Thursday, June 21, 2012

Chukka what? Chukka where?


Tokyo + Diesel + he colour gray + Chukka Boots.

Chukka boots are ankle-length boots with two or three pairs of eyelets for lacing. They are usually made from calfskin or suede, but can also be found in more luxury skins like ostrich or crocodile.

Chukka boots are similar to desert boots, worn by British forces in the Western Desert Campaign of World War II. After the world wars ended, the boots became popular casual accessories. The name chukka comes from the game of polo, which I adore.

Recently I saw these boots by Diesel. Shown in gray (my favorite colour), these chukka are made of incredibly lightweight mesh - perfect for steamy summer days.

And just in case you're lost in Tokyo, you can chukka your map - these boots' soles are a traveler's saving grace!


Friday, June 8, 2012

Shop-in-a-Shop

The corporate practice of having a dedicated space to someone else's products in a much larger store is far from a new business concept. Department stores such as Macy's, Harrod's, and David Jones have leased space within their stores to other designers. This partnership allows for greater distribution and access to goods, and significantly eases the strain on shopkeepers.

What is new regarding this concept is the trickle down effect. I was recently in Target and saw several shops within the shop.

Once a brand or business understand their market demographic, they may approach other brands to incorporate a shop-within-a-shop. This is especially beneficial to smaller, more boutique-like companies, as the partnership often expands their brand's reach exponentially. Even if the shop is only temporary, everyone seems to win.

What're your thoughts on this shopping trend?