Lajos Balint - Shoemaker from Vienna

Vienna (Austria) had another underrated bespoke shoemaker, Master Lajos Balint, who provided shoes and boots to the Aristocracy and top business people from Germany, England and Asia. A new pair of shoes from the Balint establishment can take up to three months to be completed. The house makes very beautiful shoes. View and judge. Have a pleasant weekend. I was made aware of the fact that Master Balint pictured below passed away in 2010, but the shoemaking business is being attended by his widow and sons.

Master Balint (passed away 2010)

The workshop/store front

Bela Balint (one of the sons runs the shoe operation business

A full brogue oxford spectator in brown and cream

A semi brogue oxford 

 A two toned Balmoral boot

Photos sourced from Cyberspace & Styleforum

Antonio Pio Mele - Surprises

Master Antonio P. Mele does some wonders with his creations. Well no need to introduce him as his work speaks for itself.

 A riding boot for an Aristocrat or Royal client in exotic leather.

 Side laced whole cut oxford in exotic leather

A lady shoe, now this shoe makes me go, wow!

Photos sourced from the cyberspace

Dandy Shoe Care - The patina god (part I)

For days I was thinking about how does one become a patina artist and how does the collaboration between patina artist and shoemaker come to be? I suppose the patina artist will have a background and some training in art (painter), so he/she will transform from canvas to leather. But still...how does he/she go to a bespoke shoemaker and say "I can put some extravagance and individuality into the shoes you make for your clients." Well anyway to much of thinking.....

Below I have sampled a tassel loafer made by bespoke shoemaker Master Antonio Pio Mele (Italy), who then collaborated with Master Patina maker Alexander Nurulaeff (Dandy Shoe Care) to produce this amazing patina on the loafer. Now the patina takes the loafer to new levels, very - very elegant and pleasing to the eye. 

There is only ONE - Dandy Shoe Care - and his work is amazing.

The loafer is the work of Master Antonio P. Mele, the patina art by Master Nurulaeff.

Details of the colouring so well balanced

More details revealing the passion and respect for colours put into the hide

Below a strapped Norwegian monk by Master Antonio Pio Mele before the patina and after

the patina artist laid his DNA

Here the difference can be clearly seen, the shoe gets a different vibration after being handled by the patina artist.

A whole cut oxford magnificently, the patina artistically renditioned by Master Nurulaeff

 The toe is mesmerising, beautiful flow from greenish-blue to very dark navy/black by Master Nurulaeff.

Photos sourced from Dandy Shoe Care Tumblr, 

Vintage Gentleman's Astrakhan overcoat from 1907

Dear Readers, I could not resist blogging about the below vintage Astrakhan coat when I spotted it on eBay - UK,  genuine piece of history, a luxurious and imperial Gentleman's Astrakhan coat from 1907. The coat is made of luxurious materials which are: Astrakhan (pure Persian lambswool) collar of the finest quality, heavy wool (felt) forming the main body of the coat; Mink/Sable/musquash fully lined. These materials create a very insulating overcoat that is incredibly thick and carrying some weight. 
The previous owner (D. G. Landale, Esq.) was probably a man of wealth and power, as this piece did not come cheap even back then in 1907. All in all a very beautifully made overcoat that will keep even the Siberian winter cold far away from the wearer.

The vintage Astrakhan coat from 1907.

 Mink/Sabble fur inner-lining

 Wrap-up with Astrakhan collar

 Ticket pocket and turn-up sleeve, nice touch.

 Details of the back of the coat

Photos sourced from eBay-UK

Berluti buys bespoke boot/shoemaker Anthony Delos

Berluti bought Anthony Delos bespoke boot and shoemaker from Rosiers-sur-Loire near Angers, France. Rumour has been going on that the two parties were having negotiations of the take over, but as of September 2012, Anthony Delos is part of the Berluti establishment. Story about Berluti acquiring Anthony Delos here. 

Anthony Delos at work

 A pair of balmoral stitched cap toe oxfords by Master Anthony Delos

Photos sourced from the Internet.

Edward Green shoes for Ralph Lauren

Edward Green of Northampton produced the below pictured balmoral oxford punched cap toe in brown leather and suede for American fashion mogul house, Ralph Lauren. The pair is on the EG 888 last which is a soft square chisel toe. Colour is probably antique dark oak and mink suede. I have seen many balmoral oxfords, but not in this combination. Normally the soft leather (suede) will be at the top of the balmoral stitching. Anyway, very well done by Edward Green for Ralph Lauren.

A brown two toned balmoral oxford by Edward Green for Ralph Lauren

Photos sourced from eBay UK.

Winter overcoats by HRH Prince Phillip - Duke Of Edinburgh

Winter great overcoats as worn by HRH Prince Phillip (The Duke of Edinburgh)

Civilian styled bespoke navy double breasted coat (4 -buttons - 2 working) complimented by a top hat. Note the pocket square elegantly tucked into the overcoat's breast pocket. Nice touch, not to mention those spit shined oxfords.

 The Duke of Edinburgh in full military outfit. Look at that beautiful double breasted Royal Navy Greatcoat, with eight buttons - four functioning). Lovely coat.

Photos sourced from Who Two