JF Press Releases: New Shoes and Boots from John Fluevog

Canadian Shoe Designer John Fluevog, fresh off the podium from accepting THE SHOE PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD at The Bata Shoe Museum, releases a sensational Spring collection to continue his reputation of designing the most unique shoes in the world.

In the 1990s, John introduced his 240 Wagon series, providing stylish and sturdy footwear for all weather conditions. Twenty years later, John decided that the 240s needed an upgrade and set his mind to redesign an already time-proven shoe family. Reminiscent of the reliable Volvo John bought for his young family in 1985 (still running!), John sought inspiration in the boxy and geometrically designed Volvo 760 with inter-cooled turbo. (Diesel $239 US/ $255 CDN).

A comfortable and reliable family featuring swing toe lasts, rubber soles, and tough Bottero pull-up leathers, The Adrian family has become many ladies' favourite Spring shoes. Drawn as a modern western boot on a men's boot last, the family is named after John's son Adrian who is known for his warm geniality and generosity. A thankful person is a happy person. (Roxana $259 US/ $259 CDN).

Handmade in Peru, the Arc clogs feature painted floral patterned leathers bolted onto a wooden 2.5" platform with 4" heel, and tough rubber non-slip tread. Hand carved stacked wood for finesse and strength, cut into a retro-70's halfmoon shape, The Arc clog is sure to be a groovy summer classic. (Halfmoon $279 US/ $279 CDN)

The Bankers feature the F-Sole, a classic sole that we have been carrying since its inception in 1997, mostly due to fact that the F-sole is time-tested and renowned for its comfort and durability. The 100% vulcanized rubber sole has excellent traction on ice, snow, slush and even retains heat - if left in a warm dry area overnight, it will give you hours of toasty toes in the winter. Although they're wonderful in mild weather as well, these tough, re-soleable shoes will allow you to "F" off in bad weather for many storms to come. (Lloyd $239 US/ $255 CDN).

During the Baroque Art Period, art patrons called for a more dramatic and emotional design which, unbeknownst to the artists, was displayed as a means of impressing others with political power and control. Being the art historian that John is, he drew correlations between the Baroque era and modern fashion, as patrons of both are focused on becoming status symbols by impressing and attracting attention with their artistic & flamboyant tastes. Built on an exquisite and decadent Louis XIV hexagonal heel, The Baroques combine rub-off patent leathers with satin bows. Perfect for those who know that real power is in the delicacies of visual curves and the contrapposto of royal materials, just like an imperfect pearl. There is no fashion like old fashion. (Caravaggio $269 US/ $269 CDN).

While watching a classic spaghetti western, John was inspired by the feisty, foul-mouthed and fabulous women of the ol' Wild West and started to draw up new designs for The Bellevue family. Don't be fooled by the soft dusty Italian leathers with cute detailing on a 2.5" Fellowship-hi heel and tunite Bellevue soles, these are dangerously tough shoes. While we doubt anyone will be wrangling cattle, robbing banks, or working the saloons in these beauties, you know that they are sturdy enough to make it through the gauntlet when called upon. Keep pushing west and beyond your imagination. (Etta Place $275 US/ $275 CDN).

"It takes two to make a thing go right." Just like friendship, John designed The Encourage family to stand the test of time, being both reliable and full of love and respect. The Encourage designs are inspired from men's traditional fox hunting oxfords, featuring brogue equestrian details but without the hounds, trumpets, and stuffy afterparties. Featuring a natural toe shape with rubber soles with workboot-like traction, perforated aged Atlas leathers, and 1.25" stacked leather heels, The Encourage styles are perfect for hanging out with your best friend. Fellowship is encouraging words... said in faith. (Connie $279 US/ $279 CDN).

Handmade in Peru, The Faith clogs feature tough saddle leathers bolted onto a wooden 1" platform with 5" heel, and tough rubber non-slip tread. Hand carved stacked wood for finesse and strength, combined with soft suedes and dusty leathers, The Faith clog is the hottest heel right off the catwalk. John even added a soft padded foot-bed for the innocent harlots in all of us. (Jericho $295 US/ $295 CDN, Reumah $215 US/ $215 CDN).

The Flyvog Family is for all of our nerdy brethren and sisthren out there who have been plugging away at their computer doodads and techy bits all this time - drinking too much soda, wearing lab coats, pocket protectors, crazy mustaches, and old school sneakers. The Flyvogs continue to exude their own vintage sneaker ‘suave’-faire, and you'll be superstylin' with this soft leathers molded with a colourful vintage 80's sneaker soles. You'll be the freshest prince in the lab. Keep it up, keep it going. (Wynn $249 US/ $265 CDN).

Produced in a Vietnamese factory, which is owned by Japanese shoe-makers, who were trained in England using 19th century traditional methods, The Gateways are some of the most classically fabricated (and international) shoes we have made in recent years. Featuring waxy Italian leathers that glow of amber and obsidian in classic business patterns of brogue details, The Gateway will give you your Fluevog fix during those conservative occasions when you still need to kick Satan's ass. (Brandenburg Light $249 US/ $269 CDN, Sather $239 US/ $255 CDN).

Featuring soft Italian leather or vegan canvas uppers with visible printed serial numbers, a rounded toe with a decent toe spring, and long leather laces that wraparound the sole and instep numerous times, The Headliners provide an entirely unique look. Being a fashion cross between rock'n'roll and ultra-chic, The Headliners are named after silver screen legends (preferably with sweet 'staches) that had a profound effect on men's fashion. Headliners come and go, solid foundations last a lifetime. (Kelly $275 US/ $289 CDN, Wade $275 US/ $289 CDN, March $289 US/ $319 CDN).

John continues building on the classic Angel sole, but with a dramatic 4" heel. The Angel Soles are still made from 100% natural latex harvested from the Hevea Tree. The tough, resoleable Angels always recite the now famous JF message engraved on the sole: "Resists alkali, water, acid, fatigue and Satan." (Michaela $199 US/ $199 CDN).

John continues on the mantra of "Good Soles leave Small Prints (no matter what your shoe size)" by bringing us another Fluevog first. Featuring soft veggie tanned leathers cut in Broderie Anglaise patterns on a 1.5" leather wrapped heel, and a molded sole that extends to the heel for extra shock absorption, The Hope family might be the cutest way to save the world, one step at a time. F is for all things Hope. (Daydream $339 US/ $345 CDN).

Named in honour of the lovely ladies of Fluevog HQ that provide unconditional inspiration and support. With heaps of gratitude, John designed unstructured slip-on flats of walkable rubber soles and heels, with soft patent leathers for sophistication and style. Truth and Integrity... Since 1970 (Amie $219 US/ $219 CDN).

For Spring 12 John revisited the dressy Memories heel from Seasons's past, but with a taller 5" leather wrapped heel and comfy platform. Feature an almond toe shape, soft veggie-tanned leathers in delicate pleating, and Attention rubber soles, The Memories are both glamorous and understated. (Keepsake $335 US/ $335 CDN, Treasury $285 US/ $285 CDN).

When the Mini heel was first introduced in 2001, John decided all styles with this heel would be named after lover's nicknames. Over the years, the style names have been getting extremely personal! The Minis feature contrast piping, soft analine leathers, a rubber F-Sole, and the iconic 3" hourglass heel for the ultimate traction, durability and comfort. Go on, fall in love. We dare you! (Boo Boo $305 US/ $309 CDN).

Believing is the hardest obstacle to overcome, especially when you see it with your own eyes. Designed with delicate swooping curves upon a hand carved wooden last, one has to wonder if John was experiencing Divine Intervention while drawing these lovely shoes. Using a Peruvian factory that has a reputation for outstanding quality and craftsmanship, The Miracles feature 3" leather wrapped heels, delicious leathers in vibrant patents or soft "aged" leathers, and foot molding leather soles that will take your feet down your fateful path. Miracles are the surprises of the soul. (Medugorje $229 US/ $229 CDN, Fortune $229 US/ $229 CDN, Defen $329 US/ $329 CDN, Bunford $265 US/ $265 CDN).

Named after navigational cues to guide your path for smooth sailing, The On Course are an extremely mathematical and geometric masterpiece from the fathoms of John's mind. Using a magnetic compass, chronometer, and a protractor, John drew up the architectural and mod On Course Family with square toe boxes, folded vamp panels, tapered platforms, and distinctive triangular 4" leather-wrapped heels. Featuring durable tunite soles with toothed rubber grips, and buttery soft leathers, The On Course will be your beacon for pleasant voyages ahead. The On Course Family reminds us to hold fast to your direction and never be swayed by frivolity, doubt, or temporal groovyness. Stay the course. (Starboard $299 US/ $299 CDN)

With soft glossy leathers, comfy rubber soles, and a 2.5" leather wrapped heel, The Operetta Family could possibly be the most functional and comfortable Fluevogs ever. Named after extremely dramatic Opera singers, The Operetta Family will be your everyday, dress-up, dress-down, favourite pair of shoes perfect for skipping and singing. Your love makes me sing. (Malena $289 US/ $289 CDN, Brightman $289 US/ $289 CDN).

The original inspiration behind The Prepares happened when John found his trusty, old swiss army knife he had as a young scout. After the initial wear test failed with clinking metal bits and knifes flopping around with each step, John went back to the drawing board and struck genius in the new swoopy design without the additional arsenal of cutlery. Featuring specially prepared vegan denims, or soft leathers with pebbled surfaces, all built on a hidden platform of recycled cork, tunite soles with rubber grips, and custom Fluevog buckles, The Prepares provide you with a firm foundation for the challenges ahead. Prepare for the Future, choose well today. (Guide $299 US/ $299 CDN, Tailor $339 US/ $339 CDN).

For the fans of The Coffee Family and The Teapot Family, John has created the ultimate combo using the best features of the two, with an added splash of Fluevog pizazz. Clean and casual with a distinctive pointy-toe and last shape, leather soles, and gorgeous Argentinian leathers in patent or in a matte waxy finish. I'm not driven to rash behaviour, except when it comes to you. I'm afraid I'm inclined to throw it all away even for, however brief or long, walks in your presence. (Desmond $415 US/ $475 CDN, Wizard $289 US/ $289 CDN).

As a young and gawky teenager, Johnny Fluevog would spend hours working on his old car while the chatter of his constant companion kept him company - a portable AM radio. Many years later, John broadcasts style and comfort via The Radio Family. Featuring a teal/royal blue splash of color on the heel, an upturned toe, a wider footbed, and a tunite heel & sole, The Radio Family is the soundtrack to your life. Tune in, Turn on, and Vog out! (NHK $255 US/ $265 CDN, CISL $265 US/ $275 CDN).

Named after scientists that went against the stream to prove the unproven for the benefit of humanity. Vegetable tanned leathers built on a 0.75" platform of leather wrapped recycled cork with 4" solid wood heel or a 1.5" staked leather heel, John designed the sexy and natural Rules Family for those eco-minded, fashion-forward individuals who like to break the rules, and go with their intuition. Natural Beauty Rules. (Chatélet $335 US/ $339 CDN, Joni $299 US/ $299 CDN).

An iconic Fluevog line from the 80s, popularized by its distinctive pointed toe shape, is being reimagined by John as part of our Spring 2012 collection. John is releasing the first new pattern on a Swordfish sole in over 15 years. Stay Sharp! (Cooper $265 US/ $285 CDN).

Tune in, turn on, and Vog Out! Based off of classic oxford and chukka boot designs, but tweaked for the hip, contemporary man, The Televisions are the next evolution from the wildly popular Radio Family. Clean, yet casual, The Televisions feature roomy bump toes, sexy suedes, stacked leather heels, and leather soles with natural gum rubber soleplates and heel lifts. A receptive heart is the key to staying connected. (WFN $275 US/ $259 CDN, BCAT $269 US/ $289 CDN).

By using the drawings of one of his favourite styles from the 1980s, John brings you brand new designs based off the super pointy-toed, buckled Pilgrim shoe. Where the inspiration initially came from the Victoria era, John now looks to the modern scenester adding subtle buckled straps with vintage-Fluevog hardware. Featuring rubber sole plates, 1.25" leather wrapped heels, and soft leathers that will darken and age gracefully, The Truth styles are an ode to John's humble beginnings and values which he still aspires to providing great testament to the genius we celebrate. Truth and integrity since 1970. (Petrea $399 US/ $399 CDN)

John brings another wonder from his Canadian Design Studio to your feet. Designed on a vintage Fox & Fluevog hand carved wooden last which includes a soft pointed toe with a curvy toe spring, The Wonders have an unfinished raw leather wrapped 2.5" heel on a leather sole. Handmade in a Peruvian factory that has a reputation for outstanding quality and craftsmanship, The Wonders features light Argentinian leathers with lots of body and depth, ornate stitching, and will amaze your bewildered feet as you walk among the clouds. (Blanc $305 US/ $305 CDN, Everest $265 US/ $269 CDN, Ayers $275 US/ $275 CDN)

Named after mythical creators of the World, the whimsical, yet comfortable styles of The World Family will inspire you to connect with your own creativity. Additional details such as brass buckles, studs, and eyelets give this World Family a big bang as you walk forward. Featuring gorgeous Argentinian leathers, contrasting dusty and shiny finishes, stacked leather heels with tunite lifts, and leather soles that that will mold to your feet, you will feel the World come alive at your fingertips (toetips?). (Nzame $219 US/ $219 CDN, Zurich $219 US/ $219 CDN, Pele $219 US/ $219 CDN).

Inspired by famous authors who, in true Fluevogian spirit, strode confidently and unwaveringly forward into literary history. The Writes use thick, dry textured leathers, brass buckles, and cord whipstitching around the edges, giving the styles a pretty, but certainly-not-precious look. Built upon a 1" platform, stacked leather wedge, with a 4 " leather wrapped circular heel and tunite cap, The Writes inspire you to speak your mind unflinchingly. Write down your dreams. (Angelou $399 US/ $399 CDN, Simone $299 US/ $299 CDN).

ABOUT JOHN FLUEVOG:
John Fluevog is an independent designer and retailer of forward-thinking footwear and accessories. Since 1970 he has been steadfast in creating unique soles for unique souls that have been seen everywhere from the feet of Madonna and Jack White to the runways of high fashion. John Fluevog Shoes were recently named one of the world's most innovative companies in the fashion industry by creative business experts FastCompany, and New York's Museum of Modern Art showcased an image of Fluevog's footwear on both a calendar and postcard. Recently, John has just won the BATA Shoe Museum's prestigious Shoe Person Of The Year Award.

À PROPOS DE JOHN FLUEVOG :
John Fluevog est un designer indépendant et un détaillant de chaussures qui se démarquent. Depuis 1970 il crée des chaussures uniques qui ajoutent de la personnalité à celui ou celle qui les porte, et ce, de façon constante. Ses créations ont été vues partout - allant des pieds de Madonna et des membres du groupe Scissor Sisters aux défilés de la haute couture. La revue Wired Magazine a d'ailleurs récemment donné la mention «WIRED» aux chaussures Fluevogs! De plus, John a récemment été invité au Festival international de la mode l'Oréal de Melbourne et au Salon de l'habitation et du design de Vancouver.

Press-ready photos available upon request. For more information or to talk to John contact:
Photos de presse disponibles. Pour plus d'informations ou pour une entrevue avec John Fluevog:

Stephen Fluevog
	604-688-2879 x226

	stephen@fluevog.com