The ‘crocs’ of the matter
True confessions time, and I have to admit I was one of those who originally thought, “Sure, Crocs were comfortable, but with their holes, they looked like bulky, leaky battleships on my feet and most resembled clogs — footwear that belong in Holland (plugging in holes in their dikes), or in the kitchen.” Of course, what do I know, as Crocs took off like wildfire from the moment Carlo “Toot” Limjuco took on the role as official distributor for the very relaxed footwear brand.
The Spring/Summer 2008 line for Crocs had its official launch right in front of their Boni High Street store a few weeks back, and I was delighted to find Crocs doing its own version of Evolution. Themed the World of Color, the 2008 line boasts of several models that clearly demonstrate a newfound variety and diversity (bio-diversity?) in Crocs. The trademarked Croslite resin is still at the heart of most models, but it’s a new, improved Croslite. An impact absorbing material, Croslite is non-marking, resists odor, inhibits bacterial and fungal growth, is UV resistant, ultra-light, ergonomic and recyclable. And this answers all the questions about what makes the original, genuine Crocs unique.
Among the new Ladies’ models, the Malindi caught my eye, as it’s a slim-fitting version of the classic Mary Janes. There’s a unisex model called Santa Cruz that’s really something different for Crocs; a mix of Croslite and canvas, it’s the ultimate beach shoe, perfect for those surfer dudes and “dudettes.” Among the new Kids models, the Otter perpetuates the fascination with Jibbitz and how kids love personalizing their Crocs. There are also models that incorporate leather, so that’s leather and canvas now encroaching on my staid, now outdated view of what Crocs are all about. And while those clogs-like Crocs now approximate the status of “Classic,” they’re still readily available for those who seek comfort above all else. Crocs has certainly done its bit in evolving and changing the face (or is it feet?) of casual footwear.
At the rate Croslite and Crocs are developing as the most versatile of material and shoes, can it be long before Croslite can also be considered as not only recyclable, but also edible? When that happens, I’ll write to their head office and suggest they name those models “Crocs Monsieur and Crocs Madame!”
The 30-year syndrome
Call it coincidence, but these three novels all revolve around a 30-year gap that’s utilized to heighten drama and plotline. One has to do with revealing personal drama against a historical backdrop, while the second harnesses that old reliable, time travel. The third has to do with stealing the identity of others in a reflective, yet deliberate and destructive manner.
The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz (available at Powerbooks): After stellar novels such as Bicycle Days and Reservation Road, John Burnham Schwartz has set himself a very high writing standard. With The Commoner, Schwartz once again defies expectations, giving us something that has to be considered historical or biographical fiction, and yet, provides deep and intimate psychological insights. This new novel is a glimpse into the world of Japanese royalty. Starting with the shattered world of post-war 1959 Japan, as seen through the eyes of the woman, a commoner, who would be elevated as Crown Princess and Empress Haruko, we share with her the difficulties and prejudices she would have to endure, the cloistered and stifling air that permeates this imperial milieu. We experience the nervous breakdown, the sense of duty to provide a male heir, and how this vicious cycle repeats itself 30 years later when Crown Prince Tsuyo takes Keiko as his wife. A fascinating read.
Will You Be There? by Guillaume Musso (available at Fully Booked): Taking on very universal themes of longing, missed chances and the “what could have been,” French novelist Guillaume Musso has come up with a “time travel” novel that teases, entertains and satisfies. When the novel opens, Elliot is 60 years old, a successful pediatric surgeon on a mercy mission in Cambodia. When he refuses to leave on the chopper because one sick child has been brought to him, he ends up being “paid” by the local shaman with pills that will help him go back to the one he truly loves. That would be Ilena, his one great love from when he was 30 years old, a love who tragically passed away. Along with best friend Matt, Elliot goes on a fateful voyage that has to do with trying to test Fate, change the past and stretching the bonds of friendship. Not strong on the scientific explanation of how “travel” is achieved, Musso does ask for suspension of disbelief; and by granting him that, we are emotionally rewarded.
The Soul Thief by Charles Baxter (available at Powerbooks): After the critically acclaimed Feast of Love, Baxter is back with The Soul Thief. A much slighter work, The Soul Thief is still a commendable example of why Baxter is such a critic’s favorite. The setting this time is the world of graduate students, and their lives 30 years after. The main protagonist is one Nathaniel Mason, one of those “from the outside looking in” grad students who wants to belong, and hang out with the cool crowd. He runs into Theresa and her friend, resident “genius” Jerome Coolberg, and for some inexplicable reason, Jerome’s fetish is to insinuate himself into the lives of others and go around acting as if he is them. It’s Baxter’s unique turn of phrase and choice of words that make his writing so special. Of one girl in a grad party, he writes, “Her brown hair is held back in a sort of Ph.D. ponytail.” An intelligent, reflective writer, this is not for those who want their fiction fast-paced and action-filled.
