COLE HAAN | Stylist Naoki Ikeda on the reimagined Cole Haan.
FASHION / MEN
February 16, 2015

COLE HAAN | Stylist Naoki Ikeda on the reimagined Cole Haan.


COLE HAAN


LUNARGRAND WINGTIP, LUNARGRAND CHUKKA, COOPER SQUARE WINGTIP


Stylist Naoki Ikeda on the New Cole Haan (Part 1)



For work, play, daily life, and travel. To fully enjoy a free lifestyle, you need perfect shoes that won't restrict your every move as a companion. Here's some good news. The birth of "super shoes" that offer the ultimate walking comfort and a sophisticated, New Yorker-esque style.

Photographs by Kenta YoshizawaText by Akiko Nakamura (OPENERS)






Walk, Anywhere You Please. Lightness Like Walking on the Moon



From the block you're on to the next. While enjoying the city's bustle, you find yourself walking two or three more blocks without even realizing it.One of the most frequently cited characteristics of New Yorkers is that they "walk a lot." Therefore, the requirements for their shoes are inevitably "simultaneous realization of design and comfort." It's safe to assume that shoes that become popular in New York have achieved both.

This year, one shoe has become a huge topic of conversation among these New Yorkers. It's the Cole Haan "LunarGrand Wingtip," which we'll introduce today.



COLE HAAN 07

LunarGrand Wingtip




The upper is made of leather, with an authentic wingtip design that is a heritage of Cole Haan, yet the sole is a streamlined sole in a pop of color. Furthermore, it incorporates Nike's cushioning system, "Lunarlon," which allows you to experience a sensation "like walking on the moon." It's a model that achieves design and comfort, uniqueness as if past and future have merged, all at once.

This shoe was initially released in February of this year as a limited edition at the Cole Haan store in SoHo, and it generated significant buzz on social media beforehand. It was released in Japan in May, and due to the pre-release hype, people were lining up on the first day.





There are currently three models that use Nike's Lunarlon cushioning system: the aforementioned "LunarGrand Wingtip," the dress-style "Cooper Square Wingtip" in rich leather, and the "LunarGrand Chukka," which combines a suede chukka boot with a Lunarlon-equipped sole. These are the three variations.

Today, we asked stylist Naoki Ikeda, who is active in various fields, to show us how he styles his casual wear using two of these models: the "LunarGrand Wingtip" and the "Cooper Square Wingtip."





Fusion of Classic and Sport Elements



"The shoe itself, with its matte material, wingtip upper, and the combination with the pop-colored 'Lunar Sole,' fuses classic and sporty elements, doesn't it? I was conscious of incorporating both elements into my coordination, leveraging that mood. I combined items with different tastes – a windstopper material blouson and slim wool pants with a just-right length – with the 'LunarGrand Wingtip.' It's a hybrid-conscious outfit," says stylist Naoki Ikeda.


COLE HAAN 03

Stylist Naoki Ikeda





"I think it's perfect for people who prefer an outfit that 'incorporates the nuance of trad' rather than being strictly traditional. For example, this LunarGrand Wingtip would pair perfectly with an outfit like a gray V-neck knit layered over a striped shirt, paired with white denim."

He also notes that the shoe's details are well-considered.

"When viewed from the side, there's a leather midsole sandwiched between the upper and the Lunar Sole. The classic styling is properly incorporated. The wingtip is orthodox, and the last is also authentic. It gives the impression of being a 'proper shoe,' yet it has a sole that feels like a sneaker, which is interesting."






COLE HAAN


LUNARGRAND WINGTIP, LUNARGRAND CHUKKA, COOPER SQUARE WINGTIP


Stylist Naoki Ikeda on the New Cole Haan (Part 2)




Next, he presented an outfit featuring the "Cooper Square Wingtip." This shoe is a 5-eye long wing with rich leather and features a medallion. While it looks like a dress shoe, it achieves ultimate cushioning with a "Lunarlon sock liner." A distinctive feature is the colorful midsole sandwiched between two layers of leather.

"For leather shoes, I wanted to pair them with items that have a knit or brushed texture. The key was choosing and combining items with different textures. The shoe I used today has brown leather with pops of orange, which pairs well with earth tones like khaki. I'm currently focusing on the combination of light brown and khaki."





He wore a low-gauge, high-neck knit with buttons on the shoulder, letting a bit of the chambray shirt hem peek out from underneath, and coordinated it with khaki bottoms. The structured feel of the dress shoes complements the very relaxed outfit.

"Compared to the 'LunarGrand Wingtip,' the design is more dressy, isn't it? The pop-colored midsole is also sandwiched by a leather sole, and it has a heel, so I think it would also suit more elegant outfits. Something like dress chinos. It would also pair well with jackets from Boglioli or pants from Incotex," he commented.


COLE HAAN 05

Wearing the "Cooper Square Wingtip"





Although he didn't try them on, he also shared styling suggestions for the chukka boot-style "LunarGrand Chukka."

"These shoes would look great with jodhpurs that have volume around the waist and are slightly cropped. Outerwear like knit jackets or varsity jackets would also work well. To highlight the texture of the shoes, you could also try combining them with items like nylon pants for a mix of materials."

After trying on various shoes, we finally asked about the comfort.

"The 'LunarGrand Wingtip' is incredibly comfortable! Even after a long day of work, I feel like I could just walk home (laughs). It's amazing how it achieves both lightness and fashionability. I can confidently wear them to meetings at hotels or brand receptions. Owning a pair would definitely be invaluable."

With the upcoming season, Cole Haan's shoes seem poised to broaden your styling options and range of activities.


Check Out the 3 Lines Using "Lunarlon"!




LUNARGRAND WINGTIP
COLE HAAN 08

COOPER SQUARE WINGTIP
COLE HAAN 12

LUNARGRAND CHUKKA
COLE HAAN 15




Naoki Ikeda
Born in 1977. Began working as a freelance stylist in 2000. After four and a half years, he moved to New York. After producing works with local creators, he returned to Japan in '06. He expresses fashion with his unique perspective, interpreting the zeitgeist and modes for both men and women, through various fashion magazines, commercials, advertisements, artist styling, and fashion direction for brand catalogs. He also has a keen interest in outdoor life products, ceramics, and art in general.
http://www.naokiikeda.com/


Cole Haan Japan
0120-56-0979
http://www.colehaan.co.jp/