deerstalker
https://www.essence.com/fashion/where-to-buy-mules-by-black-designers/
Blackstock & Weber By Julian Randall ·Updated May 9, 2024
Something about a mule makes it a more exciting buy than any other shoe. Is it the ability to comfortably wear one that isn’t only meant to protect? Does it still have the leisurely feel of something that was once only worn indoors? Or is it the eroticism that comes with one part of the foot being revealed and the rest concealed?
Indeed, part of it is the anatomy of the shoe–often having no quarters and only a vamp–which provides breathability to the heel on a warm summer day or a breeze against the ankles in spring. Although you’ll find a fair share of >footwear.
But the beauty of the mule is that it was always truly genderless, as anthropologist Margo DeMello notes in her 2009 book Feet and Footwear: A Cultural Encyclopedia.
It has its roots in the Middle East as more of a slipper. And from prehistory onward, men and women across the globe have worn some version of it. Flat, high-heeled, patterned, plain, soft and supple, charmingly crafty, some covering the entire foot. More than anything, to echo DeMello, the mule remains sexy. Perhaps we can attribute this to the shoe being a near staple in our spring-summer wardrobes and one of fashion’s footwear obsessions. There’s even an Instagram account, @muleboyz with an accompanying podcast, The Muler Report, dedicated to mules.
Black designers are of course putting their own spin on them. That is to say, they’re making the most interesting ones on the market. Odds are you’re probably trying to figure out your footwear situation for the season.
Keep reading to find the right mules to put in your daily rotation.
The Penny Mule 
Blackstock & Weber
It’s no secret Martine Rose is making some of the coolest clothes right now. Her shoes are no different. These sleek, punkish, square-toed beauties in black have the cultural cache to get you noticed on the trendiest streets of New York and London while pairing neatly with wide-leg pants. Fashion editor Shelton Boyd-Griffith can be seen wearing his on any given day during New York Fashion Week.
Footwear brand Blackstock & Weber also makes a stylish penny mule, which you can get in a leopard print or berry color. I’d play them up with other prints and bold hues for maximal effect. (They also come in onyx, chocolate, honey, bovine, croc-embossed, and with a horse bit–get on the mailing list). Equal parts classic and quirky, these double leather-soled slip-ons are sure to last, as Chris Echevarria, the brand’s founder, designs all his shoes with longevity in mind.
Go Artisanal 
Shekudo
A lot of Black-owned footwear brands have an artisanal component to them, but these designers take it to the next level. Starting with Shekudo, whose fourteen artisans are crafting heritage-packed shoes with raw materials from across the African continent.
The Lagos-based label describes their shoes as “wearable art.” And their new Kehinde mule lives up to it; leather-lined with a hand-printed Adire upper. That’s textile art and sophistication in footwear form! The brand is also right to suggest toning them down with neutrals. Or rather, letting them be the entire outfit, which they would.
Brother Vellies is best known for their Greg Shoe, the black and brown hair on cow ones in particular (women can get them in pink). I still want a pair. But I was thrilled to see that they now make them in a midnight color in suede. Who knew that something as quotidian and utilitarian as a clog could be this elegant? It’s a quality designer Aurora James achieves with such considered, exquisite grace.
I mentioned wearing mules with socks and these are just the ones to wear them with. I, for one, could sport them with any of my lavender, apple green, electric blue, or salmon pink socks and feel at ease. This is the kind of shoe that looks great with a pair of Bermuda shorts and the best cotton oversized button-up you can get your hands on. Maybe even with a skirt, for which Russell Westbrook makes the most compelling case.
Armando Cabral
If any designer understands the unique and interior pleasure of the mule, it is Armando Cabral. His Quebo Zip-Pouch Slippers, made by Italian artisans, come in deerskin leather for optimal softness. Cabral notes them as his “personal travel go-to.” And as the slipper’s name suggests, it even comes with a matching pouch that zips up. The mustard ones are unlike anything else on the market, as are the “milk.” But what I most appreciate about Cabral’s take on the shoe is that it reminds me of its roots as a leisurely thing. That I can be at the airport, wandering some European city, or, indeed, at home, and feel at ease.
TOPICS: designer shoes
The post Where To Buy Mules By Black Designers appeared first on Essence.
Blackstock & Weber By Julian Randall ·Updated May 9, 2024
Something about a mule makes it a more exciting buy than any other shoe. Is it the ability to comfortably wear one that isn’t only meant to protect? Does it still have the leisurely feel of something that was once only worn indoors? Or is it the eroticism that comes with one part of the foot being revealed and the rest concealed?
Indeed, part of it is the anatomy of the shoe–often having no quarters and only a vamp–which provides breathability to the heel on a warm summer day or a breeze against the ankles in spring. Although you’ll find a fair share of >footwear.
But the beauty of the mule is that it was always truly genderless, as anthropologist Margo DeMello notes in her 2009 book Feet and Footwear: A Cultural Encyclopedia.
It has its roots in the Middle East as more of a slipper. And from prehistory onward, men and women across the globe have worn some version of it. Flat, high-heeled, patterned, plain, soft and supple, charmingly crafty, some covering the entire foot. More than anything, to echo DeMello, the mule remains sexy. Perhaps we can attribute this to the shoe being a near staple in our spring-summer wardrobes and one of fashion’s footwear obsessions. There’s even an Instagram account, @muleboyz with an accompanying podcast, The Muler Report, dedicated to mules.
Black designers are of course putting their own spin on them. That is to say, they’re making the most interesting ones on the market. Odds are you’re probably trying to figure out your footwear situation for the season.
Keep reading to find the right mules to put in your daily rotation.
The Penny MuleBlackstock & Weber It’s no secret Martine Rose is making some of the coolest clothes right now. Her shoes are no different. These sleek, punkish, square-toed beauties in black have the cultural cache to get you noticed on the trendiest streets of New York and London while pairing neatly with wide-leg pants. Fashion editor Shelton Boyd-Griffith can be seen wearing his on any given day during New York Fashion Week.
Footwear brand Blackstock & Weber also makes a stylish penny mule, which you can get in a leopard print or berry color. I’d play them up with other prints and bold hues for maximal effect. (They also come in onyx, chocolate, honey, bovine, croc-embossed, and with a horse bit–get on the mailing list). Equal parts classic and quirky, these double leather-soled slip-ons are sure to last, as Chris Echevarria, the brand’s founder, designs all his shoes with longevity in mind.
Go ArtisanalShekudo A lot of Black-owned footwear brands have an artisanal component to them, but these designers take it to the next level. Starting with Shekudo, whose fourteen artisans are crafting heritage-packed shoes with raw materials from across the African continent.
The Lagos-based label describes their shoes as “wearable art.” And their new Kehinde mule lives up to it; leather-lined with a hand-printed Adire upper. That’s textile art and sophistication in footwear form! The brand is also right to suggest toning them down with neutrals. Or rather, letting them be the entire outfit, which they would.
Brother Vellies is best known for their Greg Shoe, the black and brown hair on cow ones in particular (women can get them in pink). I still want a pair. But I was thrilled to see that they now make them in a midnight color in suede. Who knew that something as quotidian and utilitarian as a clog could be this elegant? It’s a quality designer Aurora James achieves with such considered, exquisite grace.
I mentioned wearing mules with socks and these are just the ones to wear them with. I, for one, could sport them with any of my lavender, apple green, electric blue, or salmon pink socks and feel at ease. This is the kind of shoe that looks great with a pair of Bermuda shorts and the best cotton oversized button-up you can get your hands on. Maybe even with a skirt, for which Russell Westbrook makes the most compelling case.
Armando Cabral If any designer understands the unique and interior pleasure of the mule, it is Armando Cabral. His Quebo Zip-Pouch Slippers, made by Italian artisans, come in deerskin leather for optimal softness. Cabral notes them as his “personal travel go-to.” And as the slipper’s name suggests, it even comes with a matching pouch that zips up. The mustard ones are unlike anything else on the market, as are the “milk.” But what I most appreciate about Cabral’s take on the shoe is that it reminds me of its roots as a leisurely thing. That I can be at the airport, wandering some European city, or, indeed, at home, and feel at ease.
TOPICS: designer shoesThe post Where To Buy Mules By Black Designers appeared first on Essence.
For a long time, Mondo has been the go-to for fans who love to celebrate their favorite properties with literal works of art. But as Mondo continues to change and evolve, bringing to the table posters, figures, soundtracks, and more, it’s heartening to know that fans and their desires are still at the center of the company’s core.
At C2E2 in Chicago, Nerdist was delighted to speak with Peter Santa Maria, Senior Creative Director of Collectibles at Mondo, about what goes into creating a Mondo collectible, how fans shape the ultimate designs of Mondo’s works, what’s on the horizon for the brand, and more. Santa Maria was even able to tease a whole new kind of Mondo collectible on the horizon, citing something the brand has never done before. We can’t wait to find out what that is, but in the meantime, take a deep dive into the world of Mondo with us.
Nerdist: Mondo is known for its incredible creations and high-quality designs. Can you talk a little bit about how you decide what to make into a collectible and how you decide what it should look like?
Santa Maria: Yeah, across the board, whether it’s our soundtrack, posters, or collectible figures, we always start from, “Are we a fan of this internally?” So whoever is working at the company and is a fan is going to steer the product.
We don’t make something that we’re not likely to buy ourselves as a fan, right? So we have our favorite properties that we love to hit on, like Godzilla and Masters of the Universe; of course, we love Marvel and DC, but we also recently put out some Scott Pilgrim collectibles.
We love that. But the idea is if you’re going to work with a franchise that’s very big, very well-known, and has products out there, what do we bring to the table? So it’s curation. It’s finding the right artist out there and then matching them up with the right movie, show, whatever it is, so that it’s like a new synthesis that happens. People are like, “Wow, I’m excited because I never thought I would see so-and-so designed in that style.”
So, that’s really what I mean. Are we getting excited about the idea of it? Are we excited for so-and-so doing such-and-such project? If we are then that means the fans for sure are going to be.
Nerdist: Yeah, I was looking at the latest set, and I saw the Beavis and Butt-Head poster, which I thought was super interesting. So I think it’s really cool that you kind of follow your fannish desires and not necessarily just go by what movie is coming out.
Santa Maria: No, no, and there are a lot of times where we will turn something down that’s a big thing because we don’t have a personal connection or we don’t know what we would bring there.
So if it doesn’t talk to us, we’ll be like, “Not yet, maybe in the future.” But you mentioned Beavis and Butt, we just did that beautiful screenprint of the artist, Kensausage. Probably one of my favorite artist things of all time. He designed a bunch of sketches for us for what that poster could be like and we’re like, “Yeah, they’re all awesome, which one do we pick?” But that strange mutant version of Beavis and Butt together, we felt, we have to have that. It’s a new interpretation, but it feels of the show, of the movie when they have their psychedelic experience or whatever it is.
And now we’re also introducing a bunch of fans to Kensausage. And then you can place the poster back to the artist and their other artwork and it creates a brand new audience for that art, which is the best part of what we do.
Nerdist: So really, at any time, Mondo might decide to create something new for an older property? (Nerdist personally pitched more Hannibal posters.)
Santa Maria: Yeah, if we have the license, and we feel like there’s excitement about it, or we think, “We wouldn’t normally do this, but this looks awesome we should probably,” then yes.
You never know; you might see us design like a big robo-mechanized Hannibal that looks like it’s a figure that came out of Japan in the ’60s. Right? No one else would make that. That’s the idea.
Nerdist: I would be so into that. And I think that’s really great because so often, if you’re a new fan to an older franchise you won’t get the opportunity to experience new merchandise, so it’s cool that’s where Mondo can step in.
Santa Maria: Exactly, 100%.
Nerdist: How much does fan input influence your decision-making?
Santa Maria: We’re always listening to the fans in terms of, there are comments sometimes it’ll be about, “Hey, I love this line so much, please don’t forget to include such and such character because he always or she always gets overlooked.” Or, “I love the franchise. I love that you’re doing it on this scale, but why don’t you guys do it in soft line or whatever it is?” So we’re always listening to that, and that’s how we get better. We’re not going to be able to do this without fans and the fan’s excitement. So we do what we think is awesome, we put it out there, fans respond and go, “Great idea, or hold on we’re almost there,” and then we work on that.
Nerdist: Do you have an example of that kind of interaction?
Santa Maria: Yeah, Masters of the Universe, specifically. I can’t reveal anything, but there are certain characters that we know from other lines that don’t get put out as figures very often. In the Facebook group, people mentioned it, and I’ve seen it in the YouTube comments, and so we go internally, “You guys, we have to do this.”
And when people see it, they’re going to flip.
Nerdist: That ties into my next question: Are there any upcoming releases that your fans can get really excited about?
Santa Maria: Yes, there are some big surprises that are going to be mentioned tomorrow in our panel. And then at Comic-Con, we have our brand new Scareglow from Masters of the Universe 1/6 and Scaremare, our original. We designed a character for Masters of the Universe that Mattel allowed us to do, and we’re debuting it at that show, and it’s going to be super, super exciting. Of course, Scott Pilgrim is coming out. Our Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle vinyl figures are releasing. We’re trying to hit every fandom we can with something new, refreshing, that feels worthy of your shelf space.
Nerdist: Mondo is pretty well-known for its posters and, as you mentioned, figures, vinyls, and more. Is there another sort of arm or kind of collectible that you imagine putting out in the future or thinking about?
Santa Maria: I mean, yeah, we are working really hard on our posters, our screen prints, to figure out what hasn’t been done yet, what interpretations haven’t been done yet. We love going back to visit the universal monsters. We love going back to visit that.
But we’re exploring anime now in a bigger way and how anime gets reinterpreted when the fans already love the style of anime. But can we challenge those aesthetics and make something new and interesting? That’s a big one for us.
Also, our soundtracks, we continue to want to really engineer exciting designs for the packaging, so that people have that whole experience when they’re opening them up, listening to the music, but also going through the album. You can expect some great stuff.
Nerdist: But in addition to that could we see any new types of Mondo projects in addition to collectibles, figures, and soundtracks?
Santa Maria: Yes, there is a… Let’s see, I have to say this without spoiling. There is a new product line coming that will be announced in the next couple of months from Mondo. We’ve never done it before. I think people, especially people who love to do unboxings on YouTube and watch those, they’re going to love this one.
Nerdist: Just to wrap it up, what do you think your most successful release has been? And what is your personal favorite?
Santa Maria: Well, I’m biased to the figures that I personally designed, like the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Godzilla, and Mechagodzilla. But in terms of the most successful releases this year, I mean, we had a huge success with Rogue from our X-Men 1/6 animated line. We had a huge success with Scareglow, our soft vinyl figure from our Masters of the Universe line.
We also had a Godzilla: Minus One poster that worked well for us. That was huge. So you never know. You can kind of get a sense of what it’s going to be, but you never know. You always just have to see where the fans are and what they direct to you.
The post Mondo’s Sr Creative Director on a New Product Line Coming Soon and Embracing Fan Input appeared first on Nerdist.
My favorite digital manga subscription service Azuki, home of my beloved My Dear Detective: Mitsuko’s Case Files is partnering with manga distributor Digital Entertainment to add seven manga series to its library. The seven titles — including The Boy Who Used to Be God, Thank You, My Mistakes., and Poisoner Home — are now available worldwide on the Azuki website and iOS and Android apps. Here’s a few of the new series with synopses from Digital Entertainment:
The Boy Who Used to Be God by Sen, distributed by Digital Entertainment: There is a country about to undergo a drastic change after a revolution destroys its sacred regime. Those who celebrate the new freedom, those who try to face the crimes committed by the former regime, and those who denounce the crimes… people in different positions are trying their best to survive. This is a story of a boy who was forced to be god seeking a childhood as an ordinary boy.
This looks like it will appeal to fans of: Historical fantasy, revolution and action, and perhaps complex world building
Thank You, My Mistakes. by Haruto Chino, distributed by Digital Entertainment: He’s a dad. Why would he do that? Daycare worker Yukari was too busy with the children for love. In fact, she didn’t have any opportunities to meet people in the first place… But, just when she was thinking that, she found herself having drinks with her friend Manami’s boss, Koji. The man Manami said was “good-looking, but strange,” was a gentleman and escorted Yukari back home. However, having had a few too many drinks, the two of them fell on to the bed, and… wound up kissing. The following morning, Koji was gone. Yukari was in agony recalling the previous night!! With those memories in tow, she did her work, but the “handsome dad” there to pick up one of the children was… the same man she had just shared her bed with!?
This looks like it will appeal to fans of: Romance and spice, workplace drama, and mature romance that the Josei fans might appreciate!
Poisoner Home by iwo, distributed by Digital Entertainment: Tateyuki Chono is devastated when his apartment and extensive collection of insect specimens burns to the ground one evening. But his luck turns around when a chance leads him to meet famed entomologist Izumo Kusanagi. Chono is floored by the kind hospitality of Kusanagi and his beautiful daughter Toko. However, the warm atmosphere of the estate belies a sinister secret. What is the true nature of Dr. Kusanagi’s research? And is Chono already trapped in a deadly web of terror?
This looks like it will appeal to fans of: Insects and the study of them, psychological narratives, and the horror genre
Mr. (Former) Yakuza is in Over His Head with Me, and I Can’t Escape Him. by Itsuka Hazuki, distributed by Digital Entertainment: The flirt who hits on her even during work is… a former yakuza!? Azusa is a doctor working as an occupational physician who takes her job seriously. Itsuki Sakuma is a handsome but suspicious guy who constantly annoys her during his evaluations! He’s frivolous, aggressive, and mysterious… But then, he was the only one who noticed Azusa being terrified of her ex-fiancé, who now stalks her. He said, “I’ll protect you. I don’t want you to be alone.” He suddenly started looking so serious! She tries to discipline herself by telling herself to not get spoiled, but as he shows his gentlemanlike personality, she can’t help relying on him…. And that’s when she saw the vivid traditional tattoos on him, and…!? He’s a (former) yakuza who never let his prey escape from him, and now he goes all out for the love of his life. Let the show begin☆
This looks like it will appeal to fans of: Rom-com vibes for sure, a gentle male lead as I’ve been told, and mature romance that the Josei fans might appreciate!
I’m a (Fake) Saint Who Was Summoned to Another World, But Apparently I’m Fated to Die If I Don’t Marry the Prince by Lala, distributed by Digital Entertainment: “I’ll return you to your world if you marry the prince.” That was the shocking proposal of the self-proclaimed god! I won’t really get a bad ending if I refuse, will I!? Office worker Sara was involved in a traffic accident, or so she thought. One moment, she was about to be hit by a truck, but the next… she found herself transported to an unfamiliar, grand castle, falling right on top of Prince Ars! When a soldier recognized her as “Sara,” the saint who saved the kingdom five years earlier, everyone suddenly started treating her as some divine being!! After questioning her reality, a voice came to her and said, “Capture the heart of the prince, who longs for the saint, and marry him!” The voice then threatened her, denying her return to her own world should she fail… Her only weapon in this challenge is her face that apparently looks just like that of the saint’s! And so began her zealous attempt to steal the prince’s heart!
This looks like it will appeal to fans of: Truck-kun’s shenanigans, light novels with long names, fantasy worlds, and plucky, determined young women trying to survive
Azuki is available on the web at www.azuki.co and in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. The app features 300 manga series, including international hits like Attack on Titan, Fire Force, and A Silent Voice. Azuki also publishes acclaimed new series like Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms, Natsume & Natsume, and My Dear Detective: Mitsuko’s Case Files, with weekly new chapters available exclusively via the Azuki app.
Start reading for free today with advertisements, or upgrade to Premium and access the full Premium catalog featuring thousands of chapters for just $4.99 a month. A 14-day free trial and discounted annual plan are also available, and additional volumes outside the subscription can be purchased via direct volume sales (Premium members get 20% off all volumes). Most titles are available worldwide (except Japan). Stay up to date on the latest announcements by following Azuki at x.com/ReadAzuki, facebook.com/ReadAzuki, and instagram.com/readazuki.
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The post Azuki Adds New Manga Series for April appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.