April 27, 2017
If you mentioned 10 years ago that the Vietnamese would be producing shoes as good as the British, people might have laughed at you. But in 2017 that outcome is very real and Fugashin shoes prove it. So let’s take a look at one and inspect the fine details that make that statement true in 2017. Fugashin (or the owner or someone who works there, never quite established that) was kind enough to gift me […]
September 2, 2016
***Post Originally written in 2012, re-posted for inspiration and for those of you that have yet to see it or experience Aubercy shoes**** For some time now, I have been very curious to know more about Aubercy shoes, to touch them, feel their leather, try them on and understand what makes them great. Just recently I had been in contact with the CEO, Xavier Aubercy, and had told him that the next time that I […]
May 5, 2016
As I am now secluded to a lower ground level showroom that doesn’t really see the light of day, I cherish my daily walks to the cobbler. That lovely 30 minute round trip always takes me down a route in which I inevitably have to walk on Jermyn st. It’s quite nice really as it gives me no excuse not to keep up with what is going on in the world of English footwear. Therefore, […]
March 4, 2016
When most men think of burgundy shoes what probably pops into their head is one of two things; 1. Penny or tassel loafers from some 100 year old company or some tanker like Alden derby shoe. But when I think of burgundy shoes, something along the lines of these Stefano Bemer leather/suede combination oxfords pops into my head. And why shouldn’t it? These are hands down one of the most attractive pairs of shoes that […]
February 16, 2016
Another brand always visited at Pitti Uomo is Edward Green. And they always have something new and exciting being added to their mix of greatness. This season, that new detail took place in the form of a new last, the 915. From what I gathered it is a extension of the 82, meaning that they took inspiration from the 82 to make a new last that is ever so slightly more pointed. And I love […]
January 25, 2016
Okay well I am about to commence my posts on what I saw at Pitti now that the sale is coming to a close and things are somewhat quieting down. So get ready for about 10 posts on that. I also wanted to reflect on 2015 which will be a long, dramatic post so also stay tuned for that if you want to hear the nitty gritty. First up is Crockett & Jones who had […]
January 11, 2016
So I touched down in Florence yesterday and am now getting poured in 15 degree weather (which is really strange for this time of year, the common trend this Winter). Pitti starts tomorrow and it should be interesting. Will do my best to keep up with social media and whatnot and take pics of the latest trends. So stay tuned!! For those that ordered toe taps on your shoes during our Winter Sale, which is […]
November 11, 2015
I saw this picture the other day of Yohei Fukada’s shoes on Bespoke Makers’s IG account and was completely blown away. Not only have the Japanese mastered shoemaking, but also shoe shining, patina and to top it off, shoe photography! Everything about this shoe and the photo is perfect. The lighting hits the shine in just the right way to make it look immaculately flawless and without a doubt the shoe is made to a […]
May 14, 2015
A bit of patina always adds to the character of a shoe. This John Lobb, albeit somewhat interesting before hand, looks so much better after Alexander (of Dandy Shoe Care) added a bit of life to it by touching up the red part with a bit of black blotching. Before it was almost a bit of reddish orange and while interesting (on a positive viewpoint) was also a bit garish. But adding a bit of […]
May 11, 2015
It is truly amazing when a client works with a bespoke maker to create something unique and even more amazing when it’s never been done before and still comes out like a work of art. And I must say that the gentleman that helped to create these stunning Antonio Meccariello ghillie spectators (as well as the green boots that I featured a while back HERE) is a man who taste in shoes makes me think […]
