Visiting shoemakers in Budapest - Rozsnyai Shoes - part one

My dear blog readers profound apologies for being quite for some time, I just happened to be in Hungary (Budapest) and had to pay the famous Hungarian shoemakers a visit. I was fortunate enough to go into Mr. Vass Laszlo's establishment, he has two stores on the same street not far from each other and right in the heart of the city of Budapest. 

Not far from Mr. Vass there are other two Hungarian shoemakers, Buday Shoes and Rozsnyai. Unfortunately never had a chance to go into Rozsnyai, but did take some pictures through the display window.

I have to apologise for the almost crappy photos taken with an Iphone, but you all get the idea as what is offered by the Hungarian shoemakers in this case the Rozsnyai establishment. Need not say that the first week of my stay was very hot, almost unbearable, but the flooding had retracted. So that was good. 

For the day I will post a few shoes offered by Mr. Rozsnyai.

I almost passed the shop, when I saw the below pastel coloured whole cut Adelaide with punched holes and no brogues in green and blue on a chisel square toe last, similar to the Crockett and Jones 348 Last. 

A double strapped monk with a wing tip cap toe. Very elegantly done

 A green and black Oxford (the green hide looks like lizard, but could be mistaken) also on a chisel square toe last

 A Derby in brown Ostrich hide

 My favourite from Rozsnyai was the below strapped loafer in exotic hide. 

All photos sourced from me  "The Shoe Aristo Cat"

Koji Suzuki aka Spigola - shoe creations

Master Koji Suzuki aka "Spigola", is the better known of the Japanese bespoke shoemakers, and as I am trotting on the theme of Japanese bespoke shoemakers, he has to be mentioned and included. I consider Master Spigola a very talented gent and his creations can attribute to that. No wonder there is a waiting list of up to a year to get a pair made from him. From Master Suzuki aka Spigola, I have sampled a few creations depicted below. Enjoy.

Black "Lazy Man's shoe" side gusset with false laces and a medallion on the cap toe

Stingray whole cut on the making

Black side laced stitched cap toe

Crocodile loafer in brown

 Master Koji Suzuki aka Spigola at work

Photos samples from Image Shack US and Bespoke Makers

WS Foster and Son - Bespoke shoe designs

W. S. Foster and Son bespoke boot and shoemaker in London is the lesser known and appreciated bespoke boot & shoemaker. I find it difficult to comprehend that "The Shoemakers' shoemaker" is overlooked. A shame as the company produces some very spectacular designs. I have on this blog touched down on the Forster and Son house here. The house of Forster and Son do from time to time bring in very unique and extra ordinary designs which are well balanced and also appealing to the viewer.

In 2012 Forster and Son introduced the below bespoke peaked cap - two toned oxford in burgundy/cream and blue/cream suede. This shoe resembles the 1920's era. It is a beauty.

Below a bespoke three tier derby old design which has been modified and twicked a bit here and there to bring the below new version.

An old design "The Thomas" bespoke curved balmoral oxford which was revived by Mr. Charlie Watts the legendary Rolling stones drummer. This design is very unique, so well done.

A bespoke loafer in crocodile.

 A wing tipped bespoke monk with brogue and inner gimping - faded black

 A red bespoke crocodile oxford square chisel toe last

Ready to wear two tier derby with tassel laces, as simple as it can get -on the 888 Last from Edward Green.

Well, I would not blog without mentioning side gussets or Balmoral boots. Forster and Son do offer a Balmoral boot in ready to wear, the Montrose it is on the 337 C&J Last.

Montrose Balmoral boot in ready to wear, calf leather - chestnut.

 Montrose in Black and grey (Calf leather and suede

Side gusset "The Fitzwilliam" also ready to wear, based on the 888 Edward Green last.

All pictures sourced from W. S. Foster and Son