Logo design: Cadence

Cadence Performer Boots Logo, alternative
marker on illustration board aprox. 7"x7"

Cadence Performer Boots Logo, alternative
marker on illustration board aprox. 7"x7"

 

Cadence Performer Boots Logo, color version
marker on illustration board 7"x7"

Cadence Performer Boots Logo, black & white version
marker on illustration board 7"x7"

CADENCE PERFORMER BOOTS

San Francisco CA. Est. 1975

Cadence: [keyd-ns] Balanced, rhythmic flow.

History

Cadence Boots & Shoes was started by two brothers from Oklahoma City, OK in the early '70's. Harry "Bubba" Thrush and Dick "Dale" Thrush came from a family of Boot makers that had passed on the boot making trade down the generations, going back to their European origins. The family business had made a strong name for itself over the years making virtually indestructible cowboy boots and workman shoes, the basic design of which hadn't changed too much throughout the years. From a young age, the brothers were trained in the various techniques of shoemaking as well as the business savvy needed to continue the family business. The brothers however didn't feel much for taking over the family business and instead set their sights on Hollywood and the carefree lifestyle of the east Coast. They left their Midwestern roots behind and set out for California. It wasn't as easy to get a foot on the ground there as it had seemed, both brothers made a living doing odd jobs and had a brief stint as models, but money was short and living together in rented rooms was taking its toll on their relationship. In the meantime, Harry had his coming out and was introduced into the growing gay scene. It was there that the brothers began to see a need for their skills and know-how. With a little money borrowed form their parents, they started designing and making custom boots for drag queens and performers. Their ability to create high-quality footwear that was both extravagant and durable, as well as their connections to the underground drag scene proved a winning combination. Soon they were supplying boots to a wide array of clients, from drag queens to exotic dancers, erotic performers, dancers, models as well as privately to the emerging fetish scene.

Today the company maintains their winning combination of extravagant and outré designs, with a deeply ingrained commitment to quality and durability. They manufacture their products in a wide gamut of sizes, from petite to extra large, to accommodate both male and female anatomies. They value a close relationship with their clients, preferring to deal directly with them instead of selling their products through stores. However, they do sell a selection through exclusive boutiques worldwide and maintain a few brand stores in New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo, as well as their flagship store in San Francisco.

A Word on style

Etymology

French outré, form of outrer (“to go to excess”); see also outre (“beyond”). Adjective

outré (comparative more outré, superlative most outré)

Very unconventional.

bizarre

eccentric

outlandish

excessive

outrageous

As far-ranging as the styles created by the designers at Cadence are, and they can range from black leather S&M sandals to three foot peacock feather adorned platforms, they all push the limits of what you’d expect footwear to look like. These boots are made for confident people who know what they want and aren’t afraid to shock, awe and impress. Imagine retro-kink-futuristic-barbarella, and you’ve only scratched the glossy, animal-patterned surface.

Target age group: 25 – 45

Target market: young professionals, art-directors, fashionistas, film and theatre companies, cabaret performers, adult entertainment performers.

Cadence logo design

Overlapping, distorted shapes of boots, making use of lines to illustrate the rhythm and flow of the word cadence, juxtaposition of male and female shapes. Color use: neon, fuchsia, black. Horseshoe theme to illustrate the company origins and can be used instead of the letter C. Intertwining lines as shoelaces.