Palladium boots have a pedigree for real-life combat — they were first crafted in 1947 for the French Foreign Legion — but through the decades they’ve outfitted urban warriors’ best, adding an edge of roughneck to a babydoll dress in the ’90s and bringing back the stomp for those who don them today. So they were a natural go-to for designer Richard Chai’s A/W 2012 collection, with loose tailoring and deep hues were inspired by his own concept of an “urban nomad.” Showing sharp men’s looks in smart, highwater trousers in corduroy and velour, he echoed the fabrics in his Palladium capsule collection, which comes in felt and corduroy with sheepskin lining in shades of wine and dark berry — perfect for chic’ing up your mean-mug. Chai only put his Palladiums on his dude models but the shades are lush enough for ladies in fall dresses. Envision some chiffon or sheer tulle with that maroon cord version! Leather and lace!