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Brand highlight: Paraboot
From rugged alpine trails to dense concrete jungles, Paraboot has earned its place in both worlds. Known for its unbeatable mix of style, durability, and craftsmanship, it’s no wonder the brand has been gaining more attention lately. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes Paraboot a standout choice and why it might just be the perfect addition to your shoe collection. Legacy spanning a century Rémy Richard-Ponvert came up with the idea for Paraboot in 1908 at a small village in the foot of the alps, Izeaux. While assembling shoes for a factory, he realised that city contractors for shoes made more than his employer. With this knowledge, he decided to try his luck and went to Paris with his own designs in the guise of a “factory agent”. To his surprise, people were interested in his designs and orders for Paraboot soon came in. The name Paraboot can be broken down into 2 parts. “Para” referring to a port in Amazonia where the latex for the rubber is exported from and “boot” are the shoes that Rémy discovered while on a business trip in the United States. Paraboot remains a proud family-owned brand, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary innovation. For the full history on Paraboot: https://shorturl.at/nCyb4 More than a boot, iconic signature style Over the years, Paraboot has made updates and changes to their designs but there are a number of things that are still consistent in their construction that makes them the shoe brand that people flock towards. Their iconic models are usually constructed with a Norwegian welt which makes them waterproof and resoling them a breeze. The thick rubber soles are inspired by mountain boots which not only makes them sturdy but stylish as well. Every pair of Paraboot takes weeks to produce as they are hand stitched and use only the the highest quality of full grain leather sourced from the finest tanneries. Some of their signature models include the Chambord, Avignon, Avoriaz and of course not forgetting, the Michael. Each model of Paraboot has a distinct character to them which allows customers to find a specific model to suit their needs. Worth the Price? Here's the Verdict Paraboot shoes are the kind of investment that only gets better with age. Built to last for decades, not just years, they offer a level of craftsmanship that’s hard to beat. Their sturdy construction means resole and repair work is straightforward, so you’re not just buying shoes, you’re buying a long-term companion for your wardrobe. The designs strike the perfect balance between timeless and contemporary, making them as suited to a casual weekend look with jeans as they are to a sharp suit for a more polished, refined style. Whether you’re into classic menswear or a more modern approach, Paraboot checks all the right boxes for quality, versatility, and understated elegance. Paraboot / Coraux - Lisse America Maroon $420 Paraboot / Michael - Noire Lis Noir $880 Paraboot / Chambord - Cafe $900 Paraboot Pacific Sandals - Noir $530 Stop by Colony Clothing and discover for yourself why Paraboot has earned the admiration of everyone from mountaineers to Michelin-star chefs. Whether you're after a rugged pair for everyday wear or something more polished for your next outing, our team is here to help you find the perfect model to suit your needs.
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Brand highlight: Beams+
Beams has come a long way since 1976, when it first opened its doors in Tokyo’s lively Harajuku district. What started as a small shop selling American casual wear, founded by Etsuzo Shitara, has since grown into a global fashion brand. Known for mixing Western style with a unique Japanese twist, Beams has carved out its own distinct place in the fashion world. One of its standout sub-brands, Beams Plus, brings classic Americana to life with a fresh, Japanese perspective. It’s all about timeless, quality pieces that feel both classic and contemporary. Today, Beams Plus is still going strong, staying true to its roots while continuing to inspire with new takes on familiar styles. The Birth of Beams Plus Beams Plus was founded in 1999 as a homage to vintage-inspired designs, blending a rich sense of heritage with contemporary style. Drawing inspiration from classic Ivy League prep, rugged military workwear, and traditional Americana, it skilfully combines these influences to create a refined yet functional wardrobe for today’s man. While its parent brand, BEAMS, tends to lean towards a more mainstream and commercial appeal, Beams Plus sets itself apart by focusing on timeless wardrobe staples that transcend trends. The result is a collection of well-crafted pieces that offer the perfect balance of classic silhouettes and subtle modern details, ensuring that each garment remains both relevant and enduring. Design Philosophy At Beams Plus, it’s all about timeless style with a sharp eye for detail. Every piece is thoughtfully crafted, riffing on vintage classics and silhouettes that never go out of fashion. The aim? To make clothes that age better with time, never chasing trends, and always ready for whatever’s next. What makes Beams Plus appealing: -Ivy League Inspiration: Blazers, button-down shirts and knitwear that evoke the relaxed cool of 1950s college attire. left: B.D Oxford $$210, Centre: Plain Front Shorts $260, Right: B.D Oxford Candy Stripe $240 -Workwear Influence: Fabrics like denim, flannel and canvas; hardy, practical and made to be worn every day. Left: Work Indigo Chambray $320, Centre: 5 Pocket Denim $290, Right: 6 Panel Herringbone $110 -Military Details: Functional designs with thoughtful details like extra pockets and rugged materials inspired by classic uniforms. Left: 2 Pack Pocket Tee $120, Centre: 6 Pocket Indigo Ripstop $370, Right: Check Adventure Shirt $490 Global Appeal and Collaborations While Beams Plus is based entirely in American style, the company also offers a level of Japanese craftsmanship and precision that is often missing in American-made goods. That mixture has helped Beams Plus gain a cult following far and wide from Europe to North America. Over the years, Beams Plus has collaborated with a few well-known brands (Barbour, Champion, Sperry just to name a few) for exclusive collections. These partnerships showcase the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and great design, reaffirming its place in modern heritage menswear. Beams Plus x Sperry (Brown) $160 The Legacy of Beams Plus More than two decades later, Beams Plus shows no signs of stopping. It has become synonymous for those who appreciate vintage inspired clothing with a modern twist. Beams Plus’s collections prove that you do not need to chase trends to have a great style but instead focus on timeless, well made pieces that are built to last. Colony Clothing Beams Plus collection
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Pop-up in Korea
Two weeks ago, we hosted a COLONY CLOTHING pop-up at Seoul's select shop, ‘PARLOUR’! This time, the biggest hits were our Ultrasuede® jackets and shirts. We brought items not usually available at PARLOUR, such as the Ultrasuede® poolside shirt, already sold out in Singapore, and an exclusive jacket featured only online through Japan’s fashion magazine ‘LEON’. My Korean skills are limited, but thankfully, my former colleague and friend, Sumitani-san, is always there to support me with translations. (He's the one second from the left!) If you're visiting Korea from Japan, be sure to stop by 'PARLOUR' to meet him! Not only is he a pro at offering fashion advice, but he’s also a passionate foodie who writes a food column in Japan's ‘OCEANS’ magazine." This marks our fourth pop-up event in Seoul, and we’re always happy to welcome back repeat customers and industry friends. Personally, I find the experience more enjoyable with every visit. I’ll be returning to Seoul every six months, and I’m already looking forward to the next one! After work, I joined the team I’ve grown close to through these pop-ups, along with our president, Mr. Fan, and our buyer, Mr. Chang, for a wonderful dinner. For our traditional after-party, we transformed Mr. Fan’s office into the 'Mr. Fan Bar' and had a fantastic time together. Seoul’s food and drinks are always incredible, especially in the company of friends. I usually get so caught up that I forget to take pictures, but this time I managed to capture a few moments (lol). We were also delighted to share a meal with President Watanabe and Mr. Yoshimura from Watanabe Sangyo, who happened to be in Seoul at the same time. I’m looking forward to seeing them again in Japan. COLONY CLOTHING will continue hosting pop-ups across Asia. Connecting with collaborators and customers from different places feels like it’s helping our brand grow and evolve with each event. ALL SUMMER LONG♪
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ITS A POOL SIDE SHIRT PARTY IN JAPAN!
Earlier last month I journeyed back to Japan to orchestrate the SPRING SUMMER 2024 exhibition for our buyers. The response from our dealers was astounding and they expressed significant interest for the SS24 collection as the SS23 was well received throughout the season, which by 2024 marks the brand's illustrious 10-year anniversary. I must convey my heartfelt appreciation to all the buyers and steadfast supporters who have consistently stood by us as our unconditional love for the brand is what kept us going. One factor in contributing to our exceptional performance could be attributed to the inclusion of a new production specialist who recently just joined in the ranks of COLONY CLOTHING. The individual on the right side of the photograph may appear youthful, yet he is merely a year older than me. This professional boasts an extensive background in design and production within the fashion industry which in turn is creating wonderful pieces of garments for our brand. Allow me to introduce Masatoki, his presence has already led to an augmentation in the variety of original fabric selections. This has enabled us in creating a robust collection befitting a decade-long brand. Upon the conclusion of the exhibition, we extended an invitation to a select group of individuals for an exclusive first ever offline gathering held by COLONY CLOTHING. Joining us for the event were creative director Tomo, product manager Masatoki, Mr. Duane, who oversees COLONY CLOTHING's sales in Japan, and a few other esteemed guests. The dress code for this exclusive offline gathering was unequivocally the POOL SIDE SHIRT. Everyone dressed in their own unique flair representing the brand with such finesse and sophistication. It was truly a night to be remembered! We convened at Dorogeria Sankurikka in Shirokane, a quaint Italian Ristorante thats serves immaculate food which easily felt like you are transported to alleyways of Venice. It was a really profound gathering where we shared everything from business to fashion and got to know our customers better while enjoying delicious food and drinks like Parma Ham and Aperol Spritz. To elevate the affair, we were honored to welcome Mr. Nakamura, the creative director of BEAMS, as a special guest. Mr. Nakamura, the creative mind behind the exclusive poolside shirt concept, was heartily welcomed by our esteemed guests. The guests were having the time of their lives to be able to hold a conversation with one of the legendary names in Japanese fashion. He might be a real big shot in the fashion world, but he is really just a friendly and down-to-earth person. As a fitting conclusion to the event, a BINGO showdown game was held with participants receiving exclusive not-for-sale items from COLONY CLOTHING♪ ! Plans are already in motion for another offline gathering upon my return to Japan, and I would like to invite more people to come party with us at the next event. Let’s all soak in the resort feels this summer while wearing our signature POOL SIDE SHIRTS and POOL SIDE SHORTS! All Summer Long ♪
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Pitti Uomo Express Report! ~Part 3 FINALE~
PITTI UOMO came and went in the blink of an eye. Amidst reuniting with long-lost friends and acquaintances, I also had the pleasure of making new acquaintances at the event. After the exhilarating experience, I decided to treat myself to a leisurely weekend in Milan. My first stop was the city's public swimming pool, which turned out to be a hidden gem. The historic pool from the 1930s not only allows for a relaxing swim but also offers the unique experience of indulging scrumptious food and drinks by the poolside. To blend in perfectly with the setting, I opted for a stylish yet comfortable look with our trusty Pool Side Shirt and Shorts. However, swimming here requires a swim cap, so I was caught in between of diving right in or just chill at the poolside. And then there's the extraordinary Thermae, something that might feel familiar to fans of Japanese animation. Right in the heart of Milan, I discovered a hot spring facility that provided an exceptional way to unwind. My preferred routine included basking in the sauna, followed by a refreshing cold water bath, and finally indulging in Shavasana (a resting and restorative position normally used at the end of a yoga session.) while lounging in a reclining chair. It truly felt like I was immersing myself in a space of peace and tranquility with the universe. When it comes to must-have items for the Thermae experience, the towel hoodie from the renowned UCHINO brand that we collaborated with definitely stands out. The collaboration towel pullover feels incredibly soft against the skin, making it a must-try for anyone who seeks ultimate comfort above anything else. Now, with recharged energy and a peaceful mind, it's time to dive back into the hustle and bustle of life. All Summer Long ♪
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Pitti Uomo Express Report! ~Part 2~
Following an enjoyable and fruitful gathering with my Korean companions last night, I found myself meeting Mr. Taemin from East Harbor Surplus bright and early the next morning. (The stylish striped jacket I'm donning originates from his recently opened East Harbor Surplus store in Florence, Italy.) Taemin, a man of great repute, leads a dual life as both a brand owner and shop proprietor, splitting his time between Korea and Italy. Remarkably, he also serves as a brand distributor and holds a prominent position in the realm of Asian fashion. During our meeting, I gained valuable insights into the intriguing sneaker distribution rumors. (Unfortunately, I cannot disclose the specifics just yet, but rest assured, something captivating is in the works.) Post-meeting, the entire Colony Team, adorned in poolside shirts, gathered for a mini photoshoot near the picturesque Ponte Vecchio bridge. Adding to the allure, we showcased the exclusive Paraboot Pacific Gurkha sandals, a prized possession of Colony Clothing. However, a brilliant idea struck me amidst the shoot! Why not host a dinner party in Tokyo, inviting esteemed customers and buyers to join us while dressed in COLONY poolside shirts? (This event is indeed happening!) We will provide further details soon. So STAY TUNED!! All Summer Long ♪
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Pitti Uomo Express Report! ~Part 1~
Right off the long haul flight we began our very first day of the Italian flair at Pitti Uomo which is situated in Florence, Italy. Filled with familiar faces and friends from around the world, we spent the whole day walking around the Pitti Uomo venue grasping the mecca of menswear and also thoroughly seeking the next possible trends and communicating with our business partners. So what is the next trend we asked ourselves? What could be the next upcoming attraction for menswear to keep things interesting and ongoing. The next possible trendy items are: ・Jacquard knit ・Casual jackets ・White pants ・Western shirt ・American vintage style And the possible trendy colors for menswear are: ・Dusty Pastel ・Purple-Burgundy ・Off White ・Blue ・Tropical ・Multi-stripes ・Native print ・Gingham Check ・Tie-dye Items below are what I will be planning to buy and introduce to the shores of Singapore: ・Linen shirt jacket (made in Naples) ・Linen shirts (made in Naples) ・Incotex items ・Stefano Bigi or Bigi Milano (tie) After a long intense first day at the Pitti Uomo venue, we then decided to leave the area and pop by our dear friends at Liverano for their welcome party. It is always a pleasure to visit this place with a good mix of cultures but also essentially for the love of classical menswear fashion at the highest level. Lastly, to finish off a fruitful day we enjoyed a scrumptious dinner with our Korean friends with a slight debate on fashion but more importantly enjoy the company we have, as well as savouring the most authentic Italian food we can have all night long. It was a perfect day indeed! That's all from the first day of Pitti Uomo! To be continued….. All Summer Long ♪
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The Journey of Paraboot and I.
PARABOOT has always been a hot topic amongst real fashionable people for decades, but to be honest in my early 20’s I was not very keen on the brand itself nor the looks. However, in my mid 20’s I wore a lot of bespoke and high end leather shoes at that time to gain more knowledge about them but still not as savvy about the PARABOOT brand overall. Of course PARABOOT leather may not seem to be the top grade of it all, compared to the usage of genuine calf leather as well as the construct of the shoe is factory made rather than handmade, although some parts of the shoe is partially handmade but not the entirety of it. But regardless of it all, PARABOOT provides a unique comfort once you put them on and the sensation it gives you is just astonishing. The shoes itself gives you a French flair where no other brands from American or English or Japanese could provide. It's just somehow at a class of its own and it is simply easy to match on any given occasion. So whenever I have the chance to recommend a pair of PARABOOT to the customers, I always explain the uniqueness of the shoe and the sort of atmosphere and energy the shoe could provide the wearer. The ghurka sandals especially, because they are caught in between being a dress shoe and a pair of sneakers, which provides a different feel when matched appropriately. As you all know we recently did a pop-up in Seoul, South Korea and it was a refreshing scene to be there after a long hiatus from the country. During the stay, I witnessed a lot of people hop onto the PARABOOT shoe trend and everyone pulled out a different style in matching the brand. Asia in recent years has definitely caught on fire with PARABOOT and it is spreading like wildfire making it one of the must haves, which evidently provides astonishing sales to the brand. With the “NEW COLONIAL STYLE’ theme in mind, Colony Clothing has always been paving the way to represent this tropical island with its own flair and uniqueness. This also allows us to fully express the way how to coordinate the style that accentuates the robust culture of Singapore, hence PARABOOT is always one of the recommended items since our opening in 2013. After a long winded context, my main reason for this blog post is to introduce our Colony Clothing exclusive Paraboots Pacific Sport sandal available soon in our Singapore shores. This time around it is made with a premium buttery Taupe colour suede upper that is in between the gray and beige colourway, which will help blend in well with any clothes you desire to match with. As for the insole, we opted for a black leather look to keep it classy and it helps to maintain the longevity of the shoe when worn. Last but not least a black colour outsole to make it an overall sleek finish with a touch of sophistication to accentuate the Taupe colourway on the shoe. So before signing off I would just like to say this is a one of a kind shoe from Paraboot that one should not miss out on. And for a little surprise, the first 10 customers who make the purchase of the new arrival show will receive a special Paraboot travel name card holder while stocks last. All Summer Long ♪
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