Nice Kicks....NOT

Apparently for Spring 2010, cobbler Christian Louboutin is launching some footwear for men. It does take me back to the ill-fated Jimmy Choo mens line which shuttered (I believe) back around 2002, in spirit if not in execution.


When I heard Louboutin was expanding into men's footwear, I half-expected well cobbled shoes with red soles. High-end brands like Lanvin and Margiela, while fashion focused, have consistently crafted exceptional and tasteful footwear (to go along with margin-making sneakers). I was also curious how Louboutin would position vis-a-vis Jean-Michel Cazabat, a less-recognized but equally prestige shoemaker who has been putting red soles on men's shoes for years.


Behold, fashion footwear fail:


Jean-Michel Cazabat shoes currently @ Barney's, $550.

Louboutin's 2010 shoes, in the $1200 range:

photos via upscalehype.com

Besides the recession-unfriendly price tag...THIS is what you're going to launch your line with?


Some designers really go for the craftsmanship in their footwear. Some go for the fashion. One dominant trend in the latter for the last decade has been instantly recognizable branding elements to signal the brand and therefore the price of fashionable luxury items to other consumers. Maybe this started with the Gucci horsebit loafer but it has exploded into some truly gauche territory, as you can see above. I get that you want people to see your shoes and realize you designed them, but good luck copyrighting studs as a design element.


I'll reserve total jugement until I see them in stores, but I anticipate seeing these both in Kanye's next video and at the Barney's Warehouse Sale come next August for 60% off.


And I will just add: when Jennifer Lopez is singing a song about your brand - and falls on her ass while doing it - it might be a good time to rethink.

The Warehouse Sale

Today is the first day of the Barneys Warehouse Sale. The warehouse sale is like the Fashion Deathmatch. Fights break out, people get naked, debt racks up, all to get Prada at Payless prices. Sadly I had a 9 am meeting which precluded me from waiting on line to be one of the first ones through the doors, so I thought I'd share some of my strategies for winning at the Warehouse.

• Go to Barney's on Madison on the last few days of their end-of-season sale. The prices are the same as the first day of the warehouse sale and its significantly less crowded.

• Pricing goes something like this - prices will stay consistent at the beginning for the first week at around 50-60% retail. The first markdowns start happening after a week, then there is usually another markdown towards the middle of the second week, and then the best markdowns happen towards the end. These markdowns usually go up to about an additional 50-75% off sportswear and jeans, and 60% off shoes.

• The best designer pieces, shoes and accessories usually go towards the beginning. If this is what you're looking for, go early in the sale.

• There are no changing rooms and no returns. So either stick to brands whose sizing you know, or just decide not to care. We should all be willing to drop trou for $30 japanese denim. Gentlemen, avert your eyes if you have to wander around the women's floor to find your girlfriend/wife/sister.

• Go towards the end for affordable workwear and accessories. $19 ties, cheap dress shirts and wool pants, always plenty of overcoats and smart outerwear that may not be designer but is definitely office-appropriate.

• Go in the middle of the work day when its less hectic. You have a doctor's appointment. Come back with shopping bags. We've all done it. We all have doctors in the same building as the Warehouse Sale...

• With no mirrors and the frantic environment, it can be easy to make huge purchasing mistakes. Just because its designer and its a bargain doesn't mean you can rationalize it out in the real world. Even I really thought the Alexander McQueen blazer with the gold threading was a great purchase at the time...

• Cell phones never work in the basement.

It may seem overwhelming but the Warehouse Sale has always rewarded me with great finds. Every pair of boots I own come from the warehouse sale - from the Prada Chelsea boots I bought in 2002 for $125 that I still wear, to the Timberland Boot Company boots that are still selling for $500 at Jean Shop. Ties, jeans, tuxedo shirts, socks, cashmere sweatpants for $30 (buy them if they have your size).

Good luck and godspeed. And if you see Margiela or Lanvin white high tops in my size, hide them somewhere that no one will find them until markdowns...

(Also, always check Racked for updates like today's lineblog)