As much as I loves me some modern kicks (Rick Owens and Camilla Skovgaard being my go-to faves), I've always loved a good spat. No, not the meaningless argument you have with your SO ("I did not hide the remote under the cushion to get back at you for dogging the Cheetohs!") but the 19th century footwear covering worn by European and Japanese infantrymen later adopted by their monied brethren as a visual symbol of wealth. Today, spats aren't so much a symbol of prosperity as they are a symbol of offhand cool. Take, for instance, the Coclico Ndakinna ankle boot, which pairs a chunky wooden base with a distressed leather upper, all of it covered with an artfully ruched spat that ties behind the heel and is fastened to the sole with small metal stud. And, in keeping with the 19th century aesthetic-meets-21st century materials, the Ndakinna (which comes in black, grey or brown and retails for $425), features recycled cork and foam for its internal padded platform, a vegan leather lining and lead free/nickel free hardware, all sourced from local suppliers—along with a side zip for easy access. It's the past, made perfect.
graphic design by K Sarna
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