Shoes that keep it real

MANILA, Philippines - Going niche and indie has been the trend in fashion the last four years — if it’s not big on advertising and finds space in hipster bibles such as Paper and Nylon, then it’s desirable. Even the Hollywood stars think so. Consistent x17 and TMZ headliners such as Kirsten Stewart and Mischa Barton have been spotted rocking Keep, the four-year-old sneaker company coming out of L.A.

Featuring an aesthetic of clean, classic footwear styles, the brand started out (with “auspicious zodiacal forecasts” taken into consideration) as a brand for women “who were tired of shoes with too many bells and whistles and the misappropriation of the color pink.” Which explains the comfy soles, sturdy designs and mostly neutral colors of each sneaker style. Later on, it evolved into a unisex brand, also attracting the attention of The Beastie Boys, known for their effortless, fuss-free sartorialism. The latest collection is made with canvas, stitched details (yes, it’s vegan-friendly and cruelty-free) and lots of positivity.