Style Debate: The Designer Sneaker
It’s something that most of the major fashion houses are trying to incorporate into their seasonal collection for men…. The sneaker!
In terms of fashion, the sneaker really took off as a trendy, fashionable item in the 80’s with RUN DMC making the biggest waves on the hip hop scene with their collaboration with Adidas. All of a sudden guys weren’t wearing trainers for comfort, they were wearing them because they were stylish and cool. The main style of the sneaker that lead the way back then was the “high top” which essentially was a basketball shoe. The name is based upon the raised back of the shoe which was designed to give the player maximum support against the constant twisting and turning on the court. And today is the type of sneaker that most designers will attempt to put their own mark on as you can see with luxury masters Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Dior home and Yves Saint Laurent.
It used to be the way of the premium powerhouse’s to use designer denim to lure new customers to buying in to their brand but it certainly is now a ploy to use designer sneakers. Like with RUN DMC and Adidas, the collaboration between a brand and someone in the spot light whether involved in music or sport has been very significant in the rise of the designer sneaker. Examples include Louis Vuitton creative director Marc Jacobs with hip hop artist Kanye West and Gucci’s Frida Giannini with music producer Mark Ronson.
For me out there right now “the designer sneaker” of the moment has to be Lanvin’s suede/ patent creation. It defines the whole concept of the designer sneaker in the way they’ve taken a simple tennis shoe and turned it into a fashion must have! Lucas Ossendrijver, head of menswear for Lanvin attributes this to the use of rich looking materials such as patent leather and suede to give a sleek and luxury look to a basic sports shoe.
Designer sneakers bridge the gap between smart and smart/ casual outfit looks. I have seen many a time the slim fit suit with a skinny or bow tie and a pair of crisp sneakers which when styled correctly looks great. In my mind there is so much room to manoeuvre when styling a smart/ casual look with designer sneakers. You’ve already got your starting point with the “casual” sneakers so it’s just a case of adding your smart pieces. In the warmer months you could add chino’s, lightweight knitwear and a polo shirt then through the winter tailored jackets, cashmere and sharp denim.
I know the traditionalists are opposed to the idea, but like it or not the designer sneaker is here to stay. Here’s some of the best on the market today:
By Danny Rhone
Danny Rhone
My name is Daniel Rhone and I am a menswear stylist and personal shopper by trade with writing articles and pieces on Men's fashion thrown in between. I have been involved in the men's fashion retail industry for over 10 years. I also currently write my own men's style blog as well as working on future projects and collaborations.
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