Founder & Creative Director of Men's Style Pro, Sabir has…
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In an effort to bring Men’s Style Pro readers a fresh twist on a classic menswear staple I present the Neumok Wingtip Oxford lace-up by Allen Edmonds. Allen Edmonds is well-known for excellent footwear. Chances are if you ask those men you look up to, “what’s a good shoe to invest in?”, they’re answer might be Allen Edmonds. Never skimping on quality, AE has continued to reinvent themselves every year, providing us what I like to call “shoe porn”.
The Neumok wingtips really caught my eye because of their distressed raw leather, craftsmanship, and color choices (olive-green leather, blue leather, red leather, tan suede and snuff brown). To get an in-depth grasp on the idea and process behind the creation of this shoe line, I reached out to the design team of the Neumok and posed these questions:
Meaning of the name Neumok:
It’s fair to say Allen Edmonds design team thought our head of production was running amok when he sidestepped them and drafted the concept for an unlined desert boot with a hard leather sole. But when the design team finally got a look at it they were pleasantly surprised, and with a few design tweaks the Amok was born. Fast forward 12 months and the Neumok is the “new” version of the “Amok”, this time in a classic wingtip design in casual distressed leathers with contract stitching, bolder colors and an unlined upper is combined with a hard leather sole to give it its casual impression.
Distressed leather process/background:
Distressed leathers are often described as ‘rough’ leathers, and are used in some of our more casual designs. Allen Edmond’s use of distressed leathers allows us to put a rugged twist on classic styles. Various finishes range from bold colors to natural waxy finishes for a supple feel and more rugged urban chic look. Often times distressed leathers are manufactured with rugged cowhide as opposed to the more traditional premium quality calfskin used in classic dress shoes. When working with cowhides they tend to be rougher with more natural character and a more casual patina that matures with each wear.
Unlined uppers:
Most of Allen Edmonds classic dress shoes come lined with ultra-soft calfskin lining (or other premium leather liner). The lining of the shoe separates the outer leather from contact with the foot. In some more recent designs Allen Edmonds has removed the lining for a more contemporary look and supple feel, and introduced rough or distressed leathers for a more casual, contemporary take on many of our traditional looks.
Style Tip:
- The texture of the Neumoks allows for a high level of versatility in terms of pairing with chinos and jeans.
- The unlined uppers are extremely supple and feel great against your bare feet (give it one try in early fall).
- Mix the laces. These shoes come with a variety of colored laces that really complement the textured leathers and suedes.
- If you are interested in wearing white after Labor Day (see third look), the Snuff Brown Suede Neumok is the perfect complement and acts as a grounding agent to stark white chinos.
- Though they are textured, they will work well with most of your refined fall suits, especially your wools, tweed and corduroy fabrics.
- The leather gets better with age, so don’t be afraid to wear the hell out of them.
- Be on the look out for the boot version of these shoes called the “Cronmok“
Beginning of Fall
Quilted Bomber Jacket Polo By Ralph Lauren (available at Neiman Marcus at the King of Prussia Mall and Online). Jean by Levi’s (Slim Taper 521)
Leather Olive Green Neumok Oxford Wingtips by Allen Edmonds
Camo Bag by Cock Pit USA – Tweed Waist Coat by J.Crew – Custom Lumberjack Flannel Shirt by Blank Label – Green Hemp Tie by Dolbeau
Linford Style Sunglasses by Oliver Peoples (available at Neiman Marcus at the King of Prussia Mall)
Collegiate Style
Striped Rugby Shirt by American Apparel
Bernardo Style Sunglasses By Oliver Peoples (available at Neiman Marcus at the King of Prussia Mall) Knit tie by Club Room – White Oxford Button Down Collar Shirt by Frank & Oak
Cargo Pants by Uniqlo – Watch by Timex – Cordovan Leather Watch Strap by DaLuca Straps
Snuff Brown Suede Neumok Oxford Wingtips by Allen Edmonds
White After Labor Day
Grey Double Breasted Cotton Blazer by Sottono – Washed White Chinos by Bonobos
Checked Button Down Collar Shirt by Onassis Clothing – Pocket Square (white with brown border) by The Tie Bar
Snuff Brown Suede Neumok Oxford Wingtips by Allen Edmonds
Shades Of Green
Light Sweater by Heritage
Corn Woven Belt by Clubroom – White Oxford Button Down Collar Shirt by Frank & Oak
Leather Olive Green Nemok Wingtips by Allen Edmonds
Special thanks to Allen Edmonds for participating. Follow Allen Edmonds on Twitter @AllenEdmonds.
Photo Credit: Marina T. Peele
Best,
Sabir
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Founder & Creative Director of Men's Style Pro, Sabir has a deep passion for menswear and all things manly. Selected as one of the "5 Best Dressed Men In America" by Esquire Magazine in 2010 & as #GQFall 2013 Best Dressed Man. As of 2014, Sabir serves as a freelance brand ambassador & executive stylist for GQ Magazine & GQ Report. Outside of that partnership, Sabir serves as an independent brand consultant as well. Reach me directly at SABIR@MENSSTYLEPRO.COM