Alright, back to the shoes. Pictured are the UBIQ Fatimas, a shoe so nice I'm trying to get my hands on a pair as we speak. UBIQ is a Japanese Label, that so far has seemed to remain in the anonymity of my consciousness. In fact, Sneaker Freaker magazine recently called them "an obscurist's delight", when reviewing the release of the all leather version of the Fatimas you see to the left. Obscure is perhaps an over-zealous word I would prefer to replace with subtle, something often associated with the flawless simplicity of Japanese design. The silhouette of the shoe is a perfect marriage between the hi top fatness of a basketball shoe, and the more streamlined retro appeal of a vans or converse model. UBIQ have clearly sampled heavily on many of the elements of a Puma Clyde hi-top on the upper, and Vans Chukka boot on the sole, but like all good sampling, they've made it so much better. Look closely at this particular shoe, and everything works. The colour way is rich and effortless, from the black suede dominating the upper, to the sparingly added stitching, turquoise corduroy detailing on the tongue and heel, and the charcoal grey laces setting it all off. They also have a second layer wrapping around the very top of the upper, that folds down to reveal a check pattern, seen on a couple of this years Air Max 1 releases and a whole load of Stussy garms, and you wouldn't expect anything less from the Japanese than to add at least one element that immaculately appeals to the fashion victim in us all. But that really doesn't detract from what this shoe offers. Not only is it like a Puma Clyde, Chukka boot and Pointer Mathieson all in one, it seems to have taken the best elements from all of them. However, while it might be tempting to keep simplicity at the heart of design, especially when you get it so right, it is worth noting that simplicity can also be the foundation for a more expansive creativity. I would hate to see a shoe this nice begin to start looking like you could pick up a pair at Muji, alongside some equally simple, stylish, yet ultimately boring underwear and office supplies. But for now, these are dope, no question.
Thursday 22 November 2007
UBIQ
Alright, back to the shoes. Pictured are the UBIQ Fatimas, a shoe so nice I'm trying to get my hands on a pair as we speak. UBIQ is a Japanese Label, that so far has seemed to remain in the anonymity of my consciousness. In fact, Sneaker Freaker magazine recently called them "an obscurist's delight", when reviewing the release of the all leather version of the Fatimas you see to the left. Obscure is perhaps an over-zealous word I would prefer to replace with subtle, something often associated with the flawless simplicity of Japanese design. The silhouette of the shoe is a perfect marriage between the hi top fatness of a basketball shoe, and the more streamlined retro appeal of a vans or converse model. UBIQ have clearly sampled heavily on many of the elements of a Puma Clyde hi-top on the upper, and Vans Chukka boot on the sole, but like all good sampling, they've made it so much better. Look closely at this particular shoe, and everything works. The colour way is rich and effortless, from the black suede dominating the upper, to the sparingly added stitching, turquoise corduroy detailing on the tongue and heel, and the charcoal grey laces setting it all off. They also have a second layer wrapping around the very top of the upper, that folds down to reveal a check pattern, seen on a couple of this years Air Max 1 releases and a whole load of Stussy garms, and you wouldn't expect anything less from the Japanese than to add at least one element that immaculately appeals to the fashion victim in us all. But that really doesn't detract from what this shoe offers. Not only is it like a Puma Clyde, Chukka boot and Pointer Mathieson all in one, it seems to have taken the best elements from all of them. However, while it might be tempting to keep simplicity at the heart of design, especially when you get it so right, it is worth noting that simplicity can also be the foundation for a more expansive creativity. I would hate to see a shoe this nice begin to start looking like you could pick up a pair at Muji, alongside some equally simple, stylish, yet ultimately boring underwear and office supplies. But for now, these are dope, no question.
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