ISETAN MEN’S | This Autumn, Focus on Double Monks, Black, and New Brands

ISETAN MEN’S | Isetan

Opening August 27, the theme for Autumn 2014 is “Strength and Boldness”

This Autumn: Focus on Double Monks, Black, and New Brands

As we approach autumn, what shoes should we wear first?—The men's shoe department at Isetan Shinjuku Store provides a clear answer. Not only does it offer a wide selection of world-class brands, but this season, the “Shoe Lab,” which showcases designer brands, has been revamped. The entire floor transitions to an autumn mood starting Wednesday, August 27.

Photographs by SUZUKI SimpeiText by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)

This Season, Play with Double Monks!

Ms. Yoshie Nakamura, a buyer representing the men's shoe department at Isetan Shinjuku Store, which strives to be the “world's best fashion museum,” explains the shoe trends for Autumn 2014.

During my visits to Europe for trade shows and buying trips, I noticed many buyers and press wearing double monk straps with the buckles undone, or in suede. Everyone seemed to be styling their monk straps in their own unique way, which I found interesting. This season, with the prevalence of ankle-length pants, the opportunity to add a pop of color with socks, and the debut of double monk boots—a style that’s been surprisingly absent—there are many ways to change up your footwear. Therefore, we are heavily featuring double monk straps this autumn.

Even within the category of double monks, you can enjoy a variety of expressions depending on the brand, such as the length and height of the nose, or the angle of the strap. Furthermore, styles with capped toes offer another avenue for personal expression, allowing you to polish and shine the toe. We have a diverse selection of double monk U-tips, so please come and see.

Additionally, as part of Mitsukoshi Isetan's “JAPAN SENSES” initiative, we planned a collaboration between long-established brands. During a trip through the Tohoku region, we discovered Aizu cotton. In support of Japanese craftsmanship and our aim to promote it globally, we realized the “Otsuka Shoe x Aizu Cotton” button boots. This design merges classic aesthetics with traditional Aizu cotton. As this is a limited production for this season, we encourage you to visit soon.

The Most Anticipated: Double Monk Straps

This season, we have a full lineup of monk strap shoes perfect for the start of autumn, including the new double monks from “Stefano Bemer,” specially ordered by our buyer. Also featured are handmade shoes from the renowned Hungarian factory “VASS,” “O'KEEFFE” with its attractive pink gold buckles that enhance the elegance of brown suede, and “Crockett & Jones” double monk boots, recommended by buyer Nakamura.

The Trend of "Black": Which Will You Choose?

A must-see is the Isetan exclusive from “Edward Green.” This model, “Malvern,” features a classic wingtip design, the 82 last with a D width, and a striking black suede finish.

Further additions include monk shoes reviving the “IS last” created by Isetan and “ENZO BONAFE” in the past, new combinations with crocodile leather, a specialty of “Santoni,” “CARMINA’s” Goodyear-welted black patent leather shoes—a style that was surprisingly hard to find—and boots from “Otsuka since 1872” featuring buckles made of sterling silver 925. This collection offers a range of sharp, black footwear.

“Shoe Lab” Features a New Lineup of Designer Brands

Starting with “Marc Jacobs,” which will be a core brand in this season's Shoe Lab, we welcome Maison Martin Margiela, Viktor & Rolf, DSQUARED2, and Giuseppe Zanotti Design Homme to the Shoe Lab. Including new brands like “Marsell,” from an Italian factory appealing to the fashion-forward, the collection transitions fully into autumn mode starting Wednesday, August 27.

Isetan Shinjuku Store
3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3352-1111 (General Inquiries)
http://www.isetan.co.jp/

ISETAN MEN'S net
http://www.imn.jp/