Our friends at Tres Bien share a good look at the forthcoming Spring/Summer 2012 footwear collection from Hiroshi Tsubouchi. Vibrant takes on the classic shoe silhouette uppers as well as unique mid sole work continue to foster imagination and style from one of Japan’s hotter shoe makers. The wing tips and saddle shoes are catching on with this writer.

More looks after the click.

Another superb Alden, Leather Soul collaboration. This is the Milkshake Saddle, sounds pretty tasty right? Soft, creamy suede sits alongside the oddly named “dark brown lady calf.” Brass eyelets, antique edge trim and Alden’s made for comfort flex welt construction. We’re not sure whether to wear them on a country walk or stick a straw in ‘em. Hit Leather Soul for more.

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Paul Smith loves cycling and we love his collaborative cycling projects. The latest looks to be a custom red saddle with blue rails as developed by Japan’s Kashimax. A nice change of pace for someone looking to accent their 2-wheeler.

More looks after the click.

An interesting one from the McNairy line. The saddle shoe gets a heighten take in the form of a “chukka.” The red brick sole finishes it off well against the leather upper. Opening Ceremony has them.

More looks after the click.

For the equestrians in the house. This Hermès “Talaris” Saddle is an innovative move forward in this space. The team in charge of the Talaris spent three years developing a saddle that looks as normal as the rest. But the truth is on the inside. As you can see in our gallery, the Talaris is a highly structured saddle that improves on the fit and ride as never before. It weighs in at around 1.5 kilos lighter than traditional saddles by replacing metal and wood with carbon and titanium to make it lighter and more durable. As well, the Talaris can be adjusted to fit any rider and horse.

More looks at the Hermès Talaris Saddle after the click.

Cole Haan is showing the new pieces from its 1985 Collection at (capsule) New York.

Replicating the 1985 catalog, Cole Haan produces some classic footwear at an easily digestible price point. Probably safe to call it a retro line, rather than a heritage line, there’s a nice low key quality to the whole ordeal. Included is a charming saddle buck (pictured after the jump).

Bass brings back their original brick bottom Burlington saddle shoes in 3 classic color-ways for Autumn. The genuine two-tone leather uppers are fashioned into an oxford silhouette while the padded footbed provides lasting comfort and support for all-day wear.They’re very well priced at 88$US. Get them now from David Z.

More looks at the Bass Burlington Saddle Shoes after the click.

The Atelier LaDurance Saddle Belt you see above is from my personal closet. It was gifted to me this past January and I have faithfully worn it day in and day out. I consider Atelier LaDurance belts to be some of the finest in the world – triple thick and handmade from an almost indestructible cowhide. I highly recommend them especially if you like the keyring attachment.

But the finish you see above is not what my belt looked like when it arrived in my hands. It was originally closer to a beige/plain white finish (which you can still find) which did not bother me until the belt began to wear in. After a few months of use, the belt naturally started to form into it’s own and the white finish began to wear off which allowed me to see the natural tan finish being covered underneath. It was like pulling up tile and uncovering a hardwood floor.

Ask Nick how long it took me to remove all the white finish and bring it back to it’s original beauty (hours). The keyring came off much easier. The belt may not be what it once was, but at least it is rugged enough to take my changes and remain the most durable belt I have used in ages.

More views of my re-worked Atelier LaDurance Saddle Belt with images of the original finish after the jump.

The core Selectism team is obsessed with bicycles (you would have never guessed). Bikes of all types, from Surly to Colnago, we have a fleet amongst us. We are also obsessed with the heritage surrounding the Brooks Saddle Company of England. It’s not a fad, my friends. Brooks are the real deal. They may take some to break in, but that is time well spent riding.

Mr. Mittleman, design honcho over at Stussy posted some photos of this beautiful white Brooks Swallow Racer Saddle specially designed by The Wilson Brothers UK for Stussy. From the photo, it looks like they may have incorporated steel rails rather than the titanium ones that are custom on the model. We’re excited to see how the patina on this Swallow turns out after a few months of riding. Denim indigo may do it well. Killer.

More views of The Wilson Brothers for Stussy Brooks Swallow Saddle after the jump.

Brooks England announces collaboration with the New York City Bicycle Film Festival with the release of a limited edition Swallow.  Only one hundred special Swallow models, manufactured with British racing green leather and each bearing an authentic serial number of authenticity, will be available to the public.  Proceeds from sales will benefit the 8th annual Bicycle Film Festival which runs from May 28th through June 1st.

BFF Limited Edition Green Swallow features the original steel metalwork and bares a tensioning plate on the underside of the saddle which still features the original patenting information. The Swallow retains the word DEPOSÉ, meaning REGISTERED in French, on its tensioning plate. This was added, originally, as many of the saddles were exported to the continent for the use of racers and tourers alike.

The first Swallow was patented on August 20th 1936, a time when all Tour de France riders used Brooks saddles. Legends such as Girardengo, Bottecchia, Bartali, Coppi and Anquetil all rode Brooks saddles to victory and the coveted yellow jersey. Back then the arrival of the handcrafted Swallow was heralded as revolutionary as it was the first ‘cut away’ saddle design, giving greater freedom of leg movement to the sportive cyclist.

The 100 BFF Limited Edition Green Swallows retail for 250 $ and are sold exclusively in cooperation with the BFF in NY during the festival.