Altan Bottier Beauties!!

Well, it's been another crazy busy day, scrambling around to sort out everything before my big trip home and because of all of this, I am left again without much time to write on the blog. But rest assured, instead of fruitless words, I am going to leave you with some unbelievable shoe porn that will leave you yearning for a pair of Altan shoes. Don't thank me now...it's my pleasure! I might try and squeeze a post out tomorrow before my flight but if not, then I will hopefully be back on Friday....

A Shoe Night To Remember

Pierre Corthay, Courtesy of Parisian Gentleman

When I was younger, I used to always flip through GQ and Esquire magazines (back in the States) and wish that I could attend the events (that they love to display each month), where the cool of the cool within the style industry go to mix and mingle. Well, for the first time in my life, I was actually invited to one of those events. However, it was not one from a magazine host, but rather a collaboration between Corthay shoes, the magnificent Hugo Jacomet from Parisian Gentleman, and the Edmund de Rothschild Group. The night, albeit a celebration of both PG & Corthay, was in fact for the purpose of screening a short film, 'La Beauté du Geste', a film that followed the travels of Corthay's Excellence Run, as well as a paid tribute to various artisans throughout Europe. And while I shall not spoil the film for those of you whom read this blog and just might be attending the following screenings, I will say that there were many beautiful things said, as well as shown.

Many other things were also happening at the event, one of which was the magnificent patina artist, Thomas, showing all in attendance, the magic that he creates. Having met him briefly the first time that I went to Paris, and again when the Corthay shop here in London opened, you can say that we have built a mutual respect for each other. But this respect almost ended when I saw his shoes (above left, orange) and felt that he was showing me up, The Shoe Snob!! Only kidding there, but needless to say, that respect grew even stronger when I saw him wearing something sold bold, yet so cool. Not even sure that I would have the courage to do that....you have to admire someone who has the courage to wear what they want and not be afraid of the backlash they might receive.....But what I admire most about Thomas, is the fact that he is only in his very early 20's, has only been doing patina work for a few years, and in my opinion, is already a master! That's impressive! Another feature was the new head shoemaker lasting up a new pair of shoes, shown below. He was quire impressive, his speed and how amazingly straight his hammering of the nails was whilst lasting over the upper.

Overall, the night was a good night, full of drinks (a bit too many!), good conversation, good networking, lovely shoes and most of all, good people. It was a pleasure to be invited and I hope to go to another event like this soon! I hope that you all have enjoyed the pictures and the post, and am sorry that it was not something a bit more informative or opinionated, like my usual Monday posts, but my mind is a bit spent these days and need to think of something fresh to talk about.....if you have any ideas, let me know...

Photo below: My business partner, Ngoni the man behind the scenes, and I....
Courtesy Of: Parisian Gentleman

Shoe Of The Day - Altan Bottier

Dear Readers,

I know that I normally do long posts on Monday, and I actually was writing one and had finished all of the text, when the internet froze and deleted a paragraph and a half of writing. Today has already been "one of those days" and now I simply can't be bothered to finish it by tonight. That being, feast your eyes on these beauties, by Altan Bottier, and please come back tomorrow to read my post about the different grades of shoe craftsmanship.

Thanks for your understanding.

-Justin, "The Shoe Snob"

Shoes Of The Week - Dimitri Gomez French Derby

I just realized that I don't own any derby shoes, not dress ones at least, just those blue suede/white sole Churchs. Funny that, even funnier that I never really realized it, nor have even thought to purchase one with a leather sole. I have always known that I am not the biggest fan of them, but it never occurred to me that due to that, they were left overlooked in the wardrobe department. I have really just always been drawn to either loafers, oxfords or boots. Could be that American derbys are just big and clunky looking, and that always deterred me from them. Who knows? But it wasn't really until I saw a French style derby, as pictured here by Dimitri Bottier (aka Gomez), that I began to start actually liking and desiring them. The way in which they design them is so much more appealing. The two (or three) eyelet interpretation with the straight line (where the two pieces of leather are attached) coming down to the arch makes it look so much more clean and dressy looking, taking away that sharp point that most other derbys have. And as you can see here, it creates such a beautiful and elegant outcome, leaving a shoe that is elegant and desirable....

Shoes Of The Week - Aubercy Penny Loafers

The last shape of these loafers, by Aubercy, is absolutely stunning!! It's literally at that level, where it's perfect. Not too pointy, yet not too round either. Just right. And that's hard to do, truly. But I think that I have to say, that this just might have taken the lead in the race for my favorite black loafer. Everything about this shoe screams elegance and beauty. And it would seem that Aubercy is always hitting the nail on the head, but it's so hard to find them selling anywhere outside of France (with the exception of Leffot in NYC). As I have been noticing with my Miro loafer (in black) by Septieme Largeur, a beautiful model such as this, can take you a long way in the outfit department. There are not many things (literally) that you can't wear a pair like this with. They are elegant enough to pair with suits, yet loafer(y) enough to throw on with some nice jeans or casual trousers.....And the more that I wear my Miro's, the more that I think that I need a second pair, so that they don't wear out so quick....hmmmm....

Picture Courtesy Of: Depiedencap

Shoes Of The Week - Dimitri Bottier Seamless Whole Cut

It's amazing that the hardest shoe to make, is the shoe that has the least amount of detail to it. And while I can't really back that statement up with in-depth description of how it is done (since I am not entirely sure), I can say that the seamless wholecut is something that few people can create. This model here, by legendary bespoke maker Dimitri Gomez, is a perfect example of just how beautiful this design can be. To me, the wholecut (and especially seamless version) tells you a lot about the shoemaker. The reason being, is that when you take away all of the fluff (e.g. stitching, brogueing, detailing), all that you are left with is the shape of the last and how the leather sits on that shape. That little thing, will tell you just how well the pattern/last maker understands shape and proportion. A last can be designed a trillion ways, but only a few of them will make you say, "WOW!" And there is no better shoe than the seamless wholecut to make you see that. Needless to say, this model shown is simply flawless and I can tell you, while I have a nice burgundy wholecut already, I will commission one of these sometime in the future!!

Shoes Of The Week - Alexandre Portejoie

As much as you don't see burgundy shoes as often as I would like to, I can tell you that burgundy boots are even far less common, yet to me are ever so more appealing than what you do actually see on the shelves. This model here is by a French shoe designer/maker, named Alexandre Portejoie, who is quite known for his out-of-this-world creations. This boot, while being still a bit on the 'forward' side with its pointy toe and decoration, is one of his tamest creations, believe it or not. And what drives me to it, aside from the lovely color created from the patina, is the big, heavy duty sole that it has been made with. You see, while I don't like bulky shoes (or bulky soles for that matter), I much less like the idea of it being snowy or real rainy out and having to wear some Red Wing boot to save my shoes from being destroyed. That being, a beautiful boot like this with a nice, heavy sole on it (still cut to look dressy) allows one to not only face that awful weather but be able to do so in smart clothing without having to look like a hiker in his rugged boots....

Today's Favorites: Customer's Berluti Shoes

I never seem to tire of old Berluti shoes. Every time I have to shine them, even though they are not my favorite shoe, I seem to enjoy them more than anything else. Partly because the leather shines so easily and therefore makes my job a lot more pleasurable, but mainly because of the fact that even when they come to me all beat up and knackered beyond belief, after a bit of polish and elbow grease, they become like pieces of antiquity art. And while I am sure they look stunning when a customer just purchases them, I can't help but feel that their true beauty lies within a few years of them aging. The patina seems to become much more intricate and can even be intensified or taken down a notch with a bit of polish. Being the glutton that I am for unique coloring, I always do my best to bring out the undertones in the leather......which only makes beautiful shoes like this, look even better!

Today's Favorites - Caulaincourt

I wanted to try and squeeze out my usual long-post that I do on Mondays, but I simply have not had enough time, as I prepare for my flight to Spain and such. But as I hate to leave my blog content-less for too long, I figured that I would give you a little tidbit to hold you over until I get back on Thursday. I know that I have been showing a lot of boots lately but I just can't help it as the majority of lovely things that I have been seeing, are in fact boots. This one above by Caulaincourt (go to site at your own risk, my computer denied access) just might take the cake however. The mix between tweed, colors, a touch of burnishing and brogue detail were simply perfect, not leaving a single trace of lack in style or aesthetic. And while I had always heard of this brand before, but never really putting much thought into them, I will now definitely keep them on my radar after seeing these bad boys....

Well, it's that time to be off now, as I head out to have a quick lunch before my flight. Optimistically thinking, my prototypes will be all sorted out by the time I come back, but realistically speaking, I will at least have one (if not more) round of corrections. Just know that after much talk about releasing my own shoe line, it is creeping upon realization. Thanks to all of those that have been loyal in following my progress, I only hope that I do not let you all down....

Enjoy your week and be back on Thursday!

-Justin, "The Shoe Snob"

Today's Favorites - Anthony Delos

You know that you are a shoe lover, when you are walking around with blood red shoes on. And let me tell you, the gentleman that owns these (a dear reader of the blog) is definitely a shoe aficionado. And while red makes such a bold statement when positioned on someone's feet, I just can't help but feel that it is such an elegant color on a shoe. The only thing is, it's hard to make a red shoe that is not over-the-top, such as my ones with white piping. That being, you can imagine that I was so immensely pleased and overtaken with admiration when I saw these bespoke beauties by Anthony Delos. Not only do they scream cool, but they also have such an elegant air about them. Imagine pairing these with a navy suit. How great would that be? I think that it would be a treat to the eye, a refreshing sight that one rarely sees. And although red they may be, amazing they definitely are!

Shoes Of The Week - Septieme Largeur

Among every other model of shoe, the Adelaide is definitely one my top favorites. Almost a whole cut, but not quite, it allows for the wearer to play with coloring, as you will find that the top piece on the facing is usually made up of something that contrasts, weather it be the color or the material. This pair here by Septieme Largeur, is an example of the MTO patina service that they offer, allowing for customers to customize their shoes. Not a very daring color contrast presented here, but an elegant and complimentary one nonetheless. It's always a pleasure to see what the customers of SL have been ordering, as they seem to be a daring bunch that love to own multi-colored shoes, much like I do. While I still never see people wearing them, it's at least nice enough to know that they are buying them. If you ever end up getting a pair from this company in contrasting colors, please send me a pic so that I can see what you have come up with.

Enjoy the weekend,

-Justin, "The Shoe Snob"

Shoes Of The Week - Berluti's Blue Beauties

I have always had this love/hate relationship with Berluti. I have always loved them for their stylistic nature. I must say that the designers, for me, have always hit the nail on the head and made some of the most elegant shoes that I have ever seen. I have always hated them for their price vs. cost vs. quality factor and how I believe that their mark up is way beyond reason, which will also mean that I will most likely never be able to afford one, or at least won't need (nor want) to get one when I can afford it. But I simply cannot deny their beauty and must admire them for their boldness in coming out with pieces that are unique, colorful and at the same time maintain a manner of elegance.

So when a client came to me with a pair of these to shine, I immediately fell in love with them. I mean, they already had a couple notches in my book, simply for the fact that they were blue (being my favorite color and all) but also due to their uniquely intriguing design. Essentially, it's a whole cut loafer. But they managed to sew on the penny strap (directly on top) and weave through the leather to make the apron as a boat shoe would with it's side laces. While I am sure that this is not the only shoe to have had this done, I can say that I have not seen it before, or at least did not take notice if I did. Nevertheless, among the sea of black shoes that I regularly get, I always love something like this that takes the monotony out of the job....