Vein Store

Are you wearing watered down shoes?

2011-03-05T13:25:00.003+10:00

Chris posted "Where have all the great shoes gone?" on Nov 2008. Now step into 2011, more heavy discount , more cheap and no structure fitting shoes out in the market. I thought I should bring out this article, see if you have the same felling as I do?!

"Where have all the great shoes gone? "

Recently quite a few customers in the TCB Vein Store have been saying that there are no good shoes around (except in the Vein Store of course). In the city and the shopping centres all the shoes seem similar, bland, generic and of obviously poor quality. None of the stores anymore are offering interesting, attractive, original, well made shoes in good leathers. Why?

The answer lies in the principle that "Bad money drives out the good". It's a theory illustrated by economics Nobel Prize winner George Akerlof using watered down milk as an example. It's called Gresham's Law, after Sir Thomas Gresham, a sixteen-century merchant who persuaded Queen Elizabeth to restore the debased currency of England.

In the milk example honest, original-design, well crafted, high quality leathered, ethically made shoes are the

pure milk. Knock-off shoes made poorly and cheaply by unskilled workers of inferior and deceptive materials are the watered down milk. To the untrained naked eye, the pure shoes and the watered down shoes may look the same.

Imagine that a litre of high quality milk wholesales for $1.00, and a litre of watered down milk wholesales for

$0.60. An average buyer might willingly pay up to $0.80 for the watered down milk and up to $1.20 for the pure milk. In either case, mutual gains would be made from the transaction: Both the buyer and the seller know what he or she is getting, and both end up with what might be considered a fair deal.

But if the customer is unable to distinguish quality (and with shoes it is very difficulty for the average customer to distinguish quality), both grades of milk must sell for the same price - about $0.90.

Under this system, honest brokers of pure milk go bankrupt, while corrupt watered down milk sellers flourish. So, logically enough, soon all surviving merchants are watering down their milk and pocketing large profits, and consumers believe they are getting a bargain when in fact they are being ripped off.

The key factor is the knowledge gap between the buyer and the seller. The cheaper the goods, the harder retailers work to keep consumers from knowing the truth about them. And the more narrowly consumers focus on price, the easier they are to fool. Lately the trend is to fool customers about the product by using good design (knocked off) and good branding, imagery and store design. By using great photographers, models, knocked off good designs and clever branding, sellers are skillfully working very hard to not only keep consumers from knowing the truth about the products they sell...they are even preventing consumers from asking the hard questions at all.

If customers know the milk is watered down, there is no problem; they pay less for it and get precisely what they bargained for. Customers who prefer their milk without water can choose to pay a higher price. No one is cheated, no one is fooled. But when dishonest brokers add water to the milk and sell it for less without telling customers they have watered it, the unwitting public believes it is getting a great deal.

If enough dishonest merchants water their milk, more and more customers will forget what normal milk tastes like and buy only the cheaper watered down variety. Eventually honest brokers are forced to water their milk, too, or get pushed out of business. Pure milk becomes no longer available and even the price of watered milk goes up. Good money and good milk is driven out by the bad.

I've watched the same thing happen in the footwear industry. I see trusted brands selling PU (fake leather) shoes and labelling them genuine leather. I see them lining shoes in fabric instead of leather. I see them using the lowest grades of rubber on their soles...or worse, thin unsuitable leather soles. I see them making shoes in the poorest countries in the world by totally unskilled, contracted, per-piece workers that don't have the skills to make a pair of shoes themselves. I see them picking knock-off designs from factory catalogs and stamping their own logo on it. They've had to, or they will go out of business because the shop next door is deceptively selling watered down milk. And besides, it makes "good business sense" to sell watered down milk because the customer thinks they are getting a bargain but the seller makes more profit than selling pure milk honestly.

The result is, as explained in Akerlof's example, nearly all the merchants are selling watered down milk and many customers have forgotten the taste of pure milk. Those that have not yet forgotten the taste have been saying that there are no good shoes around (except in the Vein Store of course).

At Vein Wear, we only sell pure milk. How do we know? We milk the cows ourselves.

Nov 2008 by Christopher McCallum

And the winner of the Vein Wear Shoe Design Competition 2011 is...

2011-03-05T13:18:00.001+10:00

The winning design, as voted by the public and then our judging panel is:

"Aero" by Jesse Bibbs of the USA.

Congratulations Jesse! We will get started on making your design a reality.

Style Magazine Chat with Sole Mister

2011-03-04T16:22:00.006+10:00

SARAH MURRAY TALKS LACES AND LEATHER WITH SHOES DESIGNER AND OWNER OF VEIN WEAR, CHRISTOPHER MCCALLUM.

What are the staple shoes every man should have in their wardrobe?

Black lace-ups for business, tan or brown boots for denim, leather slides to avoid rubber thongs and something special... something no one else has that makes you feel on top of the world. Maybe some maroon nubuck loafers, or some purple deck shoes.

Why did you decide to offer a tailor made/bespoke shoe service?

It’s long been a dream of mine. Why should we have to choose from tame commercial styles that most shoe stores offer? If you want some patent red shoes, you should be able to buy them. Or if you want some tan boots with blue stitching, you’ll never find it... but you can make it. No other shoe stores in Brisbane make their own shoes, so they can’t offer a bespoke service. Ours are the same price as off the shelf shoes.

What is the most outrageous/interesting shoe you've ever had to create for someone?

We made a pair of perforated metallic silver shoes for one gent’s wedding. For a magician we made some pink snake skin shoes.

MAKE YOUR OWN SHOES AT VEIN WEAR

IN FIVE EASY STEPS

1. Choose a style.

2. Choose from over 70 different limited

edition leathers and apply them to the

panels of the shoe.

3. Choose your stitching, laces or

elastic, eyelet and sole colour.

4. Choose your sole material.

5. Wait for approximately three weeks

for your new, unique shoe

Please come to visit our stores or go online WWW.VEINWEAR.COM

Village News Socials

2011-02-21T11:36:00.001+10:00

These socials snaps were taken at the Vein Wear Bespoke Shoes and Ray-Ban Rare party.

The Courier Mall-Men Put Best Foot Forward By Laura Stead

2011-02-17T15:33:00.002+10:00

MEN are taking the reins on their fashion choices - customising clothing and shoes to suit their every whim.

No longer the sole prerogative of the fairer sex, men's fashion and accessories are being offered up with an array of personalising options from colours to cut.

Peter Crawfurd, co-founder of online custom shirt store ShirtsMyWay.com there was a growing desire among men to have more input into their sartorial choices.

``We believe in individuality by letting men design their own shirts in true detail and getting shirts that are sized personally for them,'' he said.

Customers can choose their fabrics, buttons and shapes down to the collar and cuffs, as well as enter their measurements for shirts to be made to.

``The other point is that many men are picky with their dress shirts. They like certain collars or certain cuffs and want these for their shirts,'' Mr Crawfurd said.

``With the many design options we offer they can make these choices and get exactly what they want.''

Brisbane shoe label Vein Wear designer Chris McCallum recently launched a custom-design men's shoe service he said was in response to a growing demand from men to personalise their accessories.

``From a commercial point of view, what stores decide to invest in has to be quite conservative but it means that pretty much everyone doesn't get what they really want. It just gets boring,'' he said.

By choosing their own leathers, eyelet colours, laces and the most minute details on style, men can create their dream shoe with a three week turnaround, he said.

``We were getting requests from people requesting what they wanted and we thought let's just do it.

``So far we've had people in two camps - one is people who want something that's just not in stock, be it a bit more room in the toe for example, but the other camp is the guys that just go nuts with animal print mixed with purple nubuck to make something we'd never find anywhere else.''

``It's extremely exciting and no one else can really do it.''

Come in to Vein Store and customized a pair for yourself :)

And the top 3 finalists in the Vein Wear Shoe Design Competition are...

2011-02-12T21:40:00.000+10:00

The votes have been collated and we are excited to announce the three finalists of the 2011 Vein Wear Footwear Competition (in no particular order):

Ivan Bilugan (Philippines) - Retro Avant-Garde loafer
Jesse Bibbs (USA) - Aero boot
John Yang (Taiwan) - Indus boot

Congratulations to our three finalists and all the talented entrants. The standard was once again very high and this was reflected in the closeness of the votes.

Ivan, Jesse and John's entries will now be sent on to our prestigious juding panel, with the ultimate winner announced March 3.

Stay tuned...

Bride To Be Magazine Featuring Vein Wear Mens Shoes

2011-02-12T21:39:00.001+10:00

Bride To Be Magazine Featuring Vein Wear Mens Shoes

Get these shoes online ($249.00) at VeinWear.com or come into a Vein Shoe Store to customise them in over 70 leathers.

Trevor's Bespoke Vein Wear Shoes

2011-02-12T21:37:00.002+10:00

These are the latest Vein Wear customised shoes by Trevor ($249). The light blue reptile and blue nubuck are striking. Well done Trevor.

Anyone can customise their own pair of Vein Wear bespoke shoes in either of the Brisbane Vein Shoe Stores. It only takes 3 weeks for our expert cobblers to hand-make your creation.

Vein Bespoke Shoes Launch

2011-02-12T21:37:00.001+10:00

Back to Business After the Floods

2011-02-08T11:41:00.003+10:00

The Race That Stops The Nation

2010-10-29T16:57:00.000+10:00

Yes it's that time again, when with anticipation we prepare for the Melbourne Cup. A special occasion that raises the fashion steaks, and requires the ladies to create a statement track side outfit.

Here at Kitty Croquet we thought we would put together an on trend look that will have you easily competing for the title of best dressed. When selecting a cocktail dress for the day, be bold and choose a statement colour. Add a feature accessory and other items that will complement your choices. A head piece is a must, so think outside of the box and opt for something different.

Now the all important shoe. As any well healed lady knows, style and comfort can be somewhat of a fashion oxymoron, but never fear Kitty Croquet have come to the rescue with the stylish "Sunday Rose" leather heel. The perfect option for looking good and standing all day in your marquee of choice. The style features just the right amount of "wow" to get you noticed and will also have your feet thanking you by the end of the day. So raise a glass and celebrate in style...

The Race That Stops The Nation by adamgrant featuring a black hat

Tibi One-shoulder draped silk dress
$425 - net-a-porter.com
Silk dress »

Stella mccartney bags SILVER
725 GBP - matchesfashion.com
Silver handbag »

Roberto Cavalli Onyx cocktail ring
$500 - net-a-porter.com
Onyx ring »

Bangle Set - Black
34 GBP - kabiri.co.uk
Vintage bracelets »

Amazon.com: Ladies Wide High Waist Fashion Leather belts: Clothing:...
amazon.com
Belts »

Bird Band Black
35 GBP - houseoffraser.co.uk
Black hat »

Kitty Croquet
kittycroquet.com

One Vein.. Three looks

2010-10-28T15:52:00.001+10:00

A man's wardrobe needs to be as versatile as a Swiss Army knife, allowing for a number of occasions to be covered, with a well edited selection of staple items.

Vein Shoes once again have come to rescue by designing a "multi-purpose" shoe that will suit all occasions. The Veegus Loafer carries all the qualities of a Vein shoe that you have come to love, like full grain genuine leather uppers and linings and skillful hand-craftsmanship.

As pictured these shoes will fit all the requirements of your summer wardrobe. From the office to cocktail hour and then a lazy Sunday, the Veegus Loafer will have you looking sharp no matter what the occasion.

Own a pair of Vein Wear Veegus Loafers today from VeinWear.com.

One Shoe.. Three looks by adamgrant

The Race That Stops The Nation.

2010-10-28T15:46:00.000+10:00

Yes it's that time again, when with anticipation we prepare for the Melbourne Cup. A special occasion that raises the fashion steaks, and requires the ladies to create a statement track side outfit. Here at Kitty Croquet we thought we would put together an on trend look that will have you easily competing for the title of best dressed. When selecting a cocktail dress for the day, be bold and choose a statement color. Add a feature accessory and other items that will complement your choices. A head piece is a must, so think outside of the box and opt for something different. Now the all important shoe.. As any well healed lady knows, style and comfort can be somewhat of a fashion oxymoron, but never fear Kitty Croquet have come to the rescue with the stylish "Sunday Rose" leather heel. The perfect option for looking good and standing all day in your marque of choice. The style features just the right amount of "wow" to get you noticed and will also have your feet thanking you by the end of the day. So raise a glass and celebrate in style...

The Race That Stops The Nation by adamgrant featuring an

2010 Vein Wear New Competition Site Is Live

2010-10-24T15:41:00.001+10:00

The competition is now open. This year I have set up a basic competition website which will make it easier to see all the entries and vote for them. The site address is here:

http://sites.google.com/a/veinwear.com/shoe-design-competition/home

On this site you can also find the competition entry guidelines and design templates.

I am adding Adobe Illustrator templates as well as PDF templates which anyone can use.

This blog will still continue as the competition blog.

The earlier you submit entries, the sooner they will be visible on the site (although voting will commence at the same time for everyone).

Get designing!

FTV Caught Up With Vein Wear

2010-10-21T13:08:00.002+10:00

These days it is rare to find a designer who is really hands on with their work, even rarer to find one who chooses the traditional method of handmade manufacturing instead of the commonly used mass production line.I introduce Chris McCallum of Vein Wear, a designer who reinforces that it’s all about quality over quantity. His designs in footwear are allowing men to throw away their four year old tattered shoes and embrace the return of a true craftsman. Let’s be honest, we haven not seen a talented cobbler using traditional methods in years. Chris is a breath of fresh air and it seems we are all craving some of Chris's designs and talent.

11 million pairs of shoes are produced each year worldwide, Vein Wear strive to keep styles original by only allowing 10-100 of each style to be made. Comfort, tick. Quality, tick. Originality all with the added bonus of being fashionable at the same time, double tick.

Chris McCallum is ticking all the right boxes. FTV123 caught up with the talented cobbler to get to know his reasoning behind his traditional craftsmanship, what inspires his savvy designs and to extend an invite to our next fashiontv party.

FTV123: Have you always wanted to be a designer?

Chris: Not always, but certainly for a long time. As kids and teens we all draw and "design" stuff. I used to draw a lot of fantasy cars when I was a kid. I also had a fascination with logos. But I didn't seriously consider it as a career until I was 19 or 20.

F: So Chris why shoes?

C: Shoes shoes shoes! Shoes are amazing. We are surrounded by so many shoes and yet we are for the most part completely ignorant about them. I find that interesting. How many people in our country could make a pair of our shoes? So few. They are fashion, but at the same time should be highly functional. They cop more pounding than any other item of clothing. And they affect the way you walk, the way you move, the health of you feet, knees and back. How much can you really learn about a t-shirt? I've been in footwear for nearly a decade and I feel like there is so much more to know.

F: Have you ever thought about designing shoes for women?

C: Yes, I have thought about it. I am involved a little bit in our women's range, Kitty Croquet. I will give it a go soon.

F: What styles from the Vein collection are you favourites?

C: I love the Pleated Desert Boots. The shape is great. The detailing is interesting but understated. They are incredibly comfortable. I just finished wearing the same pair for 500 days straight. And what new pair did I get after those? The same style in a beautiful brown suede.

F: I noticed a lot of colour compared to other shoe designers. It is great to a designer not shy away from a bit of colour, instead of always opting for the safe black and brown.

C: Yes, I love colour also. Men's dress shoes have been defined too narrowly, I think. We are happy to wear brightly coloured shirts, ties, jeans, sneakers, thongs, etc. But when it comes to dress shoes it has to be black or brown? I don't think so. Have some fun with your shoes. Sure, have a black pair or two for the office. But that's not the only occasion you can wear dress shoes. Especially since we make them so comfortable.

F: Where/who do you get your design inspirations from?

C: I really don't know. And I don't like to think about inspiration. It's like thinking about it, kills it. I've never been one to theme a collection in order to wrangle up some inspiration.

F: Chris, can you please tell me the process of creating a new shoe style for Vein?

C: The process takes a long time. So we always have a lot of styles at various stages in the pipeline. These are the basic stages.

   1. We sketch a shape (Last).
   2. Turn a last (mould).
   3. Make test shoe to see if the shape and fit of the last is good. The test shoe has no design.
   4. Sketch revisions to the last.
   5. Make another test shoe and revise if necessary.
   6. Sketch a new design onto the finished last shape.
   7. If a new heel is required, we have to sample that based on the sketches.
   8. Draw up the patterns based on the design sketch.
   9. Make a test shoe with the new patterns in black leather.
10. Test for fit, feel, look.
11. Make revisions to the design or patterns if necessary and re-sample.
12. Source leathers, materials, accessories in required colours and finishes.
13. Make sample shoes in various colourways.
14. Choose the best final samples to make a part of the range.

F: What made you decide not to use the mass production method?

C: I don't like the idea of the production line. I don't like the idea that shoes are made by dozens of people who only know how to do a single part of the process, and not one of them can make an entire shoe from start to finish. I wanted our shoes to be made by actual shoe-makers. Guys with decades of experience that can all make a single pair from start to finish if required. It means the quality of the shoes are far superior, and gives us a lot of flexibility.

F: You have recently opened up a shop in Brisbane City on Adelaide St and you already have a store in Fortitude Valley do you have any future plans to move to Sydney or Melbourne?
C: I would love to open in Sydney and Melbourne. We have a lot of internet customers there and I do get asked that all the time. If we get a thousand customers from either city that join our Facebook page or Tweet us to come down, we will!

F: How would you describe your personal style?

C: I have a relaxed semi-formal style. I like to have a small wardrobe of items that I love. High quality pieces. I try to wear mostly Australian designers. If someone asks me about something I'm wearing, I always know where it's from.

F: Why do you think the right pair of shoes is an important part in creating a 'whole' look?

C: Shoes send such a strong message about a person because they are an investment. Most guys don't have more than three pairs of shoes. Whereas they may have 20 shirts or a dozen pants. It's a more considered and selected item and therefore says more about the wearer. For that reason it is extremely important to choose shoes that send the right message and which will compete your whole look.

F: You recently worked with fashion designer Ben Ringuet for his Mercedes Benz Fashion show in Brisbane, have you worked with many other designers?

C: Yes. I always relish the chance to work with clothing designers. I'm lucky because shoes are an accessory. So we are complimentary to their ranges. And most local designers don't do their own shoes. I've done the shoes for shows with Kenzo, Morrissey, Leopold, Trimapee, Subfusco, Bowie, Red Cordial, AG, Diesel, Herringbone, Hugo Boss, Sand, Tommy Hilfiger, and lots more.

F: What are some of Vein Shoes' biggest achievements to date?

C: Our biggest achievement is sustaining the brand to be something that men want to purchase and wear. In my few years at Vein, I've seen a swag of labels start strong and fall by the way. I've seen big established footwear companies fall.

F: What is next for Chris McCallum and Vein shoes?

C: I want make shoes for clothing designers. I want to open a store in Sydney and Melbourne. I want to sell online in China and Taiwan. I want to party with FTV!

Store locations:

Vein Store – Brisbane Arcade
Shop 25 Brisbane Arcade
117 Adelaide Street Front
Brisbane CBD
QLD 4000

Vein Store –TCB
Shop 25b TCB Centre,
20 - 28 Duncan Street
Fortitude Valley
(between Brunswick Street and Chinatown Malls),
Brisbane QLD, 4006

Read More : http://www.ftv123.com/fashionista/the-f-word-blog/2010/10/12/16-vein-wear.html

3-Piece Loafers in a new Dark Brown Leather

2010-10-20T12:56:00.001+10:00

The 3-Piece Loafer has been released in a beautifully supple paraffin wax leather. It is available now in the TCB Vein Shoe Store only and at VeinWear.com.

City News: Boots made for walkin'

2010-10-11T14:54:00.001+10:00

'VEIN Wear shoe designer Chris McCallum begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting (pictured) set off on a quest 18 months ago to wear the same pair of boots day in, day out for 500 consecutive days. What did he discover? That high quality items are less expensive in teh long run. "I estimate I walked over 5000 steps or 4km a day, averaged out for 500 days, in the Vein pleated desert boots," Chris says.

"The total distance walked was about 2000km. Like the Proclaimers before me, I walked 500 miles and 500 more, just to be the man who walked a thousand miles, which actually converts to 1609km making me the man who walked a thousand miles and then kept going!" Phew! The upshot of all this? Chris reckons his pleated desert boots, $269, are bloody good bang for your buck.'

Summer Party With Raybanrare And Veinwear

2010-10-04T12:56:00.000+10:00

Summer Party with #raybanrare and #veinwear by kittycroquet featuring ray ban shades

Original Wayfarer Flowers RB2140-1 Sun | Official Ray-Ban Site - Italy
ray-ban.com
Ray ban shades »

AE Men's adidas Collegiate T-Shirt (Blue Boulder)
$25 - ae.com

Hawaiian Beach Short S10
60 AUD - generalpants.com.au

PUMA Men's Accessories: Hats, Caps and Beanies - PUMA Online Shop
$20 - puma.com

What brand of bottled water is the purest tasting?
sodahead.com

Ray-Ban Official Web Site - Rare Prints - UK
ray-ban.com

Vein Wear Lankle Loafer
veinwear.com

Ray Ban - Rare Places
ray-banrare.com

Ray-Ban is celebrating the Top 50 "Rare Places" around the country, and would love you to be part of the process. What do we need you to do... Discover and Experience, all we want you to do it get out there and see some of the amazing new places pop-ing up all over australia. Explore our map and discover a new place to visit, get out there and enjoy it. For your chance to win the limited edition print hanging in the venue or a VIP guest list to the exclusive Ray-Ban “Rare Places” closing party for you and x of your friends. Comment, rate and check-in, the more you support the places the more chances you have of winning.

The Vein Shoe Store (117 Adelaide St Brisbane) is one of only five Brisbane venues to be named a Ray-Ban Rare Place. So come in and support the store and Brisbane and bring the party home.

Basically we need to create the most digital chatter. So you can either Twitter mentioning Vein Shoe Store (#veinwear) and #raybanrare, or check-in on FourSquare and leave a tip, or get onto the Ray-Ban Rare site and comment through FaceBook.

Create the most chatter yourself and you win the print. If the Vein Shoe Store gets the most chatter, we get a $5,000 Ray-Ban party!

Start chattering peeps :)

How to Enter

Twitter: Tweet or twitpic about the locations and tag the tweet with “#raybanrare” to automatically go in the running to win.

Foursquare: Go to the Rare Venue and check in using your existing FourSquare account, leave a tip and you will automatically go in the running to win.

Email: Email your comments or photos to RarePlaces@ray-ban.com to automatically go in the running to win.

Online: go on http://www.ray-banrare.com/rare/ and select your city Brisbane then find Vein Shoe Store. Facebook: Automatically go in the running to win when you do the following: - Comment - “Like” - Invite a friend

http://www.ray-banrare.com/rare/

Leopold Look Book Featuring Vein Wear Shoes

2010-10-04T12:38:00.003+10:00

These shots are from the latest collection from clothing designers Leopold. Always refined, mature and classically cool. The shoes are not available just yet. But are expected in about 3 or 4 weeks, hopefully! We are making 10 pairs. If you want to pre-order, please email me (vein@veinwear.com). The style code is V1-4 and price is $199.00.

Where Have All The Great Shoes Gone?

2010-10-04T12:03:00.005+10:00

Are you wearing watered down shoes?

Recently quite a few customers in the TCB Vein Store have been saying that there are no good shoes around (except in the Vein Store of course). In the city and the shopping centres all the shoes seem similar, bland, generic and of obviously poor quality. None of the stores anymore are offering interesting, attractive, original, well made shoes in good leathers. Why?

The answer lies in the principle that "Bad money drives out the good". It's a theory illustrated by economics Nobel Prize winner George Akerlof using watered down milk as an example. It's called Gresham's Law, after Sir Thomas Gresham, a sixteen-century merchant who persuaded Queen Elizabeth to restore the debased currency of England.

In the milk example honest, original-design, well crafted, high quality leathered, ethically made shoes are the
pure milk. Knock-off shoes made poorly and cheaply by unskilled workers of inferior and deceptive materials are the watered down milk. To the untrained naked eye, the pure shoes and the watered down shoes may look the same.

Imagine that a litre of high quality milk wholesales for $1.00, and a litre of watered down milk wholesales for
$0.60. An average buyer might willingly pay up to $0.80 for the watered down milk and up to $1.20 for the pure milk. In either case, mutual gains would be made from the transaction: Both the buyer and the seller know what he or she is getting, and both end up with what might be considered a fair deal.

But if the customer is unable to distinguish quality (and with shoes it is very difficulty for the average customer to distinguish quality), both grades of milk must sell for the same price - about $0.90.

Under this system, honest brokers of pure milk go bankrupt, while corrupt watered down milk sellers flourish. So, logically enough, soon all surviving merchants are watering down their milk and pocketing large profits, and consumers believe they are getting a bargain when in fact they are being ripped off.

The key factor is the knowledge gap between the buyer and the seller. The cheaper the goods, the harder retailers work to keep consumers from knowing the truth about them. And the more narrowly consumers focus on price, the easier they are to fool. Lately the trend is to fool customers about the product by using good design (knocked off) and good branding, imagery and store design. By using great photographers, models, knocked off good designs and clever branding, sellers are skillfully working very hard to not only keep consumers from knowing the truth about the products they sell...they are even preventing consumers from asking the hard questions at all.

If customers know the milk is watered down, there is no problem; they pay less for it and get precisely what they bargained for. Customers who prefer their milk without water can choose to pay a higher price. No one is cheated, no one is fooled. But when dishonest brokers add water to the milk and sell it for less without telling customers they have watered it, the unwitting public believes it is getting a great deal.

If enough dishonest merchants water their milk, more and more customers will forget what normal milk tastes like and buy only the cheaper watered down variety. Eventually honest brokers are forced to water their milk, too, or get pushed out of business. Pure milk becomes no longer available and even the price of watered milk goes up. Good money and good milk is driven out by the bad.

I've watched the same thing happen in the footwear industry. I see trusted brands selling PU (fake leather) shoes and labelling them genuine leather. I see them lining shoes in fabric instead of leather. I see them using the lowest grades of rubber on their soles...or worse, thin unsuitable leather soles. I see them making shoes in the poorest countries in the world by totally unskilled, contracted, per-piece workers that don't have the skills to make a pair of shoes themselves. I see them picking knock-off designs from factory catalogs and stamping their own logo on it. They've had to, or they will go out of business because the shop next door is deceptively selling watered down milk. And besides, it makes "good business sense" to sell watered down milk because the customer thinks they are getting a bargain but the seller makes more profit than selling pure milk honestly.

The result is, as explained in Akerlof's example, nearly all the merchants are selling watered down milk and many customers have forgotten the taste of pure milk. Those that have not yet forgotten the taste have been saying that there are no good shoes around (except in the Vein Store of course).

At Vein Wear, we only sell pure milk. How do we know? We milk the cows ourselves.

Ray-Ban Rare Places Rare Print with Vein Wear

2010-09-30T12:43:00.001+10:00

Ray-Ban Rare Places: Vein Wear Designer Shoe Store by kittycroquet featuring wayfarer sunglasses

Original Wayfarer Flowers RB2140-1 Sun | Official Ray-Ban Site - Italy
ray-ban.com
Wayfarer sunglasses »

Vein Wear
veinwear.com

Vein Store: Ray-Ban Rare Places: Vein Wear Designer Shoe Store
veinstore.blogspot.com

Ray-Ban Official Web Site - Rare Prints - UK
ray-ban.com

Ray Ban - Rare Places
ray-banrare.com

Vein Wear
veinwear.com

Video Part 1: L'Oreal Kerastase Paris Summer Preview Parade

2010-09-24T12:20:00.002+10:00

L'Oreal Kerastase Paris Men's Grooming Line Launch

2010-09-22T11:00:00.001+10:00

Here are some of the pics from the private L'Oreal Kerastase parade hosted for Vein Wear to showcase new season trends in men's designer shoes and Clemente Talarico to showcase men's clothing trends.

I will release these in bite-sized chunks because the looks are all worth seeing, but there are quite a few.

MBFF - Ben Ringuet Show - Vein Wear Men's Designer Shoes

2010-09-22T10:59:00.001+10:00

Dark Redemption

Fashion just got a whole lot darker.

Vein wear shoes recently worked with the fashion designer Ben Ringuet and provided shoes for his parade at Mercedes Brisbane Fashion Festival. The shoe in question was our leather and suede Combo Boot ($279 from VeinWear.com), which is a modern take on a traditional military design.

Ben also took inspiration from the military trend which is proving to be popular this spring/summer season. As seen, 19yo Ben's interpretation leans towards the darker side and creates a sharp silhouette with all the trimmings of a traditional uniform.

The Combo Boot was also styled back with what is titled the "Prom" shirt. This look seems to pay homage to the dress shirts of the 1970's, but once again Ben's dark interpretation of the classic ruffle shirt adds a tough edge to what could otherwise be considered a feminine style.

We recommend that you take a walk on the dark side this season and pair the Combo Boots with a slim line jean or dress pant. Brace yourself and get ready for a tough new season.

Walk A Day In My Shoes...Try 500 Days!

2010-09-15T11:06:00.001+10:00

I have been wearing these same boots everyday for 500 days straight.

This might sound odd for a shoe designer. I have access to any shoe I could possibly want. And there are at least a score of styles in the Vein Wear collection I would love to be wearing at any one time. So why wear just one pair, every day, for well over a year?

To test the durability of course. This kind of information is very difficult to come across. You can get 'wear tests' done, where you pay for someone to walk around in your shoes (literally) but they average only 30 days. And you can do durability tests on components similar to the machine repetitively squishing the chair in Ikea. But to get accurate information on how a shoe wears in the day to day life of a normal person, you just have to do it yourself.

So I have worn these boots for the past 500 days. It has meant that my wardrobe has been slightly limited. And they probably weren't appropriate at the weddings I attended. Forgive me, I was on a mission.

I worked in an office and in the retail store. I walked around the markets and the shopping strips on the weekend. I went out to bars and clubs. I danced (poorly) at weddings. I stumbled around the Hunter Valley wineries. I pounded the pavement in Sydney and Melbourne.

Like the Proclaimers before me I vowed to walk 500 miles, and 500 miles, just to be the man who walked a thousand miles. Which converts to 1,609km. I conservatively estimate I walked over 5,000 steps or 4km a day when it is averaged out. So the total distance walked was about 2,000km. Making me the man that walked a thousand miles and then kept going.

I made sure not to give them much extra care along the way. That way I could observe the wear as most guys would experience it. I didn't scotch-guard them. Or treat the suede. I tried to stay out of the rain where possible and jumped puddles. I gave them the odd brush to wipe away any serious dirt. If they got wet I let them dry and wiped away water from the soles at the end of the day. I didn't use shoe trees or shoe horns.

So how did they fare? The upper leather integrity came through perfectly. No stitching came apart. They feel great. The soles never came apart from the upper at all. They look excellent.

The soles are the standard Vein Wear 4mm rubber soles. They look fine and there are no holes or cracks in them. Of course they definitely need a re-sole now, and I pushed well past when they 'should' have been re-soled.

At just after the one year mark, I had them re-heeled and needed to add some rubber to the toe area of the sole. This cost about $25.00 in materials.

I cleaned and tarted them up for the 'after' photos. Have a look below.

The boots cost $269.00 and the repairs $25.00, so the total cost after 500 days was $294.00. That works out to less than 59 cents per day of wear. Not bad, considering I probably spent nearly $2,000 on coffee during the same period!

The lesson I've learnt from this experience is that Vein Wear makes awesome shoes. If you treat them with a modicum of care, they will treat you extraordinarily well. And high quality items really are less expensive in the long run. I'm going to keep wearing these boots. Just not every day. And every day I wear them, that 59 cents per day of wear gets cheaper.

I certainly don't recommend you wear your shoes in this way. This was a durability test. You don't want to push your fashion shoes to any kind of extremes. Wear them between 5 and 15 times a month. Alternate with another pair of shoes. Re-heel them regularly. Re-sole them as early as possible. Use shoe trees and shoe horns. Clean and water-proof them.

I can't wait to wear another stlye of shoe! Vein Store, here I come...

Ray-Ban Rare Places: Vein Wear Designer Shoe Store

2010-09-08T15:22:00.000+10:00

How to Enter

Twitter: Tweet or twitpic about the locations and tag the tweet with “#raybanrare” to automatically go in the running to win.

Foursquare: Go to the Rare Venue and check in using your existing FourSquare account, leave a tip and you will automatically go in the running to win.

Email: Email your comments or photos to RarePlaces@ray-ban.com to automatically go in the running to win.

Online: go on http://www.ray-banrare.com/rare/ and select your city Brisbane then find Vein Shoe Store. Facebook: Automatically go in the running to win when you do the following: - Comment - “Like” - Invite a friend

The Vein Shoe Store (117 Adelaide St Brisbane) is one of only five Brisbane venues to be named a Ray-Ban Rare Place. So come in and support the store and Brisbane and bring the party home.

Basically we need to create the most digital chatter. So you can either Twitter mentioning Vein Shoe Store (#veinwear) and #raybanrare, or check-in on FourSquare and leave a tip, or get onto the Ray-Ban Rare site and comment through FaceBook.

Create the most chatter yourself and you win the print. If the Vein Shoe Store gets the most chatter, we get a $5,000 Ray-Ban party!

Start chattering peeps :)

http://www.ray-banrare.com/rare/

Brisbane News: Socialites

2010-09-02T14:28:00.002+10:00

Kitty Croquet designer, Szuting McCallum, and Vein Shoe Store team member Adam Grant were snapped and published by Brisbane News at the Brisbane Arcade VIP Event last week. You can always count on them to help out drinking fine champagne and polishing off tasty nibbles! Good job.

Walk the 3D World in Kitty Croquet Boots

2010-09-02T14:21:00.003+10:00

These rockin' Kitty Croquet studded and distressed leather boots are featured in the latest issue of 3D World. This style will be in the store and online at KittyCroquet.com soon!

Brisbane Arcade Magazine

2010-09-01T18:10:00.001+10:00

Brisbane Arcade's magazine is featuring the hot new designers on the block. That means Vein Wear and the soon-to-open Maiocchi. Drop by the arcade and pick up a copy. There are a swag of must have items all available in the one iconic location.

Green Shoes Please Skippy

2010-08-29T11:40:00.000+10:00

Greenpeace recently funded a survey in which it was claimed that using kangaroo leather in place of other leathers can radically reduce one's carbon footprint. The perhaps unhygienic reason for this is that kangaroos don't produce flatulence (so to speak). Cows and sheep produce vast volumes of methane through belching and, well, whatever happens at the other end.

The kangaroo's superiority in many ways might not be as bizarre as it might first appear: the marsupials have great personal hygiene, need less food than sheep or cattle and are better adapted to drought; they are generally high up the evolutionary tree (although, sadly for them, not as high as us).

The Greenpeace-funded report, authored by the Australian scientist Dr Mark Diesendorf, claims that Australia can reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 30 per cent by 2020. One way it can do this is by cutting down on cows. Dr Diesendorf writes that reducing beef consumption by 20 per cent and putting Skippy on the dinner plate [and on your feet] instead would cut 15 megatonnes of greenhouses gases from the atmosphere by 2020. "Kangaroos do not emit greenhouse gases," he writes. "They are not hooved animals, either, so they don't damage the soil." He adds that kangaroo is very healthy and low in fat. "There's a small subset of environmentalists who see the kangaroo as a cuddly animal which should be left alone. They are entitled to their view, but more and more people are moving towards eating it."

Vein Wear makes stunning customised men's shoes and boots in supple kangaroo leathers. They are soft, light weight, flexible and durable. "Kangaroo leather is by far one of the best leathers in the world to make shoes from", says Vein Wear shoe designer Christopher McCallum. "If the leathers are tanned in Australia then they are also subject to our country's stringent environmental policies."

So there you have it. If you're into eco-friendly shoes, a walk in a roo is the best thing to do.

Contact Vein Wear [chris@veinwear.com] or visit one of their Brisbane boutiques to discuss making a pair of your own kangaroo leather shoes.

[Ref: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/skippy-for-supper-kangaroo-meat-is-healthy-plentiful-and-leaves-a-tiny-carbon-footprint-773028.html ]

Art Meets Space Meets Clothing Meets Shoe

2010-08-29T11:39:00.001+10:00

I met with local Brisbane artist Matt Stewart yesterday at a great little coffee stop. He's working in a cool little shared creative space that houses himself, the Tonic cafe, Tonic architects, Kaw PR and YoungDesignersOnline.com.au. It's tucked away at 7 Hynes Street Fortitude Valley.

Above is a sample of some of Matt's work. As well as painting hangable art, Matt gets busy painting urban commercial spaces and has recently branched into clothing. He's provided prints for tees and togs alike.

Matt approached me with the idea to incorporate some of his artistic designs into a shoe. Great idea I think. It could take a few months to develop, but I'll keep you posted.

Vein Shoe Store - The Ultimate in Brisbane Accords True Local

2010-08-19T14:41:00.002+10:00

True Local have released their Ultimate Brisbane Guide. It features the Vein Shoe Store in the city which is quite cool since they only featured four stores in the whole of Brisbane for the Designer Style Shopping section. The other stores featured are La La Latrobe, Jean Brown Gallery and Easton Pearson.

Vein Wear

Shop 25, Brisbane Arcade

117 Adelaide St

CBD

0434 059 416 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0434 059 416 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

$$$$ = Treat Yourself

"This one is for the lads and ladies of Brisbane who are looking to style it up. Vein Wear is a local label bragging that all its shoes are individually designed, and then handcrafted by a 'master cobbler'. It's all about individuality here. The flagship store in Duncan St in the Valley was so popular the owners expanded into the city early in 2010. The shoes are stylish and will set you apart. Warning: it may provoke shoe envy in others."

Colourful UniSEX

2010-08-19T14:41:00.001+10:00

"AFTER THE DOOM AND GLOOM OF 2008-2009, men and women are becoming more adventurous and looking outside the staple shoe colours of black and tan. Brightly-coloured footwear has been popping up everywhere lately, from the runways of Paris and Milan, to Brisbane’s Vein Wear shoes. For their latest releases (above), Vein Wear has taken the colour wheel for a spin, splashing out with purple, grey, green, brown and maroon.

“Colours have always been popular for us,” says Vein Wear designer/owner Chris McCallum begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting. “They inject a certain light, adventuresome spirit into a collection, and I found these new tones particularly attractive.”

Sometimes people can get caught up in worrying about what coloured shoes will go with, but Chris says it doesn’t need to be stressful, especially with contrast being such a key fashion trend in recent seasons.

“Our new purple shoes will look great with all sorts of coloured jeans...black, white and denim, as well as black trousers, as the soles and laces are black,” he explains. “Grey works well with blacks, blues, and greys, as well as light pink and mauve. Green shoes work with cream, tan, brown and black; while maroon looks really striking against basic black or charcoal.’’

This season, catwalks globally were dotted with colour. Comme des Garcons brightened up sombre suiting with hard-to-miss lime green and lolly-pink shoes; Junya Watanabe showcased dusty pink brogues with grey suits, and Tod’s served up a range of driving shoes in rich ochre and olive green.

Vein Wear’s entire new colour range has been done in velvety-soft nubuck leather, perfect for the chilly winter months. “Nubuck looks and feels a lot like suede but is actually better quality and lasts much longer than suede,” Chris explains.

Shoes from the new range will be priced at $249 each and are available at either Vein’s Valley or City boutiques, now. Pop instore or jump onto VEINWEAR.COM and colour your sole this season."

City News: Walk Like A Man...Ladies in Boyfriend Shoes

2010-08-18T16:31:00.002+10:00

"FIRST there were the boyfriend jeans, popularised by Mrs Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes. Now, it's all about the boyfriend shoe. Ever a fan of the brogue, women's footwear label Kitty Croquet recently stepped out man-style with its latest offering (pictured). Clever work, Kitty. We love! The Inverted Louis Brogue, about $199, will be available in Vein Wear's city store and online around mid-September. www.kittycroquet.com."

Kitty Feature In MBFF 2010

2010-08-07T15:10:00.003+10:00

Kittycroquet Rodeo boot ($245) will feature in 2010 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival catwalk 16th Jluy of Schwarzkopf Professional Hair and The Young Designers Online boutique. In distressed black leather that will provide the perfect contrast to a floaty, feminine dress.Featuring flat and rounded matte silver, gold and bronze studs predominantly on the sides, the Rodeo boot also has an inner silver side zip, a slightly tapered toe and a low 4cm durable rubber heel.

For tickets to MBFF to http://www.qtix.com.au/

What Do You Want From Me?

2010-08-02T14:20:00.000+10:00

What do I want from you Adam. Well how about your crazy cool sense of style for starters.

Catching up with friends on the weekend should look casual but not daggy. Start with a sharp pair of dark-denim jeans. Add a light cotton check shirt. Block the sun with some rockin' sun glasses.

And most important of all, spice it up with a pair of Vein Wear snake skin (replica) boots.

What Do You Want From Me? by kittycroquet featuring Ray

Blue&Cream: Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses in Black
$140 - blueandcream.com
More Ray-Ban sunglasses »

Billabong Shirts - Mens - Billabong Checkers Shirt
$30 - pacsun.com

Amazon.com: LEVI'S 511 Skinny Extra Slim Mens Jeans: Clothing
$30 - amazon.com

Adam Lambert: La Bruschetta Boy | adam lambert la bruschetta 01 -...
justjared.buzznet.com

Adam Lambert: La Bruschetta Boy | adam lambert la bruschetta 04 -...
justjared.buzznet.com

Vein Wear
veinwear.com

The Look: Adam Lambert - Just Jared - JustJared
buzzstyle.justjared.com

Simply Cool

2010-08-02T14:13:00.001+10:00

Keeping it simple with these classic pieces can work style wonders.

He wears a fine black tee, jeans and some Ray-Bans. Couple it with some classic dark tan leather Vein Wear shoes for a vintage come modern look that really works.

She wears a breezy floral ensemble with a belt to match back with his. Black lace-leather thongs from Kitty Croquet will work with her black top and shades.

Simply Cool by kittycroquet featuring French Connection tops

Wendy Cotton Bustier
25 GBP - frenchconnection.com
More French Connection tops »

Black floral ribbon skirt
20 GBP - debenhams.com
More Rocha.John Rocha skirts »

Women's AE Double Braid Belt (Tan)
$20 - ae.com
More American Eagle Outfitters belts »

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer | Official Ray-Ban Site
$159 - ray-ban.com
More Ray-Ban sunglasses »

T-Shirt Black
69 EUR - jades24.com

LVC: LEVI'S VINTAGE CLOTHING 59624 INDIGO COTTON 1955 501 SUGARED...
179 GBP - farfetch.com

Milan belt
$120 - int.youheshe.com

Star Tracks: Monday, July 6, 2009 - FULL BLOOM - Miranda Kerr, Orlando...
people.com
More tops »

Kitty Croquet Leather Lace Thong
kittycroquet.com

Vein Wear Vintage Quadole
veinwear.com

RB8302 Sun | Official Ray-Ban Site - Germany
ray-ban.com

New Trading Hours In Vein TCB Valley Store

2010-07-30T17:19:00.004+10:00

Vein TCB valley store has new trading hours from 30th July 2010.

Monday CLOSED
Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10:00am - 4pm

After hours please email to vein@veinwear.com or call 07 3357 4558 and leave your message. and remember we has online store which open 24 hours. www.veinwear.com and www.kittycroquet.com ;)

Ps Our City store is open til 9pm on Friday :)

My soles are coming apart...I've hardly worn them!

2010-07-29T18:17:00.000+10:00

There are two main factors that can contribute to your soles coming apart in new and near-new shoes. They are the eco-friendliness of the sole material and the glue.

To make rubber (TPU) soles and mid-soles eco-friendly they are made to hydrolyze (chemical decomposition in which a compound is split into other compounds by reacting with water)...ie break down with water contact. Great, except when they start breaking down before you've finished with them. When they break down, they form a granular or powder-ish texture which breaks away from the adhesive glue holding the soles to the upper. So your "sole comes apart".

So if you've worn your shoes even only once, sweat from your feet, or moisture from outside start the hydrolysis process on your soles. When you come back to wear the shoes again for that special occasion a month or two later you are shocked to find that during the evening the soles come apart. But you've only worn them once before! And it can seem like the "quality" of the shoes is poor, when this is in fact not the case.

How can you prevent this from happening? The first is to be more careful in cleaning your shoes each day. Even using a cotton-bud to run around the edge where the sole meets the upper can be useful in absorbing outside water and moisture that may be trying to seep into the sole. The second is wear the shoes at least twice a month. Physical weight and compression holds off the hydrolysis process.

Regarding the glue, the more eco-friendly glues are water based and generally last about a third as long as other glues. Eco-friendly glues can be expected to last up to one year before losing its bond. The good news is that it's very easy to re-glue them again. Often durability is considered an environmental offset or positive.

The other property of the glues is that they go brittle if they are not used. So if the shoes have been sitting in a warehouse for 4 years before you purchase them, there is a very good chance that the soles will come apart almost instantly. Again, it's very easy to remedy by freshly gluing them once they have come apart.

If your shoes were recently made when you purchased them, and you wore them a couple of times, but you put them in cupboard for a few months after that then the glue can go brittle from under use. So the easiest remedy, as with preventing hydrolysis, is to wear them regularly. At least a couple of days a month.

I can hear some people saying that's why you should shoes with a stitched sole. And it gets a little complicated. If you have a stitched (Blake-stitched) rubber sole you can avoid the sole completely flapping off in regards to the glue issue, but the stitching is not right at the edge of the shoe. So brittle glue will still come apart at the edges where the upper meets the sole. It still looks like the sole is coming apart. In a close-edge sole, there is no hiding it. If you have a rand (built up edge of sole) it could mask it for a while. However a stitched (Blake-stitched) rubber sole is much less water resistant. The holes for the stitching suck up water and rapidly increase the hydrolysis of the rubber soles. So soles start to break down around the stitches and the glue more rapidly.

The long and short of the situation is it's best to have at least two pairs of shoes and rotate and wear them all regularly. Don't wear the same pair every day because the sweat and moisture will rapidly deteriorate the soles and the upper leather. Let them rest and dry while you are wearing the other pair on the alternate day. Using a shoe tree will soak up even more moisture and keep the upper shape while they are resting. But don't let them rest too much. Like a pedigree Husky your shoes need to be worked. Between 3 and 15 days out of the month is prime!

For more shoe care tips come and talk to us or visit http://www.veinwear.com/shoeCare/shoeCare.aspx.

US Trendy: Behind The Seams: Designer Feature: Vein Wear

2010-07-26T14:17:00.001+10:00

US designer fashion site US Trendy has featured me in their Behind The Seams series. You can check out the site and the full interview at USTrendy.com. Here's a snippet:

"Fashion to me is both an aesthetic, a mood, a visual manifestation of who you are or who you want to be and also an overall presence. The accessories of fashion are like a tattoo that you can change every day. Fashion includes clothing, shoes, hair, make-up, grooming. It also includes the body, which is the core of fashion. It also includes attitude and language. So a person’s total fashion starts with a confident, positive attitude and a healthy fit body, well groomed, hair styled…then adds clothing, shoes and accessories in a congruous manner. Fashion should make you feel better."

B MAG: The F Files: Happy Feet

2010-07-26T13:40:00.001+10:00

"Happy feet

Grey skies are only just looming overhead but are you already over the doom and gloom? We hear you and so, thank heavens, does shoepreneur Chris McCallum of Vein Wear.

He’s taken the colour wheel for a spin in his latest collection of shoes for men not afraid to wear their style on their feet.

Inspired by European collections by Armani, Paul Smith, Issey Miyake and Commes des Garçons which all showed bright and wild footwear on the runway, Vein Wear has injected colours such as purple, green and maroon to its latest collection.

Shoes $249 from Vein Wear’s Valley or City stores and VeinWear.com."

Avant-garde Oxfords (V3-2 A192) in Maroon Nubuck. $249.00. VeinWear.com

Vintage Quadoles (V4-2 A166) in Purple Nubuck. $249.00. VeinWear.com

L'Oreal Kerastase Paris Men's Grooming Line Launch

2010-07-26T12:44:00.001+10:00

Last night Vein Wear showcased the latest in designer men's shoes to 100 of the country's best hair stylists. The idea being that hair styles follow the fashions, so they can be inspired to create new complements.

The event was held at the Hyatt Regency Coolum. L'Oreal was the host and they were conducting a multi-day workshop. The event was held to launch the Kerastase Paris men's line of grooming and hair products.

The Kerastase Paris products look fantastic. Check them out at http://www.kerastase.com.au.

I'll post proper photos and video and credits when I receive them. These are a few side-line iPhone photos we snapped. You can see more of these shots on http://www.facebook.com/VeinWear:

Thoughtful Review on Nouveau Skin Blog

2010-07-26T10:37:00.001+10:00

I came across this thoughtful review of Vein Wear Shoes by KC of Nouveau Skin blog. Thank you KC. I hope someone does buy you a pair. Read the full review here.

"Vein Wear is an Australian shoe label dedicated to bringing back luxury and craftsmanship to men's shoes by going back to the traditional methods of handmade shoe manufacturing. Dismayed by the degrading quality of mass produced shoes, designer Christopher McCallum constructed the brand around pure and excellent talent in his cobblers. Each pair of shoes passes through keen eyes and passionate hands that inspect and perfect every detail of the products from sketching to packaging. Rest assured that any pair you buy is well thought of and excellently crafted."

New Kitty Boots Arizona In Store Now

2010-07-22T13:53:00.002+10:00

Those wanting to step it up a notch or three will simply adore Kitty Croquet's knee-high Arizona boot ($329, in Vein's Brisbane city store now).

Featuring the same matte silver, gold and bronze studs around the top, slightly tapered toe, inner side zip and 4cm rubber heel as the Rodeo boot, Arizona covers new ground with distressed leather in an original “earth-splattered” browny-cream – a true work of art^^

See you in city store soon^^

Vein Shoe Design Comp Winning Shoes In Store Now

2010-07-16T15:21:00.005+10:00

This is the winning design for the Vein Wear Men's Shoe Design Competition by Jack Yu. Vagrant Shoe $289.00

"I designed this shoe to describe my feeling when I travel alone. The idea is to have two faces for the shoe. Outside is like a jacket, it protects me from wind and rain. It might be looked dirty and wrinkled on outside, but inside is still pure and with passion."

The full leather lining is non-dyed, neutral and non-allergenic. The foot-bed is softly padded. The achilles is also padded for ultimate comfort.

The soles are high-traction and durable rubber. They feature a decorative silver foil design.

Every pair comes with their own velvety dust bags for storage and travel protection.

In Store now also winners window display in Vein Brisbane Arcade store

New Window Display With QUT In Vein Store TCB

2010-07-16T14:25:00.006+10:00

Vein is showcasing student work from QUT school of design, with thier 2010 O + X functional partition system.

A group of 2010 QUT School of Design, Lisa De Re, Lauren Hicking, Monika Streil, peter Thomson and Hayley Witt, creates this furniture for muitiple environmrnts for muitiple purposes. It can be changed to different sizes to fit into your needs at home or work.

Display in Vein TCB store form 16 July to 16 Oct 2010. Please find your way to have a look, also had a small bookshelf made up so you can have a little play with it.

See you in Vein TCB soon :)

Graphic Novel IMPOSSIBLE GIRL #1

2010-07-16T14:13:00.005+10:00

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Graphic Novel IMPOSSIBLE GIRL #1 32 pages of melodramatic goodness.Now at Vein Store Valley (TCB) or Vein Store City (Adelaide St, Bris Arcade) for AU$25

http://theimpossibleplace.blogspot.com/

The Jet Setter

2010-06-16T17:38:00.001+10:00

The Jet Setter by kittycroquet on Polyvore.com

Single-breasted jacquard jacket
825 GBP - brownsfashion.com

T-Shirt – Button Neck T-Shirt
75 GBP - paulsmith.co.uk

&G Power R50547SD779 Denim Jeans
175 GBP - coggles.com

Daniel Sunglasses
$475 - tobi.com

ODYN VOVK 9 MODAL BLANK SHIRT BLACK COTTON -
95 GBP - farfetch.com

men-access - Michael Jackson’s Trademark Sunglasses RAY BAN AVIATOR...
men-access.com

Zac Efron - Celebrity Central Profile, Zac Efron : People.com :...
people.com

Vein Wear
veinwear.com

Jeans are the best friend of any stylish man, but sometimes with denim the look we set out to achieve can be labeled casual. We suggest that you add a lace up leather loafer in black from Vein and a tailored blazer to sharpen up your style.

This contemporary look is for the modern man, and will be suitable for all social occasions. It is important to remember to may attention to the shoe you select as the shape and finish will set you apart from the fashion crowd.

In Flight Magazine

2010-06-16T17:33:00.001+10:00

Vein Wear and Kitty Croquet shoes featured in In Flight Magazine. That's right peeps. Fly into Brisbane and get some shoes no one else has.

Weekend Casual

2010-06-16T17:23:00.004+10:00

Sometimes when it comes to weekend dressing we are unsure of stylish solutions. This week we have put together a casual look that will have you set for the weekend and looking stylish at the same time.

Pair your favorite jeans with a pair of ballet flats from the Kitty Croquet range. A simple leather ballet flat is a nice alternative and adds an instant hit of style to the knit and scarf we have suggest you add to the outfit.

Use accessories such as a shoulder bag and oversized sunglasses to complete the look.

New Vein Shoes Released Into City Store All $249

2010-06-16T12:36:00.004+10:00

You are the first to know. They are available for purchase exclusively at veinwear.com and soon in the Vein Brisbane Arcade Store.

So to get your size, please get online and purchase immediately.

Only 8 pairs-12 pairs of this shoe have been released thus far.Sizes range from 40 to 46.

V3-2 A192 Maroon Nubuck Avant-garde Oxford Shoes $249

V3-3 A209 Green Nubuck Duellet Shoes $249

V3-1 A162 Grey Veegus Loafers $249

V4-2 A160 Black Vintage Quadoles $249

V4-2 A166 Purple Vintage Quadoles $249

V4-1 A194 Grey Nubuck Broguen Down Laced Shoes $249

V2-1 A165 Tan Pointed Loafers $249

You’re So Vein From HotPod Blog

2010-06-16T12:09:00.005+10:00

From HOTPOD Blog which do a random update on cool things spotted in retail

HOTPOD is a niche consultancy specializing in the development of retail concepts, brand strategy, visual communications and merchandising solutions with a POD… that would be a POINT OF DIFFERENCE if you haven’t made that connection yet.

Hands up who knew competitively priced handmade shoes were available in this country? (nothing short of a miracle!) If you’re looking for a limited edition boot or ballet flat, or a bespoke little number made to fit your cinderella sized foot, then visit Vein. I discovered their groov-ay looking little store, fitted out with found objects and reclaimed materials, at 117 Adelaide St Brisbane. The very personable Adam Grant is the shoe guru standing by the counter. Aside from fitting, he can arrange for your shoes to be fixed or measure you for a custom made pair. That feels like customer service to me. As my 5yr old niece says about chocolate .. I like it.

Check out: www.hotpod.net.au/blog/

Bride To Be Magazine - Preppy Shoot

2010-06-16T11:56:00.001+10:00

A light and preppy look for this shoot featuring a pair of the old Vein canvas loafers. These are no longer available in stock, but can be made on request.

Brisbane News: Best Foot Forward

2010-06-11T16:26:00.001+10:00

Fashion Forward with Lizzie Corser:

"Local men's footwear label Vein Wear has finally put into production the winning design from its 2010 competition.

Designer Jack Yu's style, entitled Vagrant, captures the idea of lone travel: "Outside is like a jacket, protecting me from the wind and rain, and inside is still pure with passion" says Jack.

The style will soon be available for $289 from Vein's new city store in the Brisbane Arcade. www.veinwear.com"

New Lace Ballet Flats Released Into the Vein Shoe Store

2010-06-10T16:23:00.002+10:00

Fresh into the Vein Shoe Store and online at KittyCroquet.com are these delightful ballet flats. The gold and silver styles feature an ornate lace design. The lace design is cut out of the leather. So there's no actual lace to wear and tear. That means these shoes will look beautiful for much longer.

The leather uppers are complimented with quality genuine leather lining. Good for your feet. Good for you. Hurry in. There are only a few available.

Szuting ^^

Vein Price Reductions

2010-06-10T12:18:00.000+10:00

I am announcing a significant price reduction across all Vein shoes. This is NOT a “sale” or a temporary reduction to stimulate sales. We have changed a manufacturing process relating to the decorative treatment of the soles. The new treatment costs a lot less and I am passing on the value savings through the price reduction.

The current styles have had a sole with decoration that is “laser-cut” out of the silver foil. It's really cool. We are however moving to a sole where the decoration is embossed rather than laser-cut. The new embossing, though less striking, costs a lot less than laser-cutting. Such that the costs of the new shoes will be approximately $249.00.

I changed the price for all the shoes across the range, even if they have the laser-cut soles, for two reasons going forward. One, I don't want customers to have to choose between soles based on the price of the decoration. Two, our accounting systems can't handle two prices for the same style code.

We are doing this even though we will be losing money on the styles that have already been laser-cut.

I realise that anyone who has recently purchased shoes may feel miffed that the new price is lower than what they paid. I actually feel terrible about that. It’s one of the major reasons I don’t do sales like every other store does. If you are one of those customers, the first thing to remember is that the price that you paid is a fair price for the shoes you purchased because they have the laser-cut decoration. That said, I will be offering a $40.00 (or the price difference) credit to all Vein Insiders that purchased within one month of the price change.

Please email your receipt or bring it into the store and we will give you a credit (Gift Voucher) for the difference. Thank you kindly for your understanding. I'm sure everyone will be happy about the new prices when it comes time to buy an awesome new pair of Veins!

Gothic Winter

2010-06-09T12:09:00.002+10:00

To celebrate Queensland Week, Kitty Croquet has styled a collection of winter pieces all from top Queensland designers: Gail Sorronda, Chelsea de Luca, Kitty Croquet, Paula Kyle Walden and Neon Heartache.

Work That Tan

2010-06-09T11:38:00.001+10:00

Work That Tan by kittycroquet on Polyvore.com

John Varvatos Artisan Gift Set
$58 - sephora.com

ROUND CHRONOGRAPH WATCH
$595 - burberry.com

The Best Suits Under $400: Wear It Now: GQ
gq.com
More clothing »

Vein Wear
veinwear.com

Slim lapels, sharp shoulders—a classic khaki suit for the young man who understands that appearance matters.

Suit, $366, by J.Crew. Shirt, $60, by Tommy Hilfiger. Tie, $60, by J.Crew. Tie Bar by The Tie Bar. Pocket square by Dion Collections. Watch by Longines. Laced Almond Toe Shoe $249 added by Vein Wear

Read More http://www.gq.com/style/wear-it-now/201006/xavier-samuel-models-cotton-suits-under-four-hundred-dollars##ixzz0plq3PvMI

Romance Was Born - New Kitty Croquet Ballet Flat Look

2010-06-09T11:16:00.003+10:00

Romance Was Born by kittycroquet featuring ASOS gloves

Going Out Dresses | Lace Dress | Dresses | Buy Now @ USC
35 GBP - usc.co.uk
More dresses »

Petite Pave Rhinestone Flower Bouquet Jewelry - Crystal Bouquet...
$46 - advantagebridal.com
More brooches »

VICTIM ANTIQUE LACE AND PEARLS COSTUMIZED NECK LACES BLUE - -
168 GBP - farfetch.com
More Victim necklaces »

18-karat gold lace ring
$465 - net-a-porter.com
More Aurelie Bidermann rings »

ASOS | ASOS Fingerless Lace Gloves at ASOS
$8.45 - asos.com
More ASOS gloves »

Peach Chiffon Lace Headband
6 GBP - missselfridge.com
More Miss Selfridge hair accessories »

Z Gallerie - Butterfly Branch - Orange & Yellow
$16 - zgallerie.com

Kitty Croquet ballet flats
kittycroquet.com
More flats »

A comfortable style that appeals to the senses through soft fabrics with some floral patterns, laces are absolutely critical for creating a romantic mood.

Featuring Kitty Croque Mini B-Flats - Gold_Lace
Super cute ballet flats sport a petite bow. The gold and silver options look like they are covered in lace. In fact the lace design is part of the leather itself, ensuring durability.

Separate Yourself

2010-06-04T10:58:00.004+10:00

Separate Yourself by kittycroquet featuring Stussy bags

STUSSY x HAZE "Laptop" Clutch Bag
55 EUR - colette.fr
More Stussy clutches »

Michael Kors | Michael Kors Crystal Bezel Black Bracelet Watch at ASOS
379 GBP - asos.com
More ASOS watches »

The Best Suits Under $400: Wear It Now: GQ
gq.com
More clothing »

Vein Wear Channelled Lacer
veinwear.com

Vein team has styled a collection of winter pieces from GQ,The Best Suits Under $400: Wear It Now:

Sold as separates, this jacket-and-pants combo accommodates guys of all shapes, sizes, and girths.

Suit jacket, $175, and pants, $88, by A|X Armani Exchange. Shirt, $30, by Uniqlo. Tie, $60, by J.Crew. Watch strap by Smart Turnout. STUSSY x HAZE "Laptop" Clutch Bag. Watch by Michael Kors.Channeled Lacer $289 added on By Vein wear

Read More http://www.gq.com/style/wear-it-now/201006/xavier-samuel-models-cotton-suits-under-four-hundred-dollars##ixzz0plq3PvMI

Love the looks :)

New Petitier B-Flats In Vein Store

2010-06-02T14:45:00.002+10:00

These flats are made from beautiful genuine leathers inside and out. Not just pretty, they are as comfortable as you would expect. And, they have a little internal heel that won't leave you...flat footed!

They are available now on KittyCroquet.com and next week in the Vein Shoe Stores in the TCB (Fortitude Valley) and the Brisbane Arcade (CBD).

Szuting ^^

Cosmopolitan

2010-06-02T14:43:00.001+10:00

cosmopolitan by danieljamieson featuring Burberry

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Tank top
160 EUR - colette.fr
More Alexander McQueen tops »

Munich Crop Trench
120 AUD - generalpants.com.au
More Stussy jackets »

Rinse Wash 5Pkt S/Tube
140 AUD - generalpants.com.au
More jeans »

DOLCE & GABBANA SS10/BB3682 8B956 NAPPA/COTTON BAG
1,079 GBP - farfetch.com
More Dolce & Gabbana tote bags »

GIANT CHECK SCARF
210 GBP - uk.burberry.com
More Burberry scarves »

BURBERRY AW09/GLLTNYLBCK 020 COTTON/ELASTANE -
189 GBP - farfetch.com
More Burberry gloves »

Red Robbin Hat
40 AUD - generalpants.com.au
More Agent 99 hats »

D&G Contrast New Wayfarer Sunglasses
$243 - asos.com
More Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses »

Kitty Croquet Band March Boots
kittycroquet.com
More boots »

Winter is a great opportunity to layer up and make the most of your wardrobe, some may find the task of layering a little overwhelming, "no checks with stripes, dont mix prints"... well thats no reason you have to stick to black from head to toe.

Mixing classic neutral basics works great if you accessorize with bold colours and prints. think outside the box. A cropped a jacket will keep u cozy while accentuating the waist line. Shoes have become central to the success of an ensemble (thankyou Carrie Bradshaw). If you want warm but stylish footwear for winter check out Kitty croquets 'Band March Boot' they're hand made, limited edition and compfy as ur favourite Ugies, boots over Denim jeans are all the rage of late and can often lengthen the leg too.

Patsy Stone says " you can never have enough hats, shoes and gloves. this was true in the sixties and it can still apply today. mixing older conservative fashion values with todays more promiscuous clothing ideals often leads to fashionista perfection!

This outfit is an amalgamation of designer labels coming together to form a striking, comfortable, and streetsmart ensemble. perfect for those months leading up to the winter chill, these classic items will survive for many seasons to come, and consequently, so will your street cred

By Daniel Jamieson

Vein Wear Bespoke Boots

2010-05-31T12:02:00.001+10:00

Recently we made a bespoke pair of shoes for our customer Tyson Cunningham. I want to share with you the process briefly.

Tyson loved the Bandaged Ankle Boots, but wanted something really special and unique. So he came into the Vein Shoe Store and we looked through a range of available leathers. Tyson chose a selection of leathers and mapped them out on the boot. Then he tried on the original boots and confirmed the fit and his size are perfect.

From there, I created a mock-up of the design.

Tyson wanted "naming rights" to his boots. So we made up an insole stamp and an outsole embossing stamp of his name. Tyson provided the font and layout he preferred.

Then we went to work making the boots. The process takes about 6 weeks depending on the availability of the leathers. The boots are handmade by genuine masters with about 40 years experience cobbling fine men's shoes in the Vein Wear Taipei Workshop.

Given Louis Vuitton's recent misleading messages, I should clarify what I mean by "handmade". The designs are hand-drawn using pencil and paper. The patterns are drawn and cut by hand using tape, a pencil and a knife. The pieces of leather are cut out by hand using a knife and scissors. The upper pieces are stitched together using a sewing machine. The uppers are lasted by hand using tacks and a hammer. The sole is attached by hand and then a compression machine solidifies the bond.

Here are the finished boots. Tyson was ecstatic:

The cost of a customised pair of Vein's starts from only an additional $40.00 for the special order. Other variables that can increase the price are the cost and availability of the leather, pattern changes and naming stamps.

If you are thinking about something special, or different, or particular, you should consider getting them made in Vein. Please email your questions to chris@veinwear.com.

Modern Cocktail By Adam Grant

2010-05-28T11:03:00.003+10:00

Modern Cocktail by adamgrant featuring Jude Frances jewelry

Items in this set:
Silk Runway Dress, 7 000 SEK
Leather Biker By Boutique, $310
GIVENCHY KM08E02 BLACK VISCOSE/NYLON -, 250 GBP
Skull stingray-print box Clutch, $1,080
18K White Gold, Diamond & White Topaz Square Princess Ring, $2,520

On reflection of dress codes some times it is fun to play with the norm. For example "cocktail", in the past this dress code has referenced a standard pretty knee length dress and high heels.

Why not let your imagination run wild and play with the concept a little. Now that the weather is cooler why not toughen up the genre by adding a structured leather jacket, quality leg wear and a patent leather ankle boot as featured here in the Polyvore mood board.

Kitty Croquet the Brisbane based shoe label have designed the perfect ankle boot for winter. Available in Wine, Nude and the featured Black patent leather this style is perfect for adding a tough edge to the some what standard cocktail uniform.

Add a man style watch and a designer clutch and you have a directional outfit that will have you demanding attention at your next social function.

By Adam Grant

Featuring Kitty Croquet Felino Laced Booties,$199 at kittycroquet.com

Rock Chic

2010-05-28T10:37:00.002+10:00

Rock The Night by kittycroquet featuring Christian Louboutin bags

Items in this set:
ジバンシィバイリカルド・ティッシ (GIVENCHY BY RICCARDO TISCI) - トップ -...
RODARTE Pants, 1.950 EUR
Christian louboutin bags GOLD, 860 GBP
Juicy Couture Encrusted Music Note Necklace, $57
Round ring, 49 DKK

She loves Rock 'N' Roll, but not with her boyfriend's leather jacket and shorts, tight skirts, stockings, tight blouses and sweaters, make up with an over-abundance of eye shadow and lipstick. She loves it in modern Rock 'N' Roll, with fitted jeans, sharp blazers and heels. Rock the night!

Featuring Kitty Croquet Regal Medallion Heels ($159.00) from KittyCroquet.com.

Look Of Week -Showing Off The Latest Looks

2010-05-27T16:31:00.003+10:00

Add a touch of boho chic to your casual outfits with tan Kitty Croquet Boots with dramatic fringe as Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson and Vanessa Hudgens with their expensive designer handbags ;)

Source:www.peoplestylewatch.com

Give it the boot!

2010-05-27T15:48:00.004+10:00

The boots are currently being ripped out of my wardrobe and onto the streets. I’m carefully matching cozie, trendy outfits with my Kitty Croquet luxury boots in order to stay warm and rugged up for winter.

Just because winter is coming along, doesn’t mean we need to drop our fashion standards does it? Kitty Croquet has once again come to the rescue for my new boot collection.

Has anyone ever heard of rubber soles? If you haven’t until now, you need to race to your closest shoe store and get yourself a pair immediately. They are so comfortable that they make living easy. Normally, I wear a pair of flat shoes to work and change upon arrival but now with these rubber soled shoes I just walk all the way, work in them and then once again, walk all the way home. No worries, no stress, no pain. This is my secret to share with you and for you to share with others.

By Nikki-lee Heindl

Vintage Quadole in Purple Nubuck

2010-05-26T14:49:00.002+10:00

I was so exciting when we received this new Vintage Quadole. I ask chris to modeling it for us. I love the bright purple color and it made in nubuck,oh...so luxurious. In our City store now! And it's only $249 ;)

Chris Worfold's New Work In May

2010-05-20T13:31:00.005+10:00

Ball point sketches of life model action feature with Veinwear's Lankle Loafer and Kittycroquet's Leather Lace Thong and Felino Laced Booties. For more great artwork go to
chrisworfold.blogspot.com
theimpossibleplace.blogspot.com

The week that was, Fashion Week: On the Front Row

2010-05-17T16:46:00.002+10:00

Last week saw the fifteen year celebration of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. And what a celebration it was. I had the opportunity once again to work with IMG as a sponsorship host and look after the event sponsors for the duration of the week.

I was incredibly interested to see who would have the strongest presence in the front row this season, would it be the often very glamorous glossy magazine editor or the unassuming and awkward fashion blogger.

Much to my surprise it was the blogger who was seen at every show and frantically transferring images from the iPhone to the mac and within seconds, posting it on their blog for the world to see.

It was quite amazing to watch this new force within the industry juggle an iPhone, camera and laptop all at once whilst also twittering on the collection being presented. This week solidified the fact the fashion blogger is the flavour of the month for the fashion industry.

Also present were the editors, more so team Vogue than the other publications, alas they were also absent from the famous Rosemount VIP Wine Bar, where in seasons past they would be seen chatting to the designers and celebrity guests.

I must admit I am happy to see a turn-around in the ranks of whom now influences the general public on fashion, I feel the point of view from the blogger is mostly uninfluenced and often more honest.

All in all the week was a fantastic experience, and incredibly well executed by the IMG team. With over sixty one shows running back to back and approximate twenty thousand visitors the week that was can be labelled a success... That is until next year.

by Adam Grant

The week that was, Fashion Week: On Shoes

2010-05-17T16:30:00.003+10:00

Along with escorting guests to the various shows and conducting backstage tours I had the opportunity to see the summer collections of Australia's leading designers.

I went to Sydney with an anticipation of what new shoe trends we could be possibly sporting for the new season.

I am happy to report that this year saw many designers collaborate on the design of shoes to complement their collections. Designers such as Ginger and Smart, Zimmerman, Dion Lee, Manning Cartel and Kirrily Johnston all previewed a collection of shoes that sat back with each collection beautifully.

I did notice that in comparison to seasons past each designer paid just as much attention to detail with the shoes as the collection. One similarity I noticed was a focus on the heel.

Each designer had played with the idea of the high heel and presented variations on the standard five inches.

We saw construction style block heels at Zimmerman, open toe boots and structural metal heels at Ginger and Smart. Manning Cartel gave as a modern twist on the wedge also and Dion Lee presented jewel in-crusted heels thanks to his collaboration with Sydney shoe designer Terry Biviano.

It is refreshing to see designers pay attention to shoes as we all know it is the shoe that can make or break the best of outfits.

With regards to "street style" I noticed that the military style boot was hugely popular with the gents. All distressed and beaten up was the finish of choice and for the ladies the open toe wedge was also very popular, worn with black tights or a knee high woolen sock.

The Doc Martin boot in black also showed up on many a foot of the fashion set, this I believe is due to the influence of the nineties and early grunge era that we are seeing influence this season’s fashion. Keeping in mind most of those encouraging this style were barley walking when we first saw this trend brought about by Mr Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love.

by Adam Grant

CityNew - Mather of All Luxe Gift Guides

2010-05-07T18:50:00.005+10:00

Keeping Mum

Yummy mummies unite: it's time for you to claim some pampering rights, this Mother's Day on Sunday. And readers, Nicole Carrington's done all the hard work for you with these super-gorgeous gifts ideas for discerning mums we heart it hard, on City News. Enjoy!

Glide In Glamour: Kitty Croquet is celebrating Mother's Day with the launch of the brand spanking new Glamour Puss ballet flat, $169. Check out the silver embellishments and the sweet ribbon bow.

Plus these babies are perfect for yummy mummies on the run, and similar ballet flats are favoured by celebrity mums Nicole Richie, Kate Moss and Elle Macpherson.

Visit www.kittycroquet.com or head to Vein Wear in the TCB Arcade, Fortitude Valley: 0420 759 315 or The Brisbane Arcade on Adelaide St, Brisbane City: 0434 059 416.

This Week In TCB Centre-Stories From The Street

2010-05-07T12:39:00.007+10:00

If you are free this weekend. Come along to T C Berne Building, Valley Mall for a photographic exhibition by David Hinchliffe and David Kelly with stories by Trent Dalton. Opening by Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AO, Governor of Queensland, TCB Building Valley Mall Brisbane.
On behalf of the 139 Club Homeless Centre , Brisbane City Council and Qweekend Magazine.

Exhibition Hours 7am to 7pm May 7th to May 15th
T C Berne Building, Valley Mall

See you there :)

Vein TCB store

Rag Trader Magazine: Blog to blog

2010-05-07T11:16:00.000+10:00

Vein Wear founder Chris McCallum reveals how boutique footwear players can nail offshore manufacturing.

Boutique footwear labels are gaining serious ground in the Australian market, as revealed in Ragtrader magazine's recent shoe report. Chris McCallum, founder of Queensland-based brand Vein Wear, reveals his production secrets.

Each year, 11 billion pairs of shoes are produced worldwide. Of that figure, Brisbane-based Vein Wear handmake just 10 to 100 pairs in each style in the spirit of true craftsmanship.

Mass production footwear factories around the world today typically use a ‘conveyor belt’ of workers who are each assigned to a very small section of the shoe-making process and thus do not understand how to make a pair of shoes from beginning to end.
Because each worker is unaware of what the workers before them did, there are no check-points, so if a mistake is made, the shoe will still continue down the line until its faulty completion.

At Vein Wear, however, each shoe is crafted by master cobblers according to old traditions. The label’s head patternmaker, Sen Shi Fu, is a master with over 40 years of experience, and chief cobbler, Mr Bitters, has over 35 years of experience.
Walk into a shoe store and ask for the name of their chief cobbler, patternmaker or designer and they typically won't have seen or heard of these people. Walk into Vein Wear, however, and we’ll tell you about them all!

At Vein’s production workshop in Taipei, each cobbler is responsible for the shoe he accepts at his check-point. He is also responsible if the next check-point rejects the work he has just completed. New cobblers begin their career at the first check-point.

Only after three years and four months at the same check-point will they have the opportunity to graduate to the next check-point. After graduating, the cobbler then receives shoes passed up from the check-point they worked at previously.
Only having masters handling the footwear means every step in the shoe-making process is actually a quality control test.
We also personally hand pick the highest grade leathers (which have passed rigorous tests for colour, strength and consistency) directly from tanneries across the globe. What’s more, each pair of shoes is made from the same piece of leather so they match perfectly.

The leather bonding process is then tested in hot and cold environments to ensure the shoes perform in both summer and winter extremes.

You may ask why anyone would hand-craft shoes in a world obsessed with churning out huge volumes with machine manufacturing.
Sure, “production-line” shoes thrive because they are cheap, but when you invest a little – or a lot – more for hand-made shoes you save money in the long run. Look after them and they’ll serve you well for a long, long time.

Rag Trader Magazine: Store Concept

2010-05-07T11:06:00.001+10:00

Best foot forward

RAGTRADER REGULARLY PROFILES NEW CONCEPT STORES IN THE DOMESTIC MARKET. THIS EDITION, ASSIA BENMEDJDOUB DISCOVERS HOW VEIN WEAR IS PUTTING THE MUSCLE BACK INTO FOOTWEAR.

BRISBANE-BASED VEIN WEAR specialises in hand-produced footwear; enlisting workers at its production workshop in Taipei to create just 10 to 100 pairs of a single style each year. Founder Chris McCallum wanted to reflect this "raw and textural" approach to manufacturing in the brand's second Queensland store, located in the Brisbane Arcade.

Built by Verve Construction, the design of the 40sqm store is a collaborative venture between local artist Chris Worfold and McCallum. Women's shoes, branded Kitty Croquet, sit on blocks arranged on the left hand side of the store, while men's shoes sit on blocks or wooden shoe moulds against a Western Red Cedar wall on the right. The most eye-catching elememt is the chandeliers crafted from white-lacquered tree trunks, a theme which has been carried over to the window display which features a large white-lacquered tree trunk on a wooden box.

"The women's shoes are arranged around and on the tree trunk, while the men's shoes are on wooden stakes which are slotted into purpose-built circular holes in the box," McCallum says. "There is an electricity switch under the box, so the front window is never limited as to what it can achieve visually. At this stage, the plan is to change this front window display seasonally."

Key colours used in the interior design include white, maroon, brown,grey and red offset with wooden, leather and velvet textures. A floor-to-ceiling mirror with an antique tarnished gold frame adds to the store's rustic theme, along with recycled house doors (knobs still attached) which have been fitted with blocks to carry the women's product offer. The retail counter has been crafted from an old barn door found on Worfold's rural property; his original paintings, including a floor-to-ceiling black and white fashion illustration, also featured throughout the store.

"As per our Fortitude Valley store, the new boutique also features two maroon Chesterfield couches," McCallum says. "The idea was to create something that was still recognisably Vein - with the same basic layout and leather seating as our first store - but make this one feel more raw and textural and bring some of the outdoors in. The reason for this was to give it warmth and differentiate it from the minimal, slick, monochrome shoe stores you typically find around Brisbane city."

Queensland Brides: Finishing Touches for the Groom

2010-05-07T11:03:00.001+10:00

Cult Brisbane shoe label Vein Wear has recently opened their second boutique, with details like lacquered tree trunk chandeliers and a luxe red cedar display wall offering a remarkable retail experience. All designs are sketched and then crafted by hand - a rare thing indeed!

And don't let your groom go alone as the new boutique will soon be home to women's range Kitty Croquet.

Head to Shop 25 in the heritage-listed Brisbane Arcade, Queen Street Mall.

www.veinwear.com

City News: If the shoe fits, it's all yours!

2010-05-07T11:01:00.002+10:00

VEIN Wear shoes celebrates its third year in Fortitude Valley's TCB Arcade this month with an enchanting Cinderella and Prince Charming promo until May 21. Vein is giving away one pair of Kitty Croquet ladies slouch boots valued at $329, and one pair of Vein Wear men's Dandy Loafers valued at $229. Simply go into the store and ask if you can try on the shoe prize, and if it fits you perfectly you go into the running to win the pair.

Coffee for your thoughts

2010-05-06T11:42:00.004+10:00

Enjoy a good coffee? Fond of navigating with Google Maps? This one's for you.This month, Vein Wear launches its new L's Espresso Bar promo.

To receive a hot, regular-size cup of L's Espresso Bar's exclusive dark roast Italian-style caramel-sweet coffee absolutely free, all you need to do is write a review of Vein Wear's new Brisbane Arcade city store on Google Maps.

Simply go to http://maps.google.com.au, search for Vein Shoe Store, click on the Adelaide Street store, click on write a review, write your own review of Vein's city boutique (and give it a star rating), come into the store and share your review with us, and pick up your free coffee certificate for L's Espresso Bar (located inside the city's Brisbane Arcade).

Vein Wear has generously not put an expiry date on this offer, so tell all your friends and catch up with them in the city over free coffee!

For more information, visit www.veinwear.com or phone 0434 059 416.

For The LOVE Of Shoes!

2010-05-06T11:25:00.002+10:00

Polo Club heel, my latest collection^^

Whilst many others are searching for love in a man, I find that I am finding true love...in shoes. Kitty Croquet to be specific.

These exquisite handmade shoes are all designed by a talented Australian designer who invests her passion for imaginative ideas into pairs of uniquely styled shoes…each pair more beautiful than the last.

Every time I look at my wardrobe and feel certain I own every pair of timeless shoes known to mankind, Szuting proves me wrong by adding yet another unique style to her finely detailed collection. And let me just say, for once beauty does not come at a high price.

All the shoes are made with soft, durable calf leather allowing me to be able to wear the shoes all-day-long. And in retail I really am on my feet all day long. I mean let’s face it, there is nothing worse than wearing painful shoes. Every step more painful. Thoughts of going barefoot for the day. No thanks.

I hope to share with you some of my own personal collection and hope that you too, share my passion for Kitty Croquet shoes.

By Nikki-lee Heindl

Veinstore Close On Labour Day

2010-05-02T10:29:00.001+10:00

The Vein Stores will be closed this Labour day Monday. We will be open bright and early on Tuesday for all you shoe addicts.

Thank You For The Great Review On Vein Shoe Store

2010-04-30T16:04:00.005+10:00

Where form follows function‎‎

The vein shop in the TCB centre, truly illustrates the culture behind the brand. Located amongst some of the strong cultured boutique shops in the valley, Vein shoes offers a unique environment to facilitate their unique range. After stumbling across a pair of last seasons boots, i immediately fell in love with the brand (including its : style, comfort and personality). This shop goes great lengths to project the company image, and the down to earth staff make sure to no only place emphasis on the comfort and handmade quality of their shoes, but also how the limited production number (ie only producing up to 100 pairs of each style) means that u will never be seen wearing the same shoes as someone else.‎

The newest addition to the Vein family‎‎

The newest location for Vein shoes on Adelaide st in the city centre is just as unique as the one in the TCB in the valley. A somewhat rustic feel is gained from the wooden walls and leather couches. Last time i was in there i spoke with owner and designer of Kitty Croquet, Szuting McCallum. Between her and husband Chris (owner of vein), the store reiterates the feel and culture of the brands'. In such a competitive market, i'm sure it is the personality and quality of the brand that allows them to excel in what they do. It is for this reason that i haven't changed my shoes in over 2 years.‎

By malteez_legend

Source: http://maps.google.com.au

Kitty for Mum - Courier Mail

2010-04-29T16:19:00.003+10:00

What better way to spoil Mum for Mother's Day than a new Kitty. Not a cat, silly. A pair of beautiful Kitty Croquet ballet flats

Anzac Day Vein Store Closed

2010-04-23T15:03:00.002+10:00

The Vein Stores will be closed this Anzac Sunday and Monday. We will be open bright and early on Tuesday for all you shoe addicts.

Study in Oxfords

2010-04-23T14:58:00.003+10:00

Often when we see a new trend come through we wonder perhaps where the direction or original inspiration came from, in particular this is relevant with shoe design.

Many of the current lasts or shapes of today's modern shoes find inspiration from designs that have been around for many years. A good example of this is the classic Oxford shoe.

Originally titled the Balmoral, and coming from a Scottish and Irish heritage this particular shoe design can be easily recognized by the plain section of leather that covers the toe cap and encloses laces. The Oxford moniker may have come from Pearl & Co. (one of the best and oldest shoe-makers in the world). The company was founded in 1565 in Durham, but moved to Oxford St, London in 1791.

The leather is perfectly joined to the vamp and quarters and covers the laces making this style perfect for those with a narrow foot and low instep. The traditional Oxford also carries the signature five pairs of eyelets and in most cases is undecorated.

In saying this, the Irish and the Scotts also in some instances included decoration on the Oxford, and this is most seen with broguing (holes or perforations) in the toe cap.

The Oxford as a term is used to reference a "dress" shoe paying reference the particular style of toe cap most commonly used in boots.

This style of shoe is often produced using a durable leather and for formal wear made from a patent leather.

Today this shape forms the base for many contemporary shoe designs and still remains a favorite across all generations.

By Adam Grant

Burberry Oxfords:

Cleverley Oxfords:

Armani Oxfords:

Vein Wear Oxfords:

John Lobb Fails to Strike Gold in Australia

2010-04-23T14:58:00.001+10:00

If you have heard of a famous shoe maker it must be John Lobb. But what else do you know about John Lobb?

Lobb's motto is the biblical, "The last shall be first" (Matt. 20:16).

John Lobb had been a poor Cornish labourer. One of his feet was injured and deformed in an accident when he was 12 years old and so, in order to get a pair of shoes that would accommodate him, he wanted to become a shoe maker.

He approached Old Man Thomas. Old Man Thomas (another famous shoe maker) threw the job-seeking, young Lobb out of his James' Street shop. The young Lobb brandished a horny Cornish fist and shouted as he left - prophetically - that he would build a firm that would crush Thomas'. And he did just that.

John Lobb trained as a boot-maker elsewhere in London before moving to Australia to try his luck in the goldfields. He never found his fortune in gold but instead came up with the brainwave of making hollow heeled boots for prospectors to hide their gold. The idea caught on and John Lobb set himself up in business in Sydney in 1858. When the Great Exhibition came along in 1862 he sent a pair of his boots along and won a gold medal for their quality.

Twelve months later he sent a pair of his riding boots to the Prince of Wales. He had obtained the Prince's foot measurements by getting some inside knowledge (who knows how from the other side of the world, when the only communications were by sailing ship). The Prince was extremely pleased with the boots and Lobb was awarded a Royal Warrant on 12 October 1863. At that time Lobb was still a tradesman in New South Wales, Australia.

The firm today proudly holds two Royal Warrants to His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

He returned to London in the 1860's and established a business "John Lobb, Bootmaker" which continues to trade as the world's most famous bespoke shoemaking establishment.

Like a lot of the top bespoke makers in London, the family founded a Paris branch, before WWI in 1901. The two Lobb shops made only bespoke shoes.

In WWII the German bombs of the Blitz blew the London premises to bits, six times. But the German's could not stop Lobb from rebuilding.

The Lobb family owned both shops until 1974, when they sold the Paris branch to Hermes. Hermes also aquired the rights to use the John Lobb name as a ready-to-wear shoe brand (see http://www.johnlobb.com). Hermes spent more than ten years developing the ready-to-wear lasts and line before launching the brand.

The London shop on St. James Street is still owned by the Lobb family, and only makes bespoke shoes (see http://www.johnlobbltd.co.uk). Every other John Lobb shop is owned by Hermes and sells the Lobb Paris ready-to-wear shoes. The Paris branch also makes bespoke shoes, and does trunk shows in the various Lobb ready-to-wear shops. Lobb St. James travels to the US and takes orders in hotel suits, much like the travelling Savile Row taiors.

Who has worn a pair of Lobb's? Where the Prince led the rich and famous followed: kings, maharajahs, actors, singers, politicians, business moguls and literati among them. An opera fan could visit Lobbs and hope to mingle with the likes of Enrico Caruso or Gigli, those of a more popular taste Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin. A business man might hope to glean tips from Aristotle Onassis or Guglielmo Marconi. An aspiring writer could see George Bernard Shaw or Roald Dahl. Lovers of the stage might spot Cole Porter, Lord Olivier or Rex Harrison and a young ambitious politician could rub shoulders with Prime Ministers of Great Britain like Harold MacMillan and Ted Heath or political leaders from around the world. And maybe, one day, you.

So now you know a little more than the average bear about John Lobb shoes.

Sources:
"History Of Men's Fashion" by Nicholas Storey
http://podiatry.curtin.edu.au/boot.html#fantasy
http://www.johnlobbltd.co.uk/history/history.htm

Congratulations Phillipe: So You Think You Can Dance

2010-04-23T14:57:00.001+10:00

Phillipe did fantastic last night in the So You Think You Can Dance final. Well done mate. Below are the shots we did with Phillipe for the Vein Wear photo shoot. Phillipe's fans will be happy:

Cinderella Competition

2010-04-23T14:52:00.002+10:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!

Vein Wear celebrates its third year in Fortitude Valley's TCB Arcade this month with an enchanting Cinderella – Prince Charming promotion from April 23 to May 21.

It is hard to believe that three years ago Brisbane's Vein Wear shoes was moving into the Valley's TCB building after being named one of the lucky seven retailers to win an independent store fit-out and free rent for 12 months in Fortitude Valley's TCB A rcade.

Since then, the other six winners – George Wu, Gail Sorronda, Subfusco, Chelsea de Luca, Grbac and Check – have all moved to other locations near and far, but Vein has remained, growing a dedicated following of male and female shoe lovers.

“When we first heard back in 2007 that we were going to receive a 'free store' we were pretty sceptical,” owner Chris McCallum recalls, “but then Lindsay Bennett called and officially laid it all out for us and we were over the moon!

“We have learnt so much along the way about our target market and running a retail business, which has really paid off and seen us not only survive the global financial crisis but also grow to include a second store in Brisbane City's Brisbane Arcade this year.”

To celebrate its third anniversary in the TCB Arcade, Vein Wear is running a special Cinderella – Prince Charming promotion, which will enable a lucky male and female to each win a pair of shoes in their size.

One pair of Kitty Croquet ladies Slouch Boots in black with green trim, and one pair of Vein Wear men's Dandy Loafers in black and white – both in unknown sizes – will be put aside in Vein's Fortitude Valley boutique.

All interested customers need to do is come into the store and ask if they can try on the shoe prize, and if it fits them they automatically go into the running to win the pair!

Customers can try on the shoe prize in Vein's Valley store from Friday, April 23 until Thursday, May 20, and the lucky male and female winners will be announced May 21.

Good luck!

Happy Easter Holiday

2010-04-03T15:24:00.002+10:00

The Vein Stores will be closed this Easter Sunday and Monday. We will be open bright and early on Tuesday for all you shoe addicts. Happy Easter!!!

image from media.welcome-hotels.com