By Steph Moore

Philip Chemla, the mastermind behind powerhouse labels such as Ed Hardy Shoes and Christian Audigier Shoes, is proud to announce a multi-year licensing agreement with the United States Army. The collaboration marks the first expansion into footwear and bags for the U.S. Army Trademark Licensing Program. Chemla’s company, Philip Simon Footwear Group will design, develop, manufacture and distribute fashion and athletic footwear, as well as bags under the U.S. Army trademark.

The stellar team behind Philip Simon Footwear Group (PSFG) has several years of experience and success within the footwear industry. Philip Chemla’s innovative and award winning design team has created the groundbreaking styles for his previous labels, Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier Shoes. The U.S. Army collection promises to be an eclectic mix of fashion and functionality, utilizing durable materials, sleek designs and funky hardware.

“We want to create a footwear line that expresses and conveys the ideals of the U.S. Army but in a fashionable way. This line will embody the idealistic aspects that define the U.S. Army and translate them into functional and fashionable shoes and bags. The patriotic homage combined with bright accent colors and cool styles will appeal to consumers across the board,” explains Philip Chemla, President of PSFG.

The U.S. Army line, which will make its debut with the Spring/Summer 2010, will feature an intriguing combination of vintage Army aesthetics, creative color ways and street chic appeal. Consumers can expect classic styles, such as low rise sneakers and combat style boots, with a fashion flair and unique hardware. The U.S. Army-Philip Simon Footwear Group relationship was brokered by The Beanstalk Group, the U.S. Army’s consumer product licensing agent.

Combat Couture

The Combat was designed and inspired by the urban jungle environment. A hybrid of a classic sneaker mixed with the height of an army boot, the Combat offers a shoe that is practical and fashionable, urban and effective. The shoe boasts several utility aspects, such a heavy duty strap across the font, pop color accents and an easy access zipper. The Combat is available in four colors for men and woman.

The U.S. Army line features an intriguing combination of vintage Army aesthetics, creative color ways and street chic appeal. Consumers can expect classic styles, such as low rise sneakers and combat style boots, with a fashion flair and unique hardware.

Army Strong, Army Style

U.S. Army is taking a fashionable approach to summer military style.  The Desert Storm, by US Army Shoes, brings an updated twist to everyone’s summer wardrobe.  Deconstructed canvas and signature studded medallions bring the right amount of edge without sacrificing comfort and great price points.  Available in both men and woman styles, at select Kohl’s and kohls.com.  Retail $20.