Classic Meets Cotton in Gram Shoes

Despite their name, Swedish design company Gram brings an approach to footwear that's more whimsical than weighty. Founded in 2005 by Alexis Holm and Anna Stenvi, Gram crafts snappy, cross-bred shoes—a smidgen of cap-toed conservatism, a dash of deck shoe, and a hint of Chuck Taylor. For their s/s '08 "Laundromat" collection, Gram delivers five new styles mixed with some renewed classics.

A standout is the slate-colored 387g, a subtly pointed high-top that's sleeker than your average sneaker, crafted in cotton denim with black trim and double velcro closures. The 388g is a nice variation on the same high-top theme, this time with a single velcro strap, a suede cap toe, and all white cotton denim.

If you want something more outlandish the 388's low-cut cousin the 321g comes in a variety of spring-fresh color combinations from sunflower yellow to grassy greens and punch-drunk pinks. The heftier 406g, a tall lace-up, can be muted in black cotton denim, or a bit more punk in a cotton mix plaid.

Whether it's boys being boys or girls who like a tomboy-ish touch, Gram takes an equal-opportunity approach when it comes to gender—all styles are available in sizes 35-46. The founders claim their shoes are "not intended to steal the show or force you to throw away your entire wardrobe," but they'll definitely help you tone down a suit or dress up some denim.

—J.K. Glei