Braeden Alexander

A pair of white sneakers is a staple of any wardrobe when it comes to the warmer months. They are a versatile tool that compliment a seemingly endless array of different outfit options – neutral tones, bright colours, jeans and so on. Whether your style naturally gravitates towards that of a minimalist’s or you consider yourself a follower of high-fashion, here are our top picks for all-white sneakers for summer 2017.

adidas Originals Superstar BOUNCE Primeknit “Triple White”

While adidas continues to revolutionize the sneaker world with highly coveted models such as the NMD and Ultra Boost, this reiteration of the classic Superstar BOUNCE silhouette features a Primeknit makeover.  The Primeknit upper with a bold ribbed pattern and classic shell toe in a clean all-white colour scheme fuses the vintage elements of the sneaker with modern styling details.

With a sock-like fit for enhanced all-day comfort, this new rendition makes for a refreshing takes on a shoe that boasts a rich heritage in basketball and hip-hop. These new Primeknit models are now available at select adidas retailers.

 OFF-White x Umbro Coach Sneaker

First revealed at Virgil Abloh’s SS17 show in Paris, OFF-WHITE’s collaboration with Umbro featured a revamped version of the latter’s Coach football model. Handcrafted in Portugal from premium leather, the design features a minimal upper with detailed tonal stitching. OFF-WHITE branding can be found on the football-style tongue, heel and insole, resulting in a product that truly retains its sports heritage.

The OFF-WHITE x Umbro Coach sneaker is currently available at select retailers for the price of $410 USD.

Nike Air Max 95 “Triple White”

Often regarded as one of the most comfortable sneakers of all-time, Nike’s Air Max 95 received a crisp all-white colourway earlier this year. The classic runner features its timeless elements – the sleek waves, mesh netting and signature air bags, that simply refuse to go out of style. Available across Nike retailers, the tonal white accents found throughout the design provide the finishing touches for the platinum sneaker.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star x Nike Flyknit

The iconic Chuck Taylor All-Star received the flyknit treatment. Releasing on April 27th throughout Nike and Converse retailers and online shops, the implementation of flyknit technology gives a sleek modern portrayal of the timeless silhouette. The shoe features a flyknit weave upper, neoprene lining and Lunarlon sockliner resulting in premium comfort in a crisp all-white.

adidas Y-3 Pure BOOST “Triple White”

Earlier this year, Yohji Yamamoto’s adidas line, Y-3, released an all-white rendition of the Pure BOOST. Like the extremely popular black and white Y-3 Pure BOOST from a couple of years ago, this silhouette offers wearers a breathable mesh material with a sleek futuristic design. Fused panels, a sturdy heel cap and the Y-3 branding found on the tongue and side make for icing on the cake of this overshadowed silhouette.

Nike Air Presto Essential

Inspired by the minimalism of a t-shirt, the Nike Air Presto offers unmatched lightweight comfort that is perfect for strolling down sunny streets. The Phylon midsole and air-sole provide the model’s trademark lightweight cushioning, while the moulded mid-cage gives the wearer additional support. The stretch mesh upper and outsole groove further bolster the lightweight feel of the shoe, making it great for everyday leisure wear.

Common Projects Achillies Saffiano Leather Sneakers

Exclusively designed for MR.PORTER, Common Projects’ signature low-top sneaker makes its presence known with a new tactile Saffiano leather option. Handcrafted in Italy, this now cult-like silhouette makes for a more sophisticated option in your summer sneaker rotation. Featuring a sleek design, this pristine white pair is a crisp and versatile choice.

To display the new range of threads in the official lookbook, up and coming grime artist Stormzy, was particularly recruited. The “Shut Up” MC and his crew undoubtably dig deep to draw out the underground and urban roots that made the German brand what it is today. The series of photographs is shot on-set in Stormzy’s home town of Croydon in London and takes place in a variety of locations around the city including a local chicken shop, a parking garage and an underpass.

Nigo, the mastermind creator behind the super successful clothing line A Bathing Ape, decided to venture into the vault for the new collection. The new range of crewnecks, t-shirts and track suits are bombarded with new bold and colourful graphics, making for yet another energetic aesthetic. Making new appearances is NIGO’s trademark bear logo which refreshingly comes co-branded alongside adidas Originals’ signature three stripes. A new pair of kicks also bursts onto the scene in the form of the reinvented Campus 80 silhouette that comes in pink/white, gold/black and white/green colourways.

In celebration of the clothing launch, Stormzy jointly dropped a one and a half minute freestyle entitled Nigo Duppy in which he mentions his upcoming album Know Me From, his collaboration with Nick Jonas and brings back his signature “fire in the park” feel. Find out more about the release and browse the items on adidas’ online shop.

Release Date: 09/01/15

The clothing itself draws upon the same principles of these first astronaut suits, combining specific layers of materials that were handpicked to meet the otherworldly challenges of space. To resolve their vision of wearable functionality, the menswear label utilized a careful integration of knitwear and technical fabrics to construct the entire collection. From this utilitarian aesthetic comes a series of threads that further cement their reputation for having an astute attention to detail.

The collection features a refreshing variety of different topcoats, bombers and parkas that boast cutting-edge windproof lining and Polartec Alpha technology, which was originally developed for U.S. Special Forces, to achieve top quality warmth. The outerwear is crafted with a variety of different textures that stem from virgin wool. Felted wool, wool flannel and fleece wool styles are make their presence felt in the form of  blazers, sweaters and pants to provide that well-needed coziness.

The Vancouver-based brand once again brings its well-crafted modern essentials to the table, this time around featuring a plethora of minimalistic henleys, tees, hoodies and tweed 6-panel caps all making a refined appearance. As for the more dramatic pieces, the three-layered cabin fleeced bomber jacket and pants, knit wool top coat and ripstop button-down shirt highlight a collection that truly is exceptional from top to bottom.

Head to the wings+horns online shop to peruse the collection pieces for sale now.

Q: First off, how did the Classiq (“Siq”) name and logo come about?

TB: Classiq was originally born from a failed shopping experience. My best friend and I were shopping at Alderwood, a mall near my house. We just received our paychecks, so we were looking to buy an outfit for the night. We ran but couldn’t find anything. I saw what I wanted in my head, but it didn’t exist. Inspiration hit and I decided to form my own line. I started thinking about brands I admired and why. Ralph Lauren immediately jumped into my head. The timeless elegance of a Ralph Lauren Polo could be worn in 1985 and 2085. Ralph Lauren is a classic brand. Timelessness was one ingredient, but it was missing something. Urban and street fashion were prevalent within my influences so I dropped the last “c” on Classic and replaced it with a “q”. I ended up blending two doppelgängers to form a timeless streetwear brand.

Q: What is Classiq’s definition of Urban Minimalism?

TB: It’s all about harmonizing two polar opposites. Streetwear has a grit and unrefined taste that was hailed in the 90s. It’s about taking that raw emotion and paring it with its mature older brother, timeless minimalism.

Q: With the minimalist trend having caught fire in recent months in the form of basic neutral colours, oversized clothing, box-shapes, etc., what makes Classiq’s take on it unique?

TB: New brands can fall into the typical trap by riding trends creating initial success, but do they have endurance? Obviously a brand can evolve and mature but it has to stay rooted within the morals it was built upon. Classiq Autumn/Winter 15 is streetwear predominately, but consumers will be able to see the growth with upcoming lines. These are very humanly aspects people can relate to. Starting off as an urban brand then developing into a refined lifestyle brand.

Q: How does Classiq incorporate minimalism into its designs and collections?

TB: I’m not a talker. Anyone who knows me knows this. Let your actions speak on your behalf. I translate this into fashion by straying away from loud and oversaturated graphics. Classiq is refined urban wear. For that guy who can walk into a room, doesn’t say anything, and his presence is felt.

Streetwear has a grit and unrefined taste that was hailed in the 90s. It’s about taking that raw emotion and paring it with its mature older brother, timeless minimalism.

Q: Classiq’s 2014 Fall/Winter collection went through quite the overhaul. Tell us about what happened and what we can expect for the upcoming 2015 releases?

TB: Classiq Fall/Winter 2014 is a sore subject. I spent the later part of 2013 and top of 2014 designing and conceptualizing the line. After months of long nights, the designs were ready for manufacturing. After weeding out 10 or 20 manufactures I finally linked with this Chinese company. Prototyping began and I slowly started to perfect the line. It was June 2014 and contracts were finalized. I was about to reach the climax then out of nowhere, the manufacture goes out of business. 6-7 months of work down the tube. It was a huge disappointment. I already began to promote the line then had to announce the line was getting postponed. People kept hitting me up for orders but I couldn’t deliver. I didn’t have any product.

My character and perseverance was tested. It got me down for a bit, but that’s entrepreneurship for you. I packed my bags for Vegas to attend Magic to begin the manufacture search all over again. This was a blessing in disguise because I was able to link with a company who understood the vision clearly and could execute my ideas perfectly. Hard dates are to be announced later this year but expect some new gear this winter.

I wanted to create a line that could flood any market. I want people in Tokyo and Jakarta wearing Classiq. Throwing Space Needles and fish all over a shirt would be cool for a local brand, but Classiq is bigger than that.

Q: In addition to the signature simplicity and minimalism, are there any additional overarching themes running through the upcoming collection?

TB: Two stripes have been implemented on several products on the right sleeve. These stripes symbol a circular equal’s sign in which reminds the wearer to keep an equal balance in one’s life. Go ahead and hustle, but don’t forget about what truly matters: family, friends and leaving a legacy. Don’t let any aspect of your life control you. If you work a lot, make sure you’re balancing it with spending time with your family.

Q: How do you define your take on tailoring, how does it fit in with the rest of the brand?

TB: Womenswear has infiltrated menswear. It’s a beautiful thing. In being a taller dude, I always ran into the problem of all my clothes not fitting vertically. Pushing the boundaries on silhouettes is what I’m doing with Classiq. You still can have a clean-cut look with an urban edge.

#5: ASICS Gel-Lyte V “Red Mamba”

ASICS Gel-Lyte V “Red Mamba”

The ASICS Gel-Lyte V “Red Mamba” is the third installation of ASICS’ “Mamba Pack”. The shoe, named after the dangerous and well-known Mamba snake, utilizes a snakeskin-like upper that adds a unique texture, pattern and look to the shoe. The ‘Red Mamba’ iteration is a tonal red, with everything from the upper, the sole and the laces adopting a deep, bold red silhouette. The upper is composed of mostly leather, with the signature ASICS vector utilizing a suede material. Just as noticeable as the Mamba snake itself, these are a killer sneaker that stands out above the rest of the competition, with all red sneakers becoming a truly popular look as of late. The ASICS Gel-Lyte V “Red Mamba” is Modern Charmant’s favourite sneaker from ASICS’ Mamba Pack, and is available now at select retailers.

Official Release Date: August 15th, 2015.

Retail Price: $130 USD.

#4: adidas Originals Hamburg ( Collegiate Navy)

Hamburg “Collegiate Navy”

Hamburg “Collegiate Navy” Rear View

With adidas‘ biggest release of the summer right around the corner, the adidas Originals Hamburg may have slipped right through the cracks. Named after the birthplace of adidas, the Hamburg utilizes the signature three stripes on both the lateral and medial sides of the sneaker, with the lateral side also donning the word ‘HAMBURG’ embossed in gold stitching. A hint of gold is also found on the tongue where the classic adidas symboling usually sits. The Hamburg also comes with a unique gum sole that sees a squared out pattern along with the adidas originals logo and calligraphy appearing along the sides and wrapping around the rear of the shoe. The shoe’s rear swaps out the usual adidas logo for a Hamburg castle. Collegiate Navy is the true standout, yet the shoe also comes in a Collegiate Burgundy colorway.

Official Release Date: August 11th, 2015.

Retail Price: $225 USD.

#3: Nike Air Flight Huarache “Black Croc Suede” 

Nike Air Flight Huarache “Black Croc Suede”

This summer, it has truly been the Triple White and Triple Black Nike Air Huaraches that have stolen the silhouette’s spotlight. However, the Nike Air Flight Huarache “Black Croc Suede” may just be the most impressive Huarache of the year thus far. As opposed to the Triple Black or Triple white silhouettes, the Black Croc Suede is a hightop, tonal black sneaker that incorporates a crocodile-skin imprint along the majority of the shoe’s upper, wrapping around the top of the ankle. Other than the look and texture change that comes along with the crocodile-skin alteration, the sneaker stays true to the original silhouette of the Air Flight Huarache. As tonal black sneakers will always be a safe and popular go-to, the Black Croc Suede Huarache makes for a more stylish and unique option than others.

Official Release Date: August 17th, 2015.

Retail Price: $170 USD.

#2: Air Jordan Son of Mars “Marvin The Martian”

Air Jordan Son of Mars “Marvin the Martian”

It may seem a little surprising to see any Jordan-related shoe landing on this list. However, with the excitement around the Air Jordan 7 Retro “Marvin The Martian”, the Son of Mars silhouette flew, for the most part, well under the radar of many sneaker fans. Staying true to the recognizable Son of Mars silhouette, the Marvin the Martian is for the most part a cool, tonal black sneaker highlighted with bright green and red accents on both the sole, tongue and rear. A wolf grey tone makes its way into the shoe as well, just along the midsole. The Marvin the Martian colorway may be the most impressive Son of Mars colorway we’ll see this year.

Official Release Date: August 8th, 2015.

Retail Price: $160 USD.

#1: New Balance MT580 Elite ‘Pinball’ 

NB 580 Elite ‘Pinball’

NB 580 Elite ‘Pinball’ Lateral View

With exciting new designs, silhouettes and colorways coming out from New Balance every other day, it can sometimes be difficult to keep up with all of their impressive releases. The MT580 ‘Pinball’ is one New Balance trainer that cannot be overlooked. With most of the shoe’s upper consisting of a dark navy, the MT580 is quickly brought to life with soft red, gold and grey accents. The MT580 incorporates a handful of colours as well as textures, covertly paying homage to the many different components of an arcade pinball game. The NB 580 Elite Pinball may be one of New Balance’s standout offerings of not only August, but the entire year.

Official Release Date: August 1st, 2015.

Retail Price: $165 USD.

Today, millions of people from all around the world have grown up with Levi’s 501, Levi’s 508, Levi’s 511 or Levi’s 513 denim jeans as an everyday fashion basic. Levi’s commuter efforts to remain relevant have been successful because their products have always stayed true to its roots. That is, functional workwear that can be worn on a regular basis. The lookbook uses the same inspiration that came from working class citizens and applies them to today’s skateboarding culture. The lookbook, shot in Oakland, features professional skateboarders Pat Moran and Marius Syvanen showcasing Levi’s crisp utilitarian pieces such as the Work Pant, Quilted Mason Shirt and the Lined Chorecoat.

For a more in-depth look at the FW15 collection, check out the video promotion here that is set to the jam of “Will You Be My Love” by The Four J’s. The pieces are set to drop in Levi’s stores and retailers in the next coming months so stay tuned for more details.

Having gone in and out of style multiple times over the decades, denim is no stranger to trends. We are currently living in a fashion world where denim finds itself as an essential staple for every type of person the world has to offer. In particular, denim button-up shirts and denim jackets finds itself as a modern essential in menswear worldwide. As shown in our shots with Matthew David, both are an effortlessly cool look that can be worn to achieve any desired style, from an awkward coffee date to a wild Friday night to a casual Sunday cookout. Though the characteristics surrounding the material has drastically evolved over the decades, denim’s roots still inherently come from blue collar worker wear many decades ago. Hence, the ultra masculine feel that it does and always will give off.

Looks aside, denim is known for its practicality. Whether it’s a denim skirt, denim vest, denim shorts or denim dress, come rain or shine the rugged fabric excels in doing its job while bringing a refreshing sense of variety to any wardrobe. A denim top is something that can be completely acceptable to wear in the summertime under the sun, but at the same time is able to provide great protection against the unwelcome autumn winds. The option to wear denim year round is in large a reason why it is labelled as an essential to many.

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Play Around with Interesting Layering

Leaving buttons undone, shirt untucked or jacket unzipped are popular choices for dressing according to the weather, while at the same time provides a plethora of different accents on the same piece of clothing. Layering over a tee, long sleeve, henley or tank top are all equally great compliments to the denim shirt in their own way. Furthermore, we have the option of open or buttoned up when it comes to additional layering options. One unique look that we really like is an unbuttoned white henley under an open denim shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

2. Experiment with Different Ways to Wear the Same Shirt

The glory with any button-up shirt is the variety of different options you get with just a single item. Similar to the previous look, buttoning a few of the top buttons can give a whole new look on an outfit than wearing it completely unopened, which is more casual. By completely changing the way an outfit looks, you not only have different style options, but you receive practical benefits for a variety of different occasions and types of weather.

3. Grunge is a Failsafe Way to Wear a Denim Jacket

When it comes to denim of all sorts, the endless layering options to play around with are far superior than any other sort of upper body garment. A great option to switch it up from the usual plain white v-neck or speckled grey long tee is the alternative grunge route. Rock tees, vintage sweatshirts and a pair of rugged boots are all great pieces to fit this look, giving off that rebellious rockstar vibe from the 90s. Although this appearance can be used with denim jackets of all kinds, it particularly pairs great with a distressed one. Try not to overdo it though and avoid wearing distressed jeans with a distressed jacket or shirt.

4. Don’t Be Afraid of a Denim Overload!

Wear denim shirts and jackets with jeans, and even try wearing all 3 together. Formerly the one of the biggest no-nos in fashion of any sort, denim on denim has slowly crept its way back into style. The key to pulling of double denim is to make sure there is some sort of variation in the shades of the individual pieces to avoid the Canadian Tuxedo look. Opting for contrasting tones makes it easier to pull off the look, while different washes blend the similar looking fabrics seamlessly. With that being said, a popular choice among the fashion educated tends to be a jacket with a darker hue paired with a pair of lighter washed jeans. If you want to take the extra step and add a third denim layer under the jacket, an even lighter shade will compliment perfectly without looking too forced.

It’s easy to see why both denim shirts and jackets fall under the category of year-long menswear must haves. Having been in and out of fashion for many decades now, the look has naturally evolved to the slim-fit, mid-weight and light wash styles that we see many fashion icons like Kanye West, A$AP Rocky and Justin Timberlake incorporate into their style today. The core rugged, practical and blue collar origins are still very present, but no longer define the style nor the wearers of denim. No matter who you are, what you do or where you’re going, denim has something to offer you.

Thanks to Matthew David (@mattthw) for his help with the photos are content. Check out his blog for more of his style.