The Rhythm of Shoe Making

Esquivel from David Hubert on Vimeo.

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How To Handcraft Prada's Walking In Milano Shoe?

As promised, here is the drool worthy video for the "Walking in Milano” handmade collection. 

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Variety In Church's Fall/Winter 2012 Collection

Owned by the Prada group, Church's Fall/Winter 2012 collection showcases some interesting experimentation with their footwear. As you can see, there are similarities with the designs of the "Walking In Milano" Prada collection.  The innovations lie on the sole, which is thicken for a more casual feel and even some offer a multi-colored camouflage design in dark tones – a good decision on focusing on the sole but not so on the camo-print. Personally, even though it might work for some, I can't seem to process the idea of the classically decorated design mixing with the modern camouflage print. There is a wide variety of styles to choose from but my favorite of this batch has got to be the penny loafers (2nd photo). They have a very suave, sophisticated & mature feel to it but the grainy wooden sole gives it a little more ruggedness.

Photos are courtesy of theshoebuff.com
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Walking In Milano With Prada Men

This is Prada's “Walking in Milano” collection of handmade men’s shoes. I've been studying and increasingly appreciating men's handmade shoes, to the extend I struggle to find my two machine produced leather shoes as interesting as they used to be. This collection of Prada shoes are probably contributors to my current shoe predicament. The design theme, “with classic character with a modern twist” admittedly, isn't a very new idea. But, how far can you go with men shoes for the more formal occasion? The majority of the men market (and women's perception of how a man should dress) isn't receptive to more deviant or abnormal designs. I am still of the opinion that there should be a distinction between the styles of the men and women (I'm still trying to grasp the idea of men on heels) but I would like to see more daring fashion innovations among the men.

Anyway, the modern twist on the classics is looking absolutely dandy to me. Personal favorites are the two-toned "wingtip bluchers" (the 1st photo) and the monk straps (the 4th photo, on the right). I'll be posting up the step by step video of the shoe's handmade process that will leave you simply awed and desiring your very own handmade shoe.

All photos are courtesy of selectism.com

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That Shoe Is For Dinner, Man

The man's loafer is a shoe that isn't well understood in my part of the region. It's always associated with the sloppy or the 'fuzzy uncle' when especially it is the simple classic design. But I can't blame for the stigma that has stuck itself on the loafer because the available designs for the common masses isn't very inspiring either. 

Many aren't aware that a chic pair of loafers represents effortless elegance. But much like the rest of the men's fashion, it was left to neglect. The essence of the loafer is very much like the man's suit, where the cutting and the fit is the essential factor. Fortunately, now there are attempts of various brands and designers to refresh the look of the loafer with added adornments and colors but while I'd fancy some of them, I still feel that the spirit of the loafer is one that has to be more indifferent.

J.M Weston collaborates with Maison Kitsune to create The New Yorker. 

Elegance with a touch of nonchalance. The main inspiration of the shoe is the black dinner suit.

black tie (redirected from dinner suit)

n

1.  Semi-formal evening wear typically for men, usually requiring a tuxedo. 

In this shoe, French shoemaker, J.M. Weston forgoes their traditional Goodyear stitching in its loafers for the Blake stitching. This gives a more flexible and relaxed shoe. Usage of materials included combining smooth, almost glazed calfskin and grainy black calfskin whose sheen recalls the caviar-like grain of shagreen. 

Much like the suit, it's all about achieving that natural elegance and to complete it, the loafer is completely dyed in black - inside & outside.

All photos are courtesy of kitsune.fr

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Shine Those Shoes Man

Yves Saint Laurent's Cobalt Show Loafers. 

A fresh modification to a rather plain loafer design. 

I like bright colors on my shoes and I've grown dull with sneakers. Plus, I'm incline to be fond of dressier pieces. The upper and outsole material is rubber but the inner lining and insole is leather to ensure comfort. A small YSL logo is embossed onto the tongue of the shoe to ensure subtle designer quality.   

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Shoes With Power For Men

Clothing is a tool of power and a way to express male vanity. That was according to Miuccia Prada.

What attracted me to this Prada collection is the theme which draws its inspiration from men of power. No, not because I crave it. Rather, there is always an unseen expectation for the male to exert his 'authority' whether it be over himself or surroundings and Prada might have a way to achieve to do so.   

Masculine elegance.  

The collection is intriguing, probably because of the choice of models too. Actors chosen were of a distinct pedigree within their theatric realm - William Defoe, Adrian Brody, Tim Roth, Gary Oldman & Jamie Bell.

The shoes are, gem to me. Men shoe designs cannot deviate much without losing its semblance to an accepted 'male' shoe. Prada shoes of the A/W 2012 collection are brogues decorated with emblems/badges which has its roots in nobility/military, lending more to the theme of 'power'. Just like the women's A/W 2012 shoe collection, the shoes appear to be chunkier/broader. For the men's collection, it is to bestow a stronger/more masculine form to the man.  

My choice would be the black brogue with prints. 

Photos are courtesy of thesartorialist.com & i-donline.com

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Shotuds Of The Moment

Part of the J.M Weston + Jalouse Mens Collection.

I love studs. 

If I could I'd add studs to all my shoes.

And see how shiny it is.

Mmm... patent.

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