually contain leather.  I apologize to all those who were unintentionally misled by my blog.  I’ll try to limit these mistakes.  Henry.

This oxford from Robert Wayne is a great addition to the list of non-leather dress shoes.  Made of canvas upper, the Reuben is available black and brown.  They did a really good job with the shape on these; the toe box is narrow, but not pointy.  And the colors are versatile, they can really work with a lot of different looks.

Available at Zappos for $99.95.

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