I haven’t thought about my university days for some time, but an exclusive preview of Roots’s Varsity collection video brought back a flood of memories; carrying around heavy text books, writing essays until my brain hurt and also enjoying the company of friends as we walked to and sometimes skipped classes – philosophy was my worst subject by the way.

The campaign was filmed and shot on the grounds of my alma mater, the University of Toronto, and paints a picturesque and carefree school setting for the collection. The clothing derives its style and character from collegiate designs, athletic wear and fall neutrals such as tan, grey and burgundy, and looks incredibly comfortable.

The Varsity collection is currently available online and is arriving in stores now. Below are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure.

I’ve received some positive feedback on my interviews with footwear designers, Charlotte Olympia Dellal and Nicholas Kirkwood. As a result, I’m continuing my footwear focused interviews by adding more interesting designers to my list, using questions I’ve adapted from the Proust questionnaire.

You know the term, “It’s all in the family?” Well, no truer does the phrase applies to Karl Kowalewski, Director of Leather Product Development and Design at Roots.

I chose Karl as my subject for this interview for three reasons; the first, he comes from approximately three generations of shoemakers – I felt this alone makes for a different story to tell than my previous subjects. Secondly, Roots originally started out as a business producing the negative heel shoe and lastly, it’s a successful a Canadian company fiercely dedicated quality and comfort which is paramount.

I didn’t have the opportunity to meet Karl for this interview – I’m sure our paths will cross soon enough – but the timing seems fitting as the company approaches its one year mark after reintroducing shoes into its product line and to its customers last fall.

What inspires you as a footwear designer?

My travels to Italy is what inspires me. Each season I meet with the tanneries where we hand-pick our leathers for the bags and shoes. I attended a technical school for shoe design back in the 70’s so Italy holds a special place in my heart. I’m inspired by the Italian people and their culture.

What are your criteria for a well constructed and well designed shoe?

It’s simple really. Using the finest materials, which means designing a good last (the form the shoe is built around), using the best leathers and having a durable sole.

Do you have a shoe motto?

It's cliché, but if the shoe fits, wear it!

Can you tell me about a shoe you will never forget?

I will never forget the first boot I designed when I was 18. I saw the movie Woodstock and Joe Cocker was wearing his purple boots with the white star on the toe and I was determined to craft myself a pair. I quickly went to my dad's workshop and made my version of a tall purple suede boot with a white star on the toe and high leather stacked heel. I thought it looked cool with my denim bell bottoms. I wish I still had them today.

Roots’ spring/summer 2011 collection

I like classic all-leather shoes. At Roots, our shoes are designed to withstand the test of time. We have styles that we've tweaked from the 70’s, when we first began making shoes, as well as new styles being regularly introduced. They are fashionable now and will be years from now.

What styles of shoes do you dislike?

I've never been a fan of canvas sneakers.

What footwear projects do you have planned for the future?

I want to introduce Roots footwear for kids. My grandchildren have inspired me!

What is your present state of mind?

That's a good question. Frantic at the moment (laughs). We have several projects on the go, including putting the finishing touches on the new Fall line of leather bags and footwear. Fortunately, it’s a good frantic. This is an exciting time at Roots.

Images courtesy of Roots

I’m adding a new category to The Souls of My Shoes to better divide up the content and put a little more structure around some of the outfit posts I publish from time to time. This category is called, “In my closet” which documents anything that’s been given to me, purchase out of my own wallet or something I already own.

Recently, I added another Roots handbag to my growing collection, the Village Satchel in denim. I am an unabashed admirer of Roots’ leather handbags. They all have an organic look and feel to them, and the sheer touch of one indicates great quality and care put into its construction.

I chose this satchel because most of the handbags I own are large in size. This is the perfect size handbag for travelling or carrying around my essentials with its multiple interior pockets, the shoulder strap and grab handle. The satchel is made from Roots’ Rustler leather which has the look and feel of suede, and over time it will become softer with use – I could run my hands over it all day long.

On a regular basis, Roots adds new handbag designs to its online store and I’ve just spotted my next purchase... the English Saddle.

Image gallery #2 courtesy of Roots

We interrupt the weekly Shoe of the Moment blog entry to bring you a history of shoes at Roots. In a short video, co-founders Michael Budman and Don Green relate the company’s involvement in the footwear industry; recounting their early experiences and also giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look inside their manufacturing processes and the people who make the shoes we wear on the soles of our feet.

Roots is also giving away $1000 worth of Roots shoes to one lucky winner. Click here for more contest details and to enter.

Video courtesy of Roots

Roots produced a video to promote its new fall 2010 collection which was shot in Trinity Bright, Newfoundland. I like how the video captures the wild yet serene landscape of the East coast; the setting really compliments the practical and stylish uses of the clothing.

Video courtesy of Roots

In addition to my recent blog entries of the Roots X Douglas Coupland collection and the link love shown to me on Roots Buzz, I was kindly invited to drop by the Roots flagship store on Bloor Street and check out the entire Roots X Douglas Coupland collection in the flesh, or should I say fabric.

It was nice to see the collection in its entirety and also view Coupland’s custom art works on display and for sale. The photo portraits were my favourite each retailing $8,300.

While there I also ran into some of my favourite Toronto bloggers: Anita Clarke of I Want – I Got, Danielle Meder of Final Fashion, Eden Spodek of Bargainista, Joahanne Durocher of Fashion in Motion and Tricia Campbell Hall.

Excuse the picture quality as I was camera less that night and had to use my iPhone – though pictures didn’t turn out too bad if I must say so myself.

**Note: the very last picture in the image gallery was taken by Eden Spodek.

Roots gave me a nice mention on its blog, Roots Buzz, this past week about my review on its latest clothing collaboration with artist Douglas Coupland. Check out the entry, All Eyes are on RootsxDouglasCoupland!

** Blog entry update - I recently bought the motherboard computer pattern scarf from the Douglas Coupland collection off of Roots' Facebook store. It arrived within two days, made of 100 per cent silk, incredibly light and quite beautiful.

Recently Roots announced its collaboration with writer and visual artist, Douglas Coupland on a limited-edition clothing, accessory and leather goods line. The ROOTS X DOUGLAS COUPLAND collection is graphically driven with an emphasis on colour blocking and launches in pop-up stores, select Roots stores and online starting July 8^th. Prices range from $3.99 to $1,973 and Roots Facebook fans have exclusive first access to pre-purchase select items in a Facebook pop-up store.

For those not familiar with Coupland’s work he is known as the internationally best-selling author of the novels Generation X, JPod and Generation A. In addition, he is a visual artist, sculptor, furniture designer and the screenwriter of his first feature, Everything's Gone Green.

It’s mid-January and we’re part way through the winter season. However, knowing the erratic temperament of Canadian weather a snow storm is probably just around the corner. Therefore, for this week’s Shoe of the Moment I’ve chosen a practical yet stylish boot called the Russian Vamp Tall Boot Raging Bull from Roots – what a long name!

Shoe specifications:

• Outer, waterproof North American tanned leather
• Colour, black
• Insole – wicks moisture, anti-bacterial, anti-fungus, breathable, fast drying and washable
• Shaft height, 15 inches

Why I chose this shoe: a good winter boot is an essential component to any winter wardrobe, particularly if you’re living in a climate prone to snow storms. The Russian Vamp Boot has all the qualities you want/need in a well-made shoe to withstand the harsh elements – dirt, ice, salt, water, etc. Its design is simple, sleek and very wearable for any situation whether it be indoors or outdoors. The unfortunate news is the Russian Vamp Boot is currently sold out on the Roots website so try hunting for it in stores or check back online.

Product description: made in Canada at the Roots state-of-the-art leather factory from genuine waterproof North American tanned leather. Vegetable tanned stitched leather welt, natural rubber sole that is comfortable, flexible, slip resistant, high abrasion. Great fit. Removable Insole: wicks moisture, anti-bacterial, anti-fungus, breathable, fast drying, washable. 15” tall slip on Russian vamp boot.

Images from Roots