Vass Laszlo - Model French Oxford Boot in exotic hide and calf leather

My visit to Vass Laszlo shoe ended up with a boot commissioning, a boot order, which was based on a prototype (only one shoe made - at the moment) and was on display. The boot model French-Oxford Boot was made of exotic hide (black) and calf leather also black on the Vass U-Last, no cap toe stitchings, just plain. My own will be based on the same model as the below depicted, but on Radica Cognac antiqued Oxblood colour calf leather and the uppers of a complementary suede colour and will do away with the 4 speed hooks. In addition get metal toe taps too. 
If I recall correctly the below depicted boot is about 1300 Euros as it is. A bargain, indeed. Overall I am glad that I at last did pay The Vass establishment a visit, it was worth it. If you are thinking of something special, do not hesitate to pay Vass Laszlo's shop a visit. No need to commission, just have a shoe talk. If you are lucky, you may run into the Master in person.

French-Oxford Boot in exotic and Calf hide (black on black)

The large gapping on the laces is due to not fastening them tightly, just needed the feel of the boot.

My boots will be made of a hide similar to the below, but the colour will be more Oxblood like hopefully. The below sample photo is from Style Forum, if I recall correctly this type of hide was used by John Lobb on some of their models, I think it was called Museum calf by Lobb. 

Photos sourced from me (The Shoe Aristo Cat)

Dandy Shoe Care revival of an exotic Derby

If I had an old loved pair of shoes which needed revival and a second life, no doubt I will be in contact with Russian/Italian Grand Duke of Patina Design, patina artist, patina Master, Alexander Nurulaeff "aka" Dandy Shoe Care. 
I have been learning the more sophisticated and time consuming art of polishing shoes and I am so far from the real thing, then you have "Dandy Shoe Care" who not only polishes the shoe to heavenly dimensions, but adds an extra new life and spirit to the shoe. My greatest respect for Dandy Shoe Care. No more talk filling the void with empty words. View and judge the revival of the exotic Derby as renditioned by "Dandy Shoe Care". WoW!!!  

Revival of an exotic hide Derby by "Dandy Shoe Care"

Photos sourced from Dandy Shoe Care

GJ Cleverley - Mid night blue exotic leather loafer

For the day I have sampled a casual shoe, a loafer made by the GJ Cleverley house. What is intriguing about the below loafer in mid night blue exotic hide, it's the fact that it was inspired by a Ready To Wear loafer called the "George" from the Cleverley's. A reversed process, as most of the time Ready To wear shoes are inspired by bespoke samples/offerings. 
The Cleverley's write the following about the below loafer: "

For this third edition of the Bespoke Shoe of The Week series, we would like to present you this beautiful pair of midnight blue casual loafers. It is very important to start this article by highlighting the fact that this particular loafer style is the mostchallenging in terms of the bespoke process. Due to the absence of laces the construction of the shoe must be perfect to ensure the required fit is provided in the finishing product. Old man Cleverley would systematically refuse to take any orders for casual shoes. This being said, when the work is properly done the end result is always astonishing.

The pair of shoes you can see in the pictures was directly inspired by our Ready to Wear best-seller loafer called the George. Its elegant and fine shape makes it a shoe that would match numerous outfits within a gentleman’s wardrobe, from the very formal to the more casual one. With its band on the instep not extended to the sides this shoe definitely has a modern look while not being too ostentatious.  

If we abide by the saying that a man can be judged from his pair of shoes, the owner of this pair then shouldn’t be worried about the gossips. We can find here a taste in superb quality and a firm appreciation for the exquisite things in life, all the while,with a will to remain discreet and subtle."

A beautiful casual shoe, no doubt about it. Great loafer, I think I will head for the "George" in suede. 

Midnight blue exotic loafer 

Photos sourced from GJ Cleverley.