IN CONTEXT | MARK MCNAIRY TWO TONE SADDLE SHOE IN NAVY

If Menswear had its own Chinese new year style calendar (now there's an idea...), this would most definitely be The Year of the McNairy.  After garnering notoriety as the respected lead creative director of classic American label J.Press, the past couple of years have seen Mark McNairy collaborate with some of the most prominent brands in the industry such as Engineered Garments, Bass, and Pro-Keds. Most recently he's recently taken the helm as creative director of Woolrich Woolen Mills.

These Two-Tone saddles are hardly new - for that you should check his Kilte Loafers for Bass Weejun - but they've have had quite a run as one of this year's most recognizable models. Made for his own line New Amsterdam, these suede saddles are crafted in Northamptonshire, England, using traditional American and British cobbling techniques. Typical to McNairy, the attention to detail is fastidious resulting in a top quality shoe. Plus, while they look substantial they're surprisingly light and supple.

Despite their Internet fame, I've barely seen these on the street and when I have it's been in a pretty standard fashion, (with a navy suit or rolled chino).  As it's spring-ish now, I've been fixated with the idea of seeing them with shorts, (oh, c'mon live a little!), and threw together the below as a bit of insipiration in that vien. Purchase the shoe at MarkMcnairy.com (US) or End Clothing (UK) and if you're a lady, they're available (in store only) at Epaulet in Manhattan. - M

[IN CONTEXT]

Mark McNairy Two-Tone Saddle Loafer for a Rainy Spring

Mark McNairy Two-Tone Saddle in Navy
Our Legacy Chambray Shorts
Folk Clothing Light Rain Mac
APC Short Sleeve Madras Shirt
Left Field Deadstock Crossgrain Sweatshirt
APC Woven Belt
Illestiva Lennox Tortoise Frames (removeable shades)

Previously [In Context]  :
Left Field NYC Ivy Crew Sweater
Nike Air Royal Mid QS 'Workboot' Sneaker
Mr. Hare Mailer Loafer

IN CONTEXT | MR. HARE MAILER LOAFER

You'll notice that the image above contains ample negative space and one bombastic pair of shoes. Mind you, I know these aren't for everyone and certainly intimidate most, but they also promise to be the crowning sartorial glory of any man's shoe collection should he be ballsy enough to take the leap. These loafers just have that much gravitas.

This phenomenon is not unusual for Mr. Hare shoes. The company began as the mission of one man - yes, Mr. Hare - to create footwear that he, simply, liked. Nearly three years and four collections later, he's created a fleet of shoes, boots and loafers that a great many like, if not revere. Mr. Hare's offerings are distinct in almost every way that counts - in silhouette, manufacturing and materials making them some of the more unique pieces on the market. These are no exception.

The Mailer loafer upper and tassels - which appear more substantial than most - are made with Vacchetta leather, an untreated animal rawhide that is traditionally used for the trim of luggage and bags. Vachetta is susceptible to sunlight, which means care is important, but also that the shoe will darken in shade over time, creating a natural patina.  The lasts for the shoes - those old-timey looking wooden shoe molds - are crafted in Northampton, England and then sent to Italy where the shoe is then constructed over the last.

Available in Tan, Navy and Black they retail for a cool £405, or approximately $656 depending on the exchange. The Tan version, featured here, are a solid option for Spring if you want to class things up a bit; one that will surely hold its own amidst this, the season of ornate footwear, (read: an increasingly aggressive double monk takeover).

To purchase or for more info you can contact Mr. Hare directly by reaching out to the spectacularly helpful James Hayes [email]. For more about Mr. Hare check out this excellent interview with the man himself on Style Salvage. Cheers and Happy loafering. - M

[IN CONTEXT]

Mr. Hare Mailer Loafer + Dressy Spring Essentials

Mr. Hare Mailer Loafer
Seven Alan Spring Peak Lapel Blazer
Epaulet Tapered Rudy Trouser
Folk Clothing Buckley Belt
Ines Melain Solid Sport Shirt
Mismo Full Grain Canvas Carry-all
Stowa Marine Automatic Timepiece
Tom Ford Single Man Glasses

Previously [In Context]  :
Left Field NYC Ivy Crew Sweater
Nike Air Royal Mid QS 'Workboot' Sneaker