I think this is the first time I’ve been ok with what with Gourmet‘s offering. I remember when I visited the (capsule) trade show a couple years ago, and I believe this was the first time they were showing their stuff, I was disgusted by what I saw. Damn near every style was a blatant rip of a Jordan sneaker and what’s worst these dudes were getting sucked off by all the publications. What!?! Where they do that at? I mean it was my belief that Gourmet should have gotten blasted for that and not praised. These shoes weren’t “inspired” by Jordans they were Jordans with a different materials and tags. I’m not even a Jordan head but I was deeply offended that some dudes could come into the scene, rape his Airness, and because they knew the right people no one would check their arse. Then they pulled a similar stunt on the Bean boot. For some reason I didn’t get too upset about those but the “air bubble” they put on the bottom took it from respectable to jokey, in my opinion. 

Needless to say I haven’t been checking for this brand lately and coincidently that was exactly when I stopped reading Hypebeast too. I was pissed that a “reputable” publication like that could so easily co-sign such foolishness. I have since forgiven Hypebeast for its transgressions and I now that Gourmet isn’t breading their butter with stolen designs I’m slowly becoming a fan of what their company is releasing. Case in point, their first delivery for Spring 2010. Especially this bad boy you see above: Nove in leather. A friggin’ work of art, right? Maybe that’s too much but you catch my drift. My homie Gustavo once told me that Gourmet uses the same leather that a lot of Italian luxury brands use in their production. I have no way to verify that (other than email them I guess) but I love that there is even a possibility that rumor could be true. It also explains the price points too.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing the rest of the shoes for the Spring and who knows, I might scoop a couple pairs myself.

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