Originally Posted by Australian Vogue Woman

Firstly, I never put *too* much faith in the opinions given by a lot of people on fashion forums. This isn’t because I think they lack a quality sense of style, but more so I don’t necessarily trust their visualisation skills – or their articulation. When someone says ‘I don’t like it’ or ‘I wouldn’t wear it’ - this doesn’t mean anything to me at all. On the other hand, if they can explain *why* I might allow their opinion to carry some weight.

I find some of the negative responses you’ve received to be quite predictable. I believe very few people posses a thought process that puts them ‘ahead of the game’. The ‘trend setters’ are few and far between and most often so far ahead that initial responses are almost always negative. Especially here in Australia, we suffer from a near medial condition within our creative industries that can be easily translated as ‘ if it hasn’t already been proven a success overseas, we CAN”T adopt it here’. I’m sure this stems from an insecure national identity. Did you know we are building an Aussie version of the London Eye here in Melbourne? Our state government quite clearly lacks faith in our own architects and designers to come up with an original idea . This is slowly beginning to change within our fashion industry with the recognition of a number of Australian labels both here and OS, but when it comes to design, architecture, film, landscape etc, the bureaucracy surrounding those industries (which ultimately control the money) keep a strangle hold on the realisation of an original thought. And I believe this way of thinking filters down into the everyday people and their everyday decisions. So, to take the long way around, it doesn’t surprise me in the least these predictable negative responses you’ve received in the public thread. However, give them a few years and they may change their opinion.

But you’ve asked me a specific question and I’ve been rambling! (sorry )Your combination of what many believe to be ‘women’s shoes’ into your male wardrobe quite clearly confuses people as they unfortunately hold very defined views of what denotes and implies gender in fashion. I personally do not understand the lack of equality between the genders and our wardrobes. If women can look at their bodies as sculpture, why can’t men? If women can challenge convention within their lives through their wardrobe choices, why can’t men? If women can indulge the idea of Fashion as Art, why can’t men? Personally, I really like what you’ve put together – even if it’s not the complete and final look! If I were out at a bar sipping a cocktail and you walked in the door in (either) pair of jeans from your pics and those shoes, I would be very impressed. I might even buy you a drink

It’s a very ballsy combination. I really like it. I think it’s very progressive.

I hope NYC is treating you well. Is it warming up over there yet? Our winter is almost upon us but we’re still waiting for the rain.

Originally Posted by Australian Vogue Woman #2

Hi Kneehighs

...The tighter top is definately much better and I prefer the shoes with the 7 jeans. I think the pointy toe and stilletto heel is quite elegant and seems to suit the darker colour jeans more. Also because the jeans are darker the shoes standout less and that would make it more suitable to wear around people who have never seen it done by a man before....however, if you want it to stand out then you may not want to do that but I dont think the jeans have muted the shoes.

Both the Bananna Rep and 7 jeans I prefer over the ones you had in the original pic because it has torn bits at the bottom heam of the pant legs.

In relation to women having fun...heels can be a PAIN to walk in. But they do look great.

xxxname deletedxxx

PS The heel look is startiing to grow on me. You may be starting a revolution.

Originally Posted by Shafted

Thanks kneehighs for the encouraging posting

Originally Posted by Shafted

Thanks for the follow up on that forum kneehighs. It certainly was an interesting read.

Originally Posted by Australian Vogue Woman #3

Hi!

I actually really enjoyed reading the threads and posts on the HH Forum and you're right - I did educate myself, not only on the way other people live and what makes them happy, but I also learnt to be less judgemental and more open to ideas I wouldn't normally contemplate.
It's so easy to judge a person based on their appearance and I only with the other members who've posted negatively on your thread could take the time to read the HH Forums too because it is beneficial for everyone.

It's all about tolerance at the end of the day and I thank you for creating that thread in the first place - otherwise I wouldn't have learnt anything!!

Cheers from Australia!