In recent months the American designer Mark McNairy has got some serious recognition for his classic designs with a quirky worker twist, and he is by all measures a skilled designer, and well known for his comedic take on classic mens accessories.

Then there are his childish street-wear designs with smileys all over grown men’s clothes…

…which are in stark contrast to his 1910-ish classic hand sewn mens shoes.

I’m a fan of all these things, but I think he overdid it with the “Mark McNairy for ….” line that was replicated across so many brands like; Bape, Bee-Line BBC/ICECREAM,Keds, Nanamica, Norse Projects, Union Store, Haven, Trés Bien shop, Inventory, Scout, Reigning Champ.

Some of it was a poorer quality, with lesser or repetitive design, than what had been associated with the Mark McNairy brand previously

For example; the Keds are the definition of poor “craftmanship” Chinese made plastic shoes!

Here’s another example of where I think he’s guilty of repetition;
Mark McNairy for Trés Bien Shop;

Mark McNairy for HAVEN;

These two sets of Navy suede shoes were released within 6 months of each other!

Things can get a little confusing because they were released in the same year as when he was still the owner and designer of the Mark McNairy New Amsterdan brand, and the head designer of Woolrich!

It’s too much, I have no problem with him riding the wave of recognition and cashing in, but for the people who appreciated his designs before he exploded on to the mainstream fashion scene, his name will soon be, ruined by the over exposure.

Like the star exploding he will disappear entirely unless he changes his strategy.

Casper