Guild of Crafts - Japan

Guild of Crafts, Asakusa (Japan) is one of the bespoke shoemaking houses which needs to be mentioned when naming the bespoke shoe industry of Japan. The Guild was established in 1996 in Asakusa, the heart of Japanese shoemaking region, by master shoemaker Chihiro Yamaguchi. 

In 1999, The Guild founded "Saruwaka Footwear College" and in 2006 the Guild opened flag shops in Ginza and Tokyo offering bespoke and made to order foot wear.

Enjoy and have a pleasant weekend.

Master Chihiro Yamaguchi in person

The Guild works with classical shoe styles, then add a modern twist to some of the creations whilst paying great respect, attention to the details, add massive passion and dedication to the art of shoemaking.  The results can be seen below at the depicted creations. 

Very distinctive side strapped single monk, I like the design of this monk. It is a monk I would like to add to my footwear arsenal.

A two toned Balmoral boot with a modern twist, stitched cap toe, chisel square toe last

 A Spat boot in two tones, rounded last

Diamond peaked cap toe side gusset in three tones

Peaked cap toe, suede side gusset...hmmmm....

Inner side laced oxford with a monogram

Seamless whole cut Oxford

 Another whole cut Oxford 

Classical stitched cap toe Oxford with darkened cap toe, square chisel last

A U winged Adelaide Oxford with a medallion, chisel square toe last

A very interesting hide samples, I think Ostrich leg and calf leather Oxford with very interesting brogue on the cap toe, round toe last.

Women's shoe designs by the Guild.

 A sports car shoe in pure leather, single tier. 

Photos sourced from Guild of Crafts and Diane Pernet Typepad

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

Meermin - Shoes from Spain for every pocket

For quite some time there has been much talk about a Spanish shoe brand called Meermin on the Internet fora and I did not do a thing to find out who this "new kid" on the blog offering shoes at a very "reasonable" price was. Meermin was established in 2001. Some people tend to name Meermin the second Carmina, as Meermin is owned by the Albaladejo family from Carmina. The two companies hold different products and are owned by different people and running different operations. In short not a second Carmina.

Meermin offers two lines, the Classic and the Linea Maestro. The Classic collection is fully hand lasted and Goodyear welt constructed. The Linea Maestro features high end finishing. Meermin also offers made to order shoes.
Judge and review Meermin's products. I will be acquiring a few of their products during the course of the year. Please check them out and decide for yourself. Great products for a "reasonable" price.

Two toned double strapped monk in leather and suede

Two toned Balmoral Oxford boot, in leather and suede

 Austerity full brogue Oxford in a nice reddish colour

 Different offerings from Meermin

 Side laced Oxford in two tones, leather and pony hair, very interesting combination, however beautifully renditioned by Meermin. Well done

Another side laced Oxford in two tones, grained leather and suede in Balmoral style. Very nice.

A traditional single monk side strapped in blue suede

The classic tassel loafer for the Summer in brown leather

All pictures sourced from Tumblr