From my understanding as someone who manages and buys for a shop that will be carrying State, Castrucci is only involved in the visuals of the company, don't think he will have any of the same influence he had for Habitat. Also I was told Josh Stewart will be involved on the marketing side as far as making videos and stuff, so that should be good.
It's important to keep in mind that of course in the beginning the shoes are going to be simple vulc designs because those shoes are probably easier and cheaper to have produced. We're talking about a very small brand coming into a harsh corporate controlled climate.
Honestly we weren't blown away with the first catalog but decided to carry the brand anyway based on what it represents and the potential it carries. This is what people need to keep in mind. Obviously a smaller shoe brand just starting out isn't gonna come out of the gates making a Suciu ADV type shoe. It's just not possible. Maybe this is the time/brand for all the people to put their money where there mouths are and instead of complaining about the corporate takeover, go out and support a brand that maybe isn't as high quality or fancy as the big boys, but is doing it right.
I'm hopeful for the brand. It's gonna be a tough fight, but at least they're trying.