Or at least, supports it and makes it a more welcome friend to the public. I sometimes come across craftsmen reluctant to share techniques or accept students. Or salespeople wary of answering sartorial inquiries. Conversely, this can hurt businesses and their craft. Crafts survive on patronage. Without public appreciation and commissions, artisans cease to be. … Continue reading Opinion: How Transparency Behooves the Crafts
Structure is essential. Without it the foot is not reinforced. Plus, pressure from the foot will eventually bend and crease the leather. The following information is based on my bespoke shoe training. Other shoemakers or brands can vary these steps and materials. But the foundation is there. Shoemakers provide structure in a few ways. Most … Continue reading Giving Shoes Structure
Loafers, boat shoes, slip-ons, driving shoes, and moccasins, etc. are pleasurable to wear. They're like Chelsea boots – easy and low maintenance. However, they are structurally less sound and this post explains why. For convenience I am lumping all of these shoes as “loafers.” 1. They don’t have a lacing system This is a source … Continue reading I Like Loafers, but…
“Now that everyone is staying at home and feeling shut in, there’s more time for browsing and more appetite for beautiful and thoughtful things to counter the dreariness.” Wrote my former professor now friend who, alike some readers, is staying at home amidst the COVID-19 epidemic. I’m quite optimistic about finding meaningful activities. Reaching out … Continue reading Caring for Your Clothes (At Home)
From a glance, Francesco Maglia displays impressive quality and values as a family-run umbrella business. Francesco Maglia is the sixth generation owner and artisan. Preceding him was his father Giorgio, who taught Francesco everything about umbrellas and passed down the company. I never visited their workshop in Milan. Unfortunately I won’t any time soon, with … Continue reading Francesco Maglia Umbrellas
If you can, meet your bespoke cutter. You’d really relish the connection bespoke offers. Plus, the cutter can really assess your body, instead of picturing you through photos or descriptions. In my last Whitcomb & Shaftesbury post, I discussed meeting Mahesh and Bob. Mahesh measured me, while Bob (the coat maker) gave his professional input … Continue reading Meeting the Cutter: Sian from Whitcomb & Shaftesbury
I'm selling my Carmina derbies and decided to put together a guide for those planning to sell their shoes online. 1. Clean/ polish your shoes before photographing. Your shoes will look so much nicer on camera. 2. Take excellent 5-6 photos with a quality camera. Profile viewBottom view People are visual. Appealing photographs will draw … Continue reading Tips for Selling Your Shoes
