CLAE

CLAE takes their first step into technical materials with their...

choicenow — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:21:00 -0700

CLAE takes their first step into technical materials with their new waterproof suiting collection. Featuring the sleek silhouettes of the Richards boot, Strayhorn mid-top, Powell wing-tip and Ellington low-top, the collection incorporates a specially developed water-repellent coating that offers a new range of versatility. Finely heathered water-resistant uppers, smooth full grain accents and slim cupsole in the season’s inspired shades of grey, bring style, innovation and comfort for the rainy days ahead.

In 1967 when Steve McQueen invited Peter Yates to direct the...

choicenow — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 17:12:00 -0700

In 1967 when Steve McQueen invited Peter Yates to direct the film Bullitt, he had only one thing in mind. He wanted to leave the fake roads of studio lots in the dust and shoot with real drivers on real streets. With a quest for authenticity, McQueen and a team of stunt drivers raced through the city streets of San Francisco at speeds up to 100 mph, creating the iconic scene that would forever change the cinematic car chase.

During the filming of Bullitt, McQueen wore a classic chukka boot that originally became popular during the 1940’s and 1950’s. Named for the resemblance to the boots worn by polo players during seven-minute matches called chukkers, they were were designed to be both comfortable and versatile.

Inspired by McQueen’s vision to modernize film, we updated the chukka adding a custom footbed, modern rubber sole and unique eyestay. With a wide array of textiles and unexpected details our McQueen pushes the limits of versatility being both lightweight and strong. The perfect fit for putting pedal to the metal, these mid-tops give you all the freedom of the open road ahead.

Warm neutral tones bring a fresh take on the traditional white...

choicenow — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:38:46 -0700

Warm neutral tones bring a fresh take on the traditional white summer shoe in our versatile SS12 Oatmeal Collection. Sit back and settle into the simplicity of our classic McQueen in textured denim and peanut nubuck, our sporty Gregory in perforated full grain leather and soft suede, our elegant Bailey in buttery nubuck and textured denim, our sleek Wilder in smooth and perforated full grain leather and our new tie up or slip on Bruce in textured denim and canvas piping that’s equally effortless with or without laces. Whether you prefer to walk, run or relax, our Oatmeal Collection lets you move easily through an endless summer.

Celebrating freedom of movement, the Payton offers a...

choicenow — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:11:15 -0700

Celebrating freedom of movement, the Payton offers a sophisticated play on the ever-evolving athletic shoe. Taking cues from modern running technology, we joined an open mesh design, neoprene heel and technical lace details with the style of our classic CLAE outsole. Whether you’re looking to hit the open road or just want to break from convention, the Payton gives you the liberty of choice.

Find out more at: http://www.clae.com/Product.aspx?l=00010000000000000000&p=CLA01259&shop=true

Spring is here and our 2012 Spring/Summer lineup is too. Get...

colorcrisis — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:51:24 -0700

Spring is here and our 2012 Spring/Summer lineup is too. Get them here.

In honor of the new season, we’ve captured the warm promise of...

colorcrisis — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:27:10 -0700

In honor of the new season, we’ve captured the warm promise of spring with our spirited SS12 Chestnut Collection.

Our Favorite Shop (OFS) is our first retail/creative space...

choicenow — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:22:00 -0700

Our Favorite Shop (OFS) is our first retail/creative space located in Mid City, Los Angeles. The space will serve as a retail platform for us to showcase our shoes and present an assortment of creative products as well as house our design studio. The interior was a collaboration with our founder and creative director Sung Choi, architect Nathan Lentz and Shin Okuda from the furniture design company WAKA WAKA with assistance from architect Francis Ireifej. We have partnered up with longtime friend and retail veteran Pete Arbelaez, a Union LA alum and the creator of Craft/Los Angeles, to expand our vision for the shop. Both native New Yorkers and long time residents of Mid City LA, Sung and Pete felt it was important to add on to the eclectic mix of shops in the their own neighborhood and extend the community vibe, providing a welcoming space for everyone. Stop by if you’re in the area and say hi.

Our Favorite Shop

5455 W. Pico Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90019

Store Hours: Tuesday - Sunday (11am-6pm)

The desert boot has been a classic in men’s footwear since it...

choicenow — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:12:38 -0700

The desert boot has been a classic in men’s footwear since it first started to hit the market in the early 1950s. These stylish boots originate from South Africa during the time British Army was fighting against Rommel in World War II. Originally the South Africans wanted their shoemakers to find a replacement to their own worn- out veldtschoens. The Egyptian craftsmen came up with a boot that had a supple suede upper and solid crepe soles that were not only stylish, but also much more comfortable, compared to the other shoes of the day, and were very easy to maintain.

The Strayhorn draws upon the same timeless aesthetic of the desert boot but with the added benefits of modern day refinements. By replacing the crepe sole, know to become extremely slippery in wet conditions, with a modern cupsole we’ve taken the next step in improving on the comfort and performance of the desert boot, while also allowing the injection of color.

Whether rain or shine, the Strayhorn updates a familiar silhouette with a quiet confidence in shape and function. These mid-tops lend an air of charm with a splash of sophistication, never missing a beat.

When planning for this spring we were looking to bring something...

choicenow — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:12:05 -0700

When planning for this spring we were looking to bring something new with the materials for the Jones. In the past we have outfitted the Jones, our boot inspired sneaker, in heavy oiled and waxed leathers. However for this spring we looked to lighten it up a bit. We brought in two textured canvases and a cotton ripstop textile to add a little new life into an old favorite.

The textured canvases, in chestnut and acorn, have a sturdy feel, somewhat reminiscent of a nice piece of luggage and for the ripstop we used a heavy weight cotton canvas. Premium leather details put the final touches on the shoes to maintain the durable heritage aficionados of the Jones have come to know and love.

All three colors keep the rugged feel of the Jones just with a little twist for spring.

We created the Chambers to be a modern gentlemen’s moccasin. The...

choicenow — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:06:00 -0800

We created the Chambers to be a modern gentlemen’s moccasin. The word moccasin comes from an early Native American translation that means, “shoe” and has been associated with the soft leather slippers worn by various tribes. Moccasins were essential to the Native Americans because they not only provided comfort for long journeys, but they were extremely versatile in design to be well suited for different geographical and climate conditions.

With the Chambers, we wanted to capture the same spirit of outdoor exploration that they originally were inspired by. Rich, natural colors echo the natural beauty of the wilderness while the leather accents pay homage to the original moccasins. With a non-traditional athletic upper on a low profile athletic cup sole with a neoprene heel, Chambers provides the comfort and utility suited for your next adventure.

Our Favorite Shop, (OFS for short) our first store in Los...

choicenow — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:53:20 -0800

Our Favorite Shop, (OFS for short) our first store in Los Angeles, is now open for business! Located in the Mid-City LA, 5455 West Pico Blvd, CA 90019. Tel.323-930-0347

Come by and check our Spring 2012 Collection and an assortment of thoughtfully curated accessories.

We are open Tuesday - Sunday, 11am to 6pm. Come by this week and get a free gift with purchase… and stay tuned for the official launch in the coming months.

For the next installment of our five by five series, we bring ...

choicenow — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:38:00 -0800

For the next installment of our five by five series, we bring together the sounds of DJ Soulscape and visuals of artist David Ellis. DJ Soulscape is known around the world as one of the most influential Korean pioneers of crate digging. A DJ and producer who grew up around his parents’ extensive soul and Motown vinyl collection, DJ Soulscape became a rabid fan of 1980s hip-hop, and through his travels continues his search for music from old and new records alike.

David Ellis aka SKWERM, leader and organizer of the famed Barnstormers crew, painter and sculptor, provides the art reflecting DJ Soulscape’s mix. He is known for his motion paintings, which interpret music and sounds. Ellis’ work has been compared to the free flow form of Jazz, embracing and utilizing the spontaneity of the creative process.

So get your dancing shoes on and vibe out to this hour long eceletic mix of funk, jazz and soul from all corners of the world.

(Click on Image to Audio link)

Strayhorns in red hot suede & cool grey full grain leather

choicenow — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 07:56:37 -0800

Strayhorns in red hot suede & cool grey full grain leather

Sometimes having the blues ain’t a bad thing. Case in point: the...

choicenow — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:28:59 -0800

Sometimes having the blues ain’t a bad thing. Case in point: the new Midnight Collection of classic CLAE styles in shades of the darkest blue. Stroll in the full grain, perforated leather Gregory with suede upper, suit up with the clean, full grain leather Strayhorn, or hit the streets in the leather and ballistic nylon Hockney. For seersucker, basic black and everything in between, treat these Midnight beauties as a new, blue neutral this Spring and Summer.

Collection also includes: Khan Midnight Leather, Powell Midnight Leather

Our friends at the Beggar Man Thief shop in Melbourne provide...

theargylecorp — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:29:34 -0800

Our friends at the Beggar Man Thief shop in Melbourne provide everything the modern man may need to ensure you’re ready for wherever life may take you. From an eclectic mix accessories, clothing, books, and photography, Beggar Man Thief has a wide range of high quality and fashionable products that many locals have come to appreciate. Our friends Scott Lewis and Marc Godfrey wanted to bring a collection of male-interests products in a humble and approachable environment for the local Australian audience. Stop in if you’re in the area. And don’t forget to check-out their selection of CLAE shoes.

Beggar Man Thief
244 Clarendon Street
South Melbourne VIC 3205
www.beggarmanthief.com.au/

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we’re releasing a few of our...

theargylecorp — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:08:50 -0800

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we’re releasing a few of our favorite styles in vibrant shades of red. Not necessarily just for lovers, our blazing SS12 Ruby Collection includes the versatile Hockney in bright, full grain leather and ballistic nylon upper, the sporty Gregory with crimson-hued open cell mesh and a full grain leather upper, and the Strayhorn in a deep, full grain suede upper that is as smooth as it is striking. So whether you fancy yourself a Casanova or a Rebel Without a Cause, any of these ruby shoes are sure to complete your festivities.

Dieter Rams Less and More exhibition at SF MOMA. We hope you...

choicenow — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:49:00 -0800

Dieter Rams Less and More exhibition at SF MOMA. We hope you have the chance to view the exhibit before it closes on February 20th.

Our New Home

theargylecorp — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:47:04 -0800

Our New Home

For the Spring/Summer 2012 season, CLAE is pleased to introduce...

theargylecorp — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:47:00 -0800

For the Spring/Summer 2012 season, CLAE is pleased to introduce the Powell. Delivering all the classic elements of a saddle shoe, the style features a unique brogue detailing to create a modern wingtip sneaker. SADDLE Considered to be the grandfather of modern athletic footwear, saddle shoes were originally designed for tennis and squash players. The ‘saddle’ supported the instep, keeping the shoe tight during intense maneuvers on the court. Although the tennis and squash players moved on, the sporty yet classy look of the saddle were a perfect choice for many on the dance floor during the 1950s. BROGUE The Brogue detail appeared on the highly functional shoes found on the workingmen of Scotland and Ireland. The perforated leather featured holes, acting as a drain during the rainy seasons, which allowed these men to work in the damp bogs. The brogue detail has evolved from the utility found in the countryside work shoe to today’s modern footwear, where this detail can be found on dress shoes as well as sneakers. The CLAE Powell is a sophisticated update to your day-to-day footwear. Available in Midnight Leather, Black Leather and Gravel Nubuck colorways.

Our SS12 Denim Collection features four profiles that provide...

theargylecorp — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:28:00 -0800

Ellington Deep Navy Denim

Ellington Deep Navy Denim

Russell Deep Navy Denim

Russell Deep Navy Denim

Bailey Black Denim & Nubuck

Bailey Black Denim & Nubuck

Bruce Black Denim

Bruce Black Denim

Our SS12 Denim Collection features four profiles that provide the mix of sophistication, casual ease, and style that make CLAE essential. We have the elegant, yet practical Ellington in navy denim with full grain leather accents as well as the Russell. The Bailey is reworked in black denim canvas with a gum sole for a laid back attitude and the Bruce in black denim with contrast synthetic Nubuck piping keeps things casual. Go ahead, wear them with jeans, a suit - or anything else you please.