Derbies: The Great American Shoe

Considering the ultimate American literary schism of Hemingway and Fitzgerald, I am squarely in the camp of the latter. Say what you want about the man his emotive, vividly narrative legacy is eminently fashionable. Indeed, every time I drink a mint julep in a cold bath, I think of him.  

It’s thus that I was especially pleased with the newest crop of derbies for the Spring/Summer 2010 season.  They embody a preppy interpretation of the Jazz Age whose late-night parties are so stained with the presence of Fitzgerald. White and camel-colored derbies, like those from Veronique Branquinho for Camper and Mr. Hare make you feel that, any minute now Gatsby might stride across the closely maniqured lawn and challenge you to a game of croquet. And with Braquinho’s signature line now closed, they’re also a case for redemption of the underdog. May they sell out! For night there’s shoes by Lanvin in two tones (so you won’t have to decide) and John Varavatos in a crisp and shiny leather. You might catch yourself calling your friends and peers “Old Sport.” And why not?