Brand Watch SS12: O' Keeffe.

It's been so long since I've actually elected to wear a pair of shoes over boots that I've almost forgotten they exist. Anglo-Italian brand O' Keeffe seems, however, to be winning me back with unprecedented authority. On hearing about the label's inception (through friend, general brand mastermind and boutique co-owner MQ, as far as I can recall...), I've been emailing back and forth with those behind the brand, pestering them for updates like a needy, brogue-less boyfriend...

Just this week, they've launched on Mr Porter and, crucially, I've disovered the former Male Muse-featured and perpetually impeccable bad-ass daddy of fashion, Nick Wooster, is also a devotee. Naturally, this is reason enough for us all to buy out the stock entirely.

The concept behind O' Keeffe should also be near and dear to the hearts of many of this blog's readers, with the Irish brogue at the focal point of its appeal. Inspired by the shoe originally worn by bog-workers (punctured with holes to allow for drainage ), O' Keeffe sets out to re-invent the less celebrated well-worn/hand-me-down version of the brogue with their debut collection.

Sticklers for historical accuracy, the other aspects of the brogue's evolution (landed gentry's adoption of the peat-workers' footwear choices) don't go ignored by O' Keeffe, with more sophisticated, less previously-loved brogues in the pristine condition we're accustomed to also forming part of their first offering.

For many of you, these probably aren't the most modestly priced shoes but the artisanal Italian craftsmanship and limited availability are two factors which justify the slightly higher than average prices. Also, did I mention Nick Wooster wears them...?

______________________________


O' Keeffe shoes are available at Mr Porter

To 2012: Oisin Byrne.

Alongside surviving another year in academia, moving to live in Berlin, blogging, discovering foie gras and Alan Hollinghurst, 2011 brought with it several new acquaintances - both professional and personal - some of whom have become fond friends. I've known Dublin-based artist Oisin Byrne a while now but it's only quite recently I've had the enlightening experience of discovering the art behind the man. It does really seem a bit contrived writing an introduction so formal for a friend, but then great talent demands an opener at least a little emphatic.

^ Inhaus

Without further ado, here's how 2012 is shaping up for him...

My work has been incorporating architecture both modernist and classical, so I am exploring working with architects and buildings in different ways. In particular, I am interested in beginning to collaborate in Ireland on a structure with my father, who is an architect. I am captivated by artworks which involve familial collaboration - like Venturi's "Mother's House" - or romantic collaboration, like in Diaghelev and Nijinsky's output. As much as I admire professionalism, I become captivated by projects that are unashamedly polluted by personal foibles and predilections. Polluted - dare I say it - by love. 

 On a more mundane note, I resolve to regulate my time online and on my smartphone - to spend more time in the phenomenal world.

______________________________

See more of Oisin's work here and delve a little deeper here.

To 2012: Richard Kilroy.

Originally the focal point of fashion publications, then relegated to a back-seat position with the favouring of photography, fashion illustration is enjoying a revival within the industry and its trailblazers like Richard Kilroy on the crest of the wave. Here's what he's planning for this year...

2011 has been such a monumental year for my personal life and career. A continuation of this would be my main aim for 2012. More issues of my fanzine Decoy and working with more incredible talents, and developing my own style of work with more commissions, collaborations and personal briefs. And hot models.

______________________________

Discover Decoy here, here and here and see more of Richard's work here.

To 2012: Dean McDaid.

If there was one thing that characterised the year 2011 for the youth of Ireland, it was probably considering/discussing/actually emigrating to a place more forthcoming with its economic opportunities. Although the majority of fashion types have almost always had to re-locate to a fashion capital in order to get that first foot on the career conveyor belt, the past twelve months saw legions of Irish from all professional and academic backgrounds make like it was 1845 and get the hell out of here to wherever the going was good.

Still, some stayed and are to be commended for doing so. Emma, Mel and Dean of Dublin's now renowned vintage haunt 9 Crow St. are just some of the entrepreneurial role models bucking the brain-drain trend.

For the second installment of To 2012, Dean shares what he plans for the coming year...



This year I would like to raise the bar for myself with my work ethic. I work hard but I know I could work harder and get way more done. I really want to do more collaborations in the new year. I have a passion for every part of fashion and art and would like to become involved in any way, so I am definitely going to keep my eyes and ears open for new opportunities. 


I would like to moan much less - I feel there may be a line with moaning and I have definitely crossed it. Maybe I could also try to not over-spend, as I plan on moving to New York for the summer so I really need to save every little bit I can! I would like to think I could stop smoking, that's surely not going to happen though...

______________________________

For 2011's review of 9 Crow St., see here. Connect with the store on Facebook, follow their blog here and find the store at 9 Crow St., Dublin 2.

To 2012: Stuart Sandford.

Go on, don't be shy, hands up if you're only now beginning to emerge from your post-NYE deep and dark hangover gloom. Wherever you were, whatever you did, I hope you rang in the new year with aplomb and I wish you all the very best for the months to come.

As, I suppose, a way of encouraging us all to at least strive to achieve our aims in 2012, this week sees the blog play host to some of fashion and art's most inspiring men and their plans for 2012.



First up - artist Stuart Sandford, whose work I first came across through prolific London-based photographer Jeff Hahn. Sandford's oeuvre is chiefly gender-focused, interrogating contemporary attitudes towards masculinity and representations of the male body (be it in the throes of passion, at rest, or deep in contemplation). Having worked principally in photography in the past, Sandford turns his hand to a radically new form of opening up the forum for discussion of men today in his new project for 2012: Stuart Sandford Bodybuilding.

For the new year I'm going to be hitting the gym, a lot. In fact, I'm working on a year long project whereby I'm transforming my body from an artist to an athlete. It's an extension of my existing work regarding the male form but it's also a critique of the current state of arts funding in the UK, specifically relating to the massive divergence of Arts Council and lottery funding to the upcoming London Olympics. It's gonna be a tough but, hopefully, enjoyable year.

______________________________

See more of Stuart Sandford's work here and keep up to date with Bodybuilding here.

Good luck Stuart!