The key to creating great footwear is through experimentation and while you probably are sick and tired of hearing me harp on and on about all of the Japanese shoemakers and their skills, one cannot deny their ability to make beautiful pieces that stand out like an oasis in the Sahara desert! And most of them are created through their lack of fear in experimentation. This spectator not only defies the rationale behind the idea that ‘nothing is perfect’ but literally leaves me grasping for breath as I drool over the shape of the last, a shape that is so immaculately elegant yet extremely hard to achieve. What’s even crazier is that their women’s shoes are just as beautiful and elegant as their men’s. So ladies, if you are interested in unique bespoke footwear, I believe that a trip to Japan is definitely in order, as it is for me!! The only problem is that the more that I discover new brands, such as TYE Shoemaker the more that I realize that a trip to Japan will just involve visits to shoemakers and not an actual holiday of appreciating the country for all of it’s beauty. I will need a month there! Nevertheless, as I am sure that I will be able to justify it at some point in my life, until then I will continue tallying up the beauties, like these, that continue to define the epitome of great footwear!
Anonymous
Do any of the Japanese guys sell in the UK?
Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
no, not that I am aware of….as far as I know they only really sell in Japan…i have never heard of them elsewhere…
Alex B
Justin you do not “literally” want to die for these shoes! Still, you’re a shoe designer, not an English teacher…:p
But they are pretty awesome!
Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
of course not!! But they do kill me inside 🙂
Benjy
Just returned from a week in Japan, and I’m suffering from withdrawal symptoms already!
Had a MTO with Keitaro Takano of Clematis, will share when it arrives in 3 months!
Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
I bet you are….I can’t imagine what it will be like when I go there….like a kid at Willy Wonka’s! Look forward to seeing the pic!
Anonymous
Looks a lot like your JSM last!
Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
My JKF last? I can see where one could think that but in reality, they are quite different…. But if that is a compliment, then I will take it!
Anonymous
What exactly are they doing with the tweezers?
Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
see below…
Anonymous
He’s stuffing the perforation holes with tiny pieces of white leather.
btw congrats to Benjy for your Clematis MTO.
Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
thanks for that…
BORJA BANDERA
Beautifull where can i get one?
Justin FitzPatrick
In Japan