Shoes Of The Week - G & G Factory Finds

 

One of my favorite things about going to Gaziano & Girling's factory is seeing all of the bespoke models lying around, being able to capture the ideas that some individuals have in their minds and appreciate them. On top of that, I am also able to see RTW shoes being produced for other markets, like Asia, which will almost always be different from the shoes that you will see produced for the Western world, i.e. the States and Europe. If one never knew, they might think that the shoes one would will see in a shop in London or New York just might be the same that would be sold in Tokyo, but on the contrary, with completely different tastes in style and aesthetics, they differ tremendously. 

I, to be quite honest, almost always prefer the shoes that I see heading the the Japanese market, as they are usually more unique and different than your average apron or cap toe, two common styles that are certainly going to be a popular purchase in England or the States. That being, as it is hard to see what is sold in other countries (unless you travel there), going to the factory and seeing them allows me to understand what the other markets might think like, and being able to capture that to share with all of you. 

My trip to the factory, however, was not solely for that, and in reality, I was there to finish up (or rather watch as it was finished up) my first pattern. I am quite excited to see what it will look like when it is all made up into a shoe. That will be an exciting day! Pattern making, as I have come to learn, is quite difficult but extremely intriguing. It takes being able to figure things out, things that might not necessarily be obvious, but definitely will be detrimental to the finished product and how it turns up. Because when you look at the pattern pieces all cut out, it might look simple, but in reality, they are tremendously difficult to get precise! Enjoy the pictures and the rest of your weekend...

-Justin, "The Shoe Snob"

Today's Favorites - Green Monks by Gaziano & Girling

 

While I can't really say that I am the biggest advocate of the toe shape, it's the color paired with the style that is really drawing me to this model by Gaziano & Girling. As mentally sick as this sounds, I am at the point where I own a shoe in every color possible (with the exception that will forever be pink or proper orange) and now I need to start acquiring my second pair of them (we all have our obsessions...). That being, I am currently in the slow process of making this full brogue, that is off white, and am having thoughts of stripping it down and re-dying green, in a similar nature to the color of this shoe pictured here. I really feel like a dark forest green such as this, can look extremely elegant with a nice navy or gray suit and while I am still waiting to get my green pair back from the States, I figured that I would make one in the meantime to start wearing before this sun goes away. 

The reason that I put this shoe, not only because I like it and the color, is because there was a curiosity on Style Forum on how green shoes by G&G come out after they have been finished. This curiosity came about as I put up a picture of one of their green monks in production (where it looked a lot lighter in color) in my 'trip to the G&G factory post.' Many people felt that the green was too light and therefore a little ostentatious but as you all can see here, while this style may be a bit forward for some, the color is pleasantly elegant for everyone!

Shoes Of The Week - Imai Hiroki

When I usually discover something new and I like it, you can bet that for the first few weeks, you will see it several times on my blog, kind of bombarding you. But, hey, when you find gold, you flaunt it. So that takes me back to this Japanese shoe maker, Imai Hiroki, that I have most recently discovered, who I must say, just might make some of the most unique and daring shoes, THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN. But I absolutely love them!!! His version of a double monk is amazing and I can't quite recall if it is the first time that I have seen it done, but I must say, the way he contrasts the colors from the straps to the shoe, is genius. His style of shoemaking is so unlike most Japanese makers, who will generally have a certain feel and look about them. I would be willing to bet that the style that Imai creates comes from a background of studying shoemaking in France, as the resemblance to shape and his patina's, strike me as French influenced. While I could be wrong, his work is breathtaking nonetheless!! Well, for me, this is shoe porn at it's finest, so if you are like me, then enjoy and if not, sorry!

Have a great weekend,

-Justin, "The Shoe Snob"

Shoes Of The Week - Laszlo Vass

I know that you hear this all of the time from me, but I have really been in the mood for a pair of double monks, as I do not have a pair. Those and some loafers!! This pair here by Laszlo Vass is simply stunning. The color is unique and delightful, the monk strap (the actual part) is just the right design, and the buckles are subtle and simple. What more could you ask for? Maybe a slimmer sole? Naw, that's the way Vass likes it and to be honest, that's what I like about them. I love how they will create this super sleek shoe, in terms of last shape, yet then add a pretty beefy sole, but not too big like some Norwegian construction, just big enough. It's a look that you don't see often but certainly draws attention to the eye, as it is like a paradox, in a sense. But because of that, when you see someone wearing a Vass shoe, you know immediately that it is one. That's clever branding for ya!!

If you happen to love this shoe like me and want to find it, it can be purchased at: Zimmerman & Kim

The owner, Reto, is a lovely fellow and speaks great English so just send him an email if you are interested!

Have a great weekend everyone!

-Justin, "The Shoe Snob"