Late on the Kickers X

I didn’t attend the Kickers X launch event during London Fashion Week but by all accounts, apparently it was a fun fashion shindig.  After Henry Holland had a go at giving the Kickers Kick-Hi boot a  revamp, Kickers promptly got together with a mix of British designers, stylists and illustrators to give the Kickers Kick-Hi boot their own spin.  They got Fred Butler, a much sought-after props/accessories/set designer (whose work I’m continually checking up on and gushing over..) to create an individual installation for each shoe which were on display at the launch. 

However, out of all the Kickers X designs, the one I got smitten with is also the one that won’t be available for retail!  Husam el Odeh, an upcoming jewellery designer who has collaborated on the catwalk with the likes of Marios Schwab and Siv Stoldal added silver plating onto the heel, the collar, the facing and the laces are made of a silver fleurette necklace.  All of this silver usage means I won’t be able to my hands on a pair as only 18 were made for retail and PR purposes.   If someone told me that I’d be in love with a blinged up pair of Kickers boots, I would have laughed in their face but in my head, I’m imagining a silver-metallic short shift dress, opaque black tights and these shoes to add an unexpected end to a typical X’mas party outfit.  I now sort of know what a sneaker freak feels like about missing out on their limited edition what-nots.   

As for the other Kickers X shoes which are all avalble on the website, I love them all in the context of Butler’s perfectly atuned background set-ups but some stand out more than others… (note, most of these come in mens sizes only which is a bit of a shame but hey, if you wear a 41 or over, you could force your way in…)

House of Holland – I prefer these to the ones he did for AW07-8 as I like the candy coloured buckled straps. // Charlotte Mann – My next preference after the Husam shoes.  The stylist/illustrator has decorated the boots with a delicate birds and trees illustration.

Simon Foxton – The fashion editor of i-D has made the Kickers boot really wearable by combining brogue and workwear boots together. // Peter Jensen – These seem to be the favourited Kickers X shoe by most.  I’m not entirely sure about the turtle print but it is 100% pure Jensen…   

Noki – Their Kickers boot is not half as scary/odd as their show at Fashion East was and I think the use of receycled leather jackets on the quilted leather is a great idea.  // Siv Stoldal – The theme of the shoe is safety and it is trimmed with a special reflective material as well as having a flashing red light in the heel that is triggered by motion sensors.  Kind of like a simplified version of those childrens’ light-up trainers/sneakers.