Starting Five: Product Highlights [July 23]
Anonymous Club, Dries Van Noten, Nike x Jacquemus, Camperlab & Adidas
For this round of Starting Five, we visit the narrative, materials and construction of futuristic runners, padded loafers, luxury sneakers and boots that are larger than life. In a bid to reduce their impact on the planet, brands continue to integrate sustainably-sourced compounds and thoughtful design into their products amongst the industry’s demanding schedule. Covering all corners of the marketplace, we’ve gathered five notable releases that deserve your attention…
CAMPERLAB Tormenta
A new silhouette from the Mallorca-based brand’s design-driven CAMPERLAB line, the Tormenta is a runner-style shape fit for a post-apocalyptic world. The unique identifier is undoubtedly the natural rubber outsole, featuring swirling web-like treads which wrap up around the shoe at seven different points in an organic, cage-like orientation.
Environmental responsibility is evident across the shoe with an abundance of proprietary developments from various biotech suppliers. Beneath the outsole lies a multifaceted upper consisting of Sorona® mesh (a nylon-like material that is at least 37% natural fibres) and overlapping panels of HyphaLite™ and MIRUM® mushroom-sourced and petroleum-free leather substitutes. The shoe also features a padded tongue and collar with a bamboo jersey lining, recycled OrthoLite® footbeds and a partially sugarcane-based EVA midsole. The TENCEL® lace-up closure is asymmetric to each shoe, curving away from the centre of the bridge to mimic the appearance of the sole.
Available here
ANONYMOUS CLUB Shaft Boot
ANONYMOUS CLUB is an innovative design studio led by cult-favourite designer Shayne Oliver of former HOOD BY AIR notoriety. After short-term stints at Helmut Lang and Diesel, the trailblazer of an aesthetic that merged queerness with hip-hop sensibilities launched the collective as a platform for emerging talent. Since it’s very first collection which was showcased at ‘Club Couture’ during Boiler Room’s festival in New York City, the brand has remained focussed in its mission to supply contemporary club-gear fit for the demands of an energetic nightlife.
The brand’s simply-named Shaft Boot is a towering silhouette to encapsulate that feeling better than any other. Featuring clean and simple construction, the collar consists of a single piece of PU leather with a seam down the full length on the medial side, ensuring a clean expansive surface free from features or flaws. A secondary panel constitutes the rounded toe box and body of the shoe, carefully crafted to a smooth form. Built in a wide silhouette to negate potential restrictions in fit, twin pull tabs on each shoe are added for functionality while a familiar rubber outsole with raised heel completes the look. Debossed logos to the outside foot and under the sole are the only aspects of subtle branding on an otherwise immaculate boot.
Available here
Jacquemus Nike J Force 1 Low LX SP
After combining for the first time last year on three colourways of the Air Humara LX (including that hot pink that had everyone’s attention), the Swoosh and Paris-based label Jacquemus join forces again for a new model dubbed the J FORCE 1. The shoe is expectedly elegant; bearing in mind this is a designer who just presented his SS24 collection in the grounds of the Palace of Versaille, from which guests watched on in a series of perfectly-lined-up rowing boats.
The silhouette continues the trail-shoe theme from the first collaboration by pinching the midsole from the ACG Terra. Retaining the level of chic luxury that one would expect, a hand-woven ribbon slots perfectly between each section of the outsole tread to hold the shoe together. The upper is of course taken from Nike’s flagship Air Force 1 and carries the same soft leather, perforated toe box, flat lacing system (including signature chrome ‘JF1’ lace bars) and paneling, only swapping out the large leather swooshes on medial and lateral mid-panels for the jeweled mini version - another carry-over from the Humara. Available in Triple White and Triple Black offerings, the shoe is finished off with debossed co-branded logos on the heel and foam insoles.
Available here
Dries Van Noten Black Padded Loafer
Our next highlight in this month’s selection is a luxuriously-designed take on the classic loafer from Belgian fashion label Dries Van Noten. Constructed in Italy from premium leather, this sleek and modern profile’s padded upper gives an acutely puffed-up appearance, owing largely to the exaggerated strap. Traditionally regarded as a close-fitting shape, the proportions of this loafer are overemphasized to subvert the notions of a timeless classic.
The upper sits atop a chunky lugged outsole made from Vibram® rubber, an inch-high platform with distinctive tread that is built to last. With a contrasting buffed Tan leather lining on the inside, pull-loops at each heel and a squared off toe box, this is a premium piece of footwear fit for every occasion.
Available here
Adidas adiFOM TRXN
Our final select of this month’s crop is the affordable and accessible adiFOM TRXN from the brand with the Three Stripes. Continuing their efforts to push their latest foam technology, the TRXN is a sleek and simple lifestyle offering that puts everyday comfort at its core. Providing optimal support for the foot, the adiFOM cushioning shines in the silhouette with a smooth, chunky sole unit that maximises its potential. Moulded into hexagonal grips under the foot, the sole is a seamless form that blends modern athleticism with approachable minimalism.
The understated textile upper comprises tonal synthetic panels for body, heel, tongue and collar while suede overlays carry a simple rounded lacing system. Branding is implemented by way of subtle stitching on either side, contrasting printed logos to tongue and lateral midsole as well as debossed padding on the heel. For an entry-level offering for daily use, the adiFOM TRXN is a smart, supportive and wearable choice.
Available here
