high top fashion

I'm loving high-top sneakers lately.  You get the sportiness of a trainer with the height of a boot, while still being casually trendy and comfortable.  Talk about the best of both worlds.

Deceptively simple and perfectly refined—a chukka style sneaker, like Stefano below from Peter Nappi, in black cavallo leather featuring single-piece construction, medium toe, minimalist eyelets, leather laces, and vero cuoio sole. Hits above ankle, is made in Italy from a single piece of leather, and is the perfect example.  You can rock this with jeans and your favorite t-shirt, or a suit, and everything in between. 

Culver is a featherweight high top plimsole that comes in a soft velveteen calf or suede. Just recently released for fall/winter 2015, it comes in colors of dusk and chalk, tones inspired by the coastal landscapes of John Lobb's homecounty of Cornwall.

Bedford High Top Sneakers from John Varvatos bring a certain coolness to any wardrobe and pairs the appeal of casual kicks with a sleek and fresh option that will pair with both your weekend and work week attire. Features lace up styling, contoured topstitching and a textured sole.  Phone Paul at JV in Los Angeles for more details or to order your own: 1.310.859.2791.

Gucci is fierce for floral with these crazy awesome blooming high tops -  Beige/ebony GG supreme canvas with blooms print, made using an earth-conscious process and feature a traction friendly rubber sole, leather tongue, and the traditional logo canvas you know and love.  Jenny at Gucci Boutique Orlando is your go-to for details or to order: 1.407.903.1033. 

Geox literally have your feet breathe a sigh of relief, and I'm love these Box 8 high tops.  Soft suede, grainy Italian leather and padded canvas at the ankle form high-top city sneakers that also feature a sturdy rubber sole with patented Respira technology that expels moisture as you walk.

And for the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity, dream for Jackson, the Hermes men's sneaker in calfskin with black and orange Sport sole, orange H relief print and white laces.

Footwear: for the soul, for the sole

Chiudi gli occhi é imagina. Close your eyes and imagine. 

Peter Nappi's grandson was born in America, but his heart and vision are purely Italiano. Since 2011, Peter Nappi has lived at the most unassuming studio on Nashville's Adams Street in what was an industrial boiler room. 

Imagine old world Firenze, where cobblers hand carved custom foot molds, freezing in time and space the exact curvature, measurements, and every nuance of your feet to make the perfect footwear every time. 

Now imagine that same craftsmanship, that same quest for perfection, created in the warmest, most welcoming studio. There's nothing industrial about the service, the products, or the experience at Peter Nappi, a far cry from the building's previous life. 

Take a look at the beautiful leather gymnasium mats: 

To anyone else, they'd serve exactly their purpose. But to Peter Nappi, they become the most beautifully crafted footwear: 

I'd venture to describe Peter Nappi as intrinsically curated, but everyone associates "curated" with "museums" - and "edited" implies a strict regime, and I don't want those connotations. Imagine the most exquisite footwear, small leather goods and handbags all expertly crafted from luxurious leathers by hand in Italy. Belts, cuffs, wine totes, and key fobs are mixed with clutches, backpacks, and handbags, all to compliment the heart and sole / soul of the company. Peppered into the mix, you'll find the most brilliant collection of European home decor and gifts, including one of my favorite bath and body collections: the coveted Santa Maria Novella and eyewear by Persol. 

Stay long enough, ask the right questions, and you might even be offered an espresso or Peroni. 

I've never actually considered bringing a Kinfolk, bottle of wine, and the best antipasti available to just relax and enjoy in a store until stepping foot in Peter Nappi. 

Imagine a group of people so committed to their vision that they literally live the brand. Imagine a level of concern and specificity so great that no detail is too small. Imagine a welcome so warm that the front doors are literally always open. See something you like, but not quite? They can make it for you. Have your Nonna's old crocodile coat you're not sure what to do with? They'll imagine for you the most beautiful shoes, and accessories with the leftovers. 

Close your eyes and imagine the best. Now you're imagining Peter Nappi. 

Ti voglio bene per tutti. To care deeply and love, but not in a romantic way. Reserved for family, friends, and to those you're familiar. Intimacy without being sexual. 

Peter Nappi cares deeply for your heart, for your soul / sole.  

Big shout out to JJ for her time, her insight, and the incredible service. Ci vediamo a presto!