Sunday
Feb222009
Common Projects @ South Willard
Posted on 
February 22, 2009 by Ryan Willms
February 22, 2009 by Ryan Willms 
I know everybody has been saving their recession pennies for some Common Projects this spring. The spring collection has been landing at a few places around the world, but South Willard always has a great selection and one of the best prices in North America. While there is no denying the slight increase in prices, for pretty much every brand, you also can't deny the clean, perfect look of these shoes. The best new model has to go to the safari boot, in either canvas or leather. I am also a fan of the stony/grey color that has been tweaked really nicely for the season. It compliments the revamped court shoe's turn into the Tournament, which would make a great spring/summer sneaker as well.
Tags : Common Projects, South Willard
Common Projects, South Willard 
Reader Comments (10)
I've noticed CP pics from this season including this one where the gold stamp is crooked. I know its a minorish detail when you're comparing it to the quality and fit, but since its their trademark print it makes me wonder 1. are they less detail oriented than they used to be? and 2. why they would even publish these pics in the first place?
I agree with Adrian. I noticed the crooked gold stamps too, but I've seen them last season as well.
I think there have been crooked stamps for a few years. I received a new pair from this season, and they look and feel just as good as before.
I have even seen the factory stamps go under the heel of the midsole at times last season. I don't think it has any bearing on the quality of the shoe.
I'm sure you guys already know this but The Generic Man is a slightly cheaper alternative to Common Projects. They're made in the same factory as CP's and look identical but cost 30-40% cheaper.
You get the look and who cares if the brands are different the entire reason these guys made CP's in the first place was to NOT brand the shoes so don't get hung up on CP's!
For me, I tend to lean towards Common Projects because their models are better in my opinion.
The quality is pretty much on par with all of these brands that make their footwear in the same factory now. But it's their consistent OG models, new models, color palettes and choice of details. Generic Man's aren't identical, and I just have never really been drawn to any of their models and their art direction.
http://slamxhype.com/fashion/the-generic-man-springsummer-2009-collection/
Although it isn't about the branding, essentially it still is. Common Projects have a better vibe, they are presented better, sit in better shops and it all contributes to the feeling of the brand.
But this is all just my opinion. I also now know the guys behind the brand, which has only made me more supportive of what they are doing.
ryan.
Generic man do not even have a low top white monochrome sneaker! What the fuck!
GM and CP are totally different. I have both and CP use entirely better leather, and the fit is much more low profile.
I have a pair of the black mid top achilles from several years back and they have a crooked stamp on them.
I agree that there are a few differences between the two but answer me this, are you now willing to pay between $400 and $500(CAD, since you're in Canada) for a pair of CP's ? I mean that's ridiculous !
They jacked the price by 30% since 2007 ! That's astronomical. If I'm making 70 to 80K per year I may not be able to drop that kinda cash ! And I am the target demo of this brand. That price is in the Luxury category now.
I bought a pair 2 years ago for $275(USD), now they are all over 3bills easy. It's funny how a brandless brand can be so easily identified.
Isn't the whole idea of the stamp to confirm the authenticity - therefore the slight varying of its position surely adds to the whole handmade individual quality each pair and the brand overall represents ???