Now available at Por Vocação is this new twist on Maison Martin Margiela’s Replica sneaker (itself a riff on the classic Adidas Samba). We definitely like what’s going on here: woven canvas fabric with lots of pixel squares washing over the toe, giving the impression that you’ve kicked in a flatscreen and pulled back digital remnants. Bonus: you can wear these without laces, thanks to some stabilizing straps on the tongue. Other than that, what more can we say? These gems speak pretty well for themselves.

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From Axl Rose to AC/DC, Metallica to The Rolling Stones, Converse has made a name for itself by joining forces and creating distinct shoes with some of the biggest and most innovative musical groups in the past few decades. For 2012, Converse has teamed up with the virtually based but very real and very famous Gorillaz, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, and the release of the Converse signature, ‘Three Artists. One Song’ – an original track titled ‘Do Ya Thing’ featuring Gorillaz, James Murphy and Andre 3000 of OutKast.

Releasing on February 23rd are four unique design concepts, which combine the iconic Chuck Taylor All Star silhouette with the award-winning designs of Gorillaz co-creator, Jamie Hewlett. Each exclusive design incorporates elements from their groundbreaking artwork creating a distinctive collection inspired by the band.

The collection features military inspired camouflage print, taken from the cover of their self-titled debut, a black/brown canvas hi-top in the same military vein, and others with a collage of images from their album artwork created specifically for this collaboration.

For those in the London area on February 15th, the Gorillaz Sound System will play at the legendary 100 Club in London to celebrate the collection and upcoming release of ‘Do Ya Thing.’ Please visit www.converse.co.uk or www.gorillaz.com for more details and ticket info.

The free track will be available for download at www.facebook.com/converse on February 23, 2012 with a video releasing on the 29th.

- Joy Yoon

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Just in from the folks at Cole Haan a few days from launch date… The new Cole Haan Lunargrand Wingtip shoes are an interesting vitally important turn for the Cole Haan brand in 2012. The shoe line has been patiently waiting for a bit of a reboot for some time. Clearly the Lunargrand is the start of that move and much of it comes from a certain freedom being afforded to the brand from their parent company, Nike, in borrowing technology on a level not often seen on the exterior of the shoes themselves. The Lunargradn is different.

If Cole Haan had simply released this series of wingtips with the Nike Air tech on the inside, rather than the Lunar sole, we would not have the visual queues that allow for the Lunargrand to be much more than another wingtip on the market.

It is rare for a classic upper to work with a non-traditional sole design, but the Lunargrand pulls it off well. More importantly, it respects the original silhouette of the wingtip while moving the the shoe form forward in a manner that is certain to offer an alternative to the original constructions found in boutiques today. Wear test aside, the look is proper. The fusion/welt is clean (we’re sure they went to some serious rounds of samples to get it right). Even Gary Warnett is a bit intrigued by it all.

Dropping February 9 at the Cole Haan SOHO store.

Photography: Selectism.com

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The Generic Man enlisted Aaron Rose for their new film, “Words of Advice,” starring Chris Johanson to promote their latest collaboration with Comme des Garcons SHIRT for Spring/Summer 2012. The simplicities of life, as explained by Johanson, help tell the GM x CdG sneaker story. Tip to Purple.fr for the flick.

Hidden laces remind of skate shoes, and they tend to work well when the rest of a shoe bearing them hews to the pragmatic styling of something built to resist griptape. These Lacava’s from Creative Recreation have the proper balance of familiarity (classic vulcanized sole; low-profile silhouette) and surprise (those lace covers look like a crisp popped collar and who knows how your pants will react to the heel tab). Pulling inspiration from the more expensive Turino model (leather; made in Italy), these canvas floats retail for $62 with eight more color schemes in the wings, though it’s hard to imagine anything more eye-catching than the red and blue colorway. -jt

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Simplicity is god. Or, in the case of Norse Projects’ collaboration with Pro-Keds: simplicity is Odin. Minimalism certainly wins out in their reworking the Royal Master sneaker. Here, NP delivers three colorways inspired by their Copenhagen environs: specifically the ocean, the beach and old town. Pigskin suede, a cork inner sole and leather lining make for a classic look and feel indeed. The aniline dyed leather heel tab is just a nice little touch on a solid understated piece of fancy footwear that we’d like to wear in the old town and on the beach; but not in the ocean. -jt

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We chased this one down after Mr. Day teased them on his column. The new range of sneakers from Generic Surplus for the Spring/Summer 2012 N. Hoolywood menswear collection are splatter-approved. “Embodying the season theme “Title Back” with it’s upper construction and vulcanized sole, the shoe displays a particular attention to small details with its thick cushioned insole and application of wax-treatment on the laces.”

Available in grey and purple/blue – we’ll take both. These work. Available only through N. Hoolywood retailers (good luck).

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Veja meet French Trotters once again with a selection of men’s footwear. We previewed the collection a while back and this addition of a black hi-top is a welcome one. Veja don’t bang on too much about their eco credentials but it’s worth noting that each pair is made with the environment and the workers who produce them in mind. “The leather used has been tanned naturally using acacia extracts. The soles are made of wild rubber originating from the Amazonian rainforest. ” Take a look below for a little background into this time heavy process. Polished and waxed leather with a contrast tan stripe running up the back, these are sure to age perfectly. Find them here.

Click for images.

RFW, formerly Rhythm Footwear, returns with a wide spread of sneakers for Spring/Summer 2012. I’m caught up on two models under the name Sandwich Hi Standard. I think it’s the play on the vulcanization and the overlap on paneling found on the upper. Super clean and well done.

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nonnative offers some interesting footwear for Spring/Summer. Shoe Buff tells us “The brand brings ten new models in which six of them come with a Gore-Tex interior in collaboration with Regal ; Dweller Shoes Wing-Tip, Deck Shoe, Loafer, Plain Toe and Cap Toe.”

The more beach friendly espadrilles might win round those who still find this particular style of shoe objectionable, the slightly wider fit make them appear more moccasin like, espcially invarious shades of suede. A nice selection ranging from smart to run-around.