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Allow me to first address the title of this article. I have found that self-professions usually point to the way a person wants to be perceived, and not who they actually are. Perfect example, in high school, a girl who I will call Sue would always conclude her gossip rants with an, "...and I would NEVER do that. I'm classy...."
Yet, the entire school knew that Sue, poor girl, was the easiest of the easy. Thanks to Sue, I wince at self-proclaimations. Thanks Sue.
So, needless to say, I was a little skeptical when I first stumbled upon Evolved Footwear's web space. Evolved Footwear? In Fashionland, where I just so happen to reside, any derivative of "evolve" is going to raise brows, for such a word implicates the unprecedented, the dawn of a new era... " Besides that, I cannot stand overstatements...
The good news then, is this: Evolved Footwear (EF) is not overstatement. Even, better, I would go so far as to say that Brandon Laskowski, founder of EF is one of the most modest artists in the industry.
EF has been around unofficially since 2001, but in 2004 Laskowski dubbed "Evolved Footwear" as the brand to accompany the image of his custom work.
By using iconic footwear such as, but not limited to, Nike Dunks, Reebok Pumps, and Adidas "Shell Toes" as his base, Laskowski alters the DNA of the shoes on which he works. Lights, peel paints, and other treatments lead to customization processes that take anywhere from ten hours to nearly a month. You provide the shoes and vision, and he provides the workmanship. It's simple. Either that, or you can purchase a pair of kicks directly from EF's site. Regardless of what you choose, satisfaction is guaranteed- and I speak from personal experience.
The quality of customization plays a large role in the brand's desirability, and all shoes made, in essence, last for so long as they are taken care of. So, while footwear can be worn everyday, doing so doesn't follow Rule One of what I call the Customized Sneaker Consumers' Code of Conduct: Though creasing and scuffing is inevitable, CUSTOM FOOTWEAR IS NOT FOR EVERYDAY USE.
If you're interested in a custom pair of shoes (and I know you are), email evolvedfootwear@comcast.net. Better yet, before taking advantage of the email address provided, have an idea of how your personal style can be manifested on a shoe face. Play a part in the design of YOUR masterpiece. Evolved Footwear wants to hear from you.
Here's to collaborative creativity.
Here's to being exclusive.
Support the evolutionary.