Koji Suzuki (Spigola) Lazy man's shoe rendition

For closing the day, I have again sampled a side gusset punched cap toe Oxford with "faux laces" - "Lazy Man's shoe" as renditioned by Japanese Master Koji Suzuki. Need not say that Master Suzuki is a master of making the most amazing renditions of shoes, simple, elegant and classic, yet paying much attention to the tiny details and with great respect to the shoemaking art. 
Now the below "Lazy Man's shoe" because of the side gussets and the false laces, is a classical punched cap toe with a chisel square, the colour an espresso brown (nothing special about that), but the overall look and feel of this shoe makes it distinctive and unique, only the connoisseurs and real shoe lovers will and can appreciate this rendition. Naturally bespoke, where less is more. Very nice, indeed.

Master Koji Suzuki's rendition of a "Lazy Man's" shoe, with a punched cap toe and side gussets paired with faux laces.

Photos sourced from The Shoe Realist

GJ Cleverley the "Churchill" in Polo suede

I have a few times explained that I favour the side gussets for their practicality. I know many gents who loathe the side gussets especially when paired with "faux laces" and resembling an Oxford shoe, or it be a full brogue, cap toe etc-etc. But I do like them and have a few of these creations.

For the day, I have sampled a GJ Cleverley, faux laced full austerity / blind brogue with side gussets made of Polo suede aka "The Churchill". WOW! 

Now, some may say I am biased when it comes to GJ Cleverley, no I am not. They do produce wonderful shoes and for me their shoes fit from go, no need to break them in for days on end. In February of this year, I was thinking of commissioning the "Churchill" but ended up with the Aidan and the Jack in burgundy (seen next to the Clifford) and then topped it off with the Peter in black, which I am looking forward to receive at any moment from now. 

The "Churchill" (austerity brogue) with "faux" laces and a side gussets in Polo suede.

Photos sourced from Leather Soul Hawaii

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

G. J. Cleverley shoes - more than what you expect

I have been quite for some time apologies for that. It is getting Winter and some of us do get affected by that. With that said, I would like to bring to your attention some of the little artistic details G.J. Cleverley London bespoke shoemaker can bring to a shoe without compromising elegancy and eternal style.

Side gusset "Lazy man's shoe" aka "Churchill shoe" with burgundy false laces

 The sole of the shoe

 Another false laces side gusset in calf and crocodile

 The back part of the shoe...hmmmm

 A punched brogued wing tip with in side gusset

 The inside gusset of the above

 I would love to own both pairs of shoes as they depict the typical Cleverley innovation.

Shoes sourced from Cyberspace.

Shoji Kawaguchi aka "Marquess" - Japanese bespoke shoemaker

For the followers/readers of this blog you may have realised that I have a fascination of shoe artisans from Japan. I believe (not fact) that Japan has more bespoke shoe artisans than most European countries. In my search I stumbled upon "The Marquess" aka Shoji Kawaguchi who makes some very beautiful shoes. I assume that Master Kawaguchi is European (English) trained, as his shoes bear the English trademark, but I could be wrong. Enjoy these beauties from Japan for the weekend. 

Brown crocodile side gusset on a chisel square toe last

 Oxford punched cap toe on a rounded toe last, tan calf leather

Brown side gusset with medallion squared toe last on pigskin 

 Black pigskin side gusset with false laces-punched cap toe, soft chisel last

Client fitting of black calf leather side gusset with false laces - punched cap toe - rounded last

Photos sourced from Marquess Bespoke