Men's Second Style

Eponymous Trenchmouth knows a little something about guys.  She knows that there’s a bad boy somewhere deep down inside each one of us, looking to break free…or at least get the chance for a little self-expression.  Her new line of shoes called “Rebel” includes six styles, each named after an icon famous for (among other things) pushing back against the restrictions of society in one way or another:  James Dean, Robin Hood, Henry Morgan, Carl Perkins, Spartacus and Roman Polanski.

James Dean is remembered for astonishing performances in just three films, perhaps most notably Nicholas Ray’s “Rebel Without a Cause,” in which he struggles with and rebels against parental and societal authority.  Dean cultivated the rebel image for the public as well, or perhaps the studios did it for him.  His namesake in this collection is the sharp-styled shoe I’m wearing here.

As always, Epy’s prim construction is meticulous, her textures beautifully detailed.  The uppers are a combination of leather and suede, bound together by heavy stitching.  Rich charcoal-colored suede is flanked by supple leather in two lighter shades of grey and topped with thin black flexi laces.  The pointed toe, thin leather sole and low heel make this a proper dress shoe, but it’s also perfectly comfortable with your favorite jeans.

Robin Hood incited rebellion against what he saw as unfair taxation and distribution of wealth and resources.  “Steal from the rich, give to the poor” was his motto, and he lived by it daily.  How he managed to do all this while still looking stylish in green is beyond me, especially as he didn’t have these shoes to work with.

Slightly less pointy than the James Deans, but no less artfully turned out in green suede, the Robin Hood loafers for me epitomize perfection in the slip-on style:  simple, classy styling and restrained, minimal decoration.  I’ve never been fond of tassels or decorative leather frills on loafers, although I have nothing against a shiny penny.  In addition to a design that’s contemporary yet classic, beautiful suede texture and fine construction, these shoes feature nothing at all, which makes them perfect in my eyes.

In Raised on Radio, radio historian Gerald Nachman said of Henry Morgan:  “He was ahead of his time….  He was a great mind who never achieved the success he should have.”  Nachman called Morgan radio’s “first true rebel because–like many comics who go for the jugular, from Lenny Bruce to Roseanne Barr–he didn’t know when to quit.”  Henry Morgan was also funny as hell, never hesitating to skewer anyone who in his opinion deserved it, even his own advertisers.

Whether this style is one Morgan himself would wear if he were still with us, I can’t say.  The glossy, finely grained leather of the upper has a slightly rough, more interesting texture than mirror-shiny patent leather, with some subtly pebbled grain around the silver buckle.  The buckles have some occasional bling, more than subtle but far from overpowering.

All six Rebel styles come with nicely textured socks.  A bonus optional “Power Walk” animation override is included in an “extra” right shoe–simply wear the “Power Walk” shoe to activate the walk animation.  Complete details are provided in a notecard.

The Rebel collection of shoes is available for L$400 a pair at Jeepers Creepers (Tean 240, 87, 24).  Be sure to allow some time to enjoy the comfortable, lounge-like atmosphere of the new Men’s Department–free Martinis all around!  And review the prominently posted Notices which explain Epy’s customer service philosophy, notably her declaration that “All sales are NOT final!”  She wants you to be her satisfied customer.

Secundus will be covering other Rebel styles in an upcoming post!