Gaziano and Girling - The Chukka boot

For the day I have sampled this beautiful rendition of a three tier Derby Chukka boot from Gaziano and Girling of Northampton, England. The below Chukka boot maybe from the period when Master Tony Gaziano was head last maker and running the bespoke department at Edward Green. It is a very rare combination of calf and exotic leather on a Chukka boot and the lining is just so English. I simply like this Chukka boot.

Chukka boot in calf and crocodile, chisel squared toe

Photos sourced from Centipede.

Roberto Ugolini shoes from Florence

Florence, Italy has a number of bespoke shoemakers and one of them is Master Roberto Ugolini, who makes very beautiful shoes with an Italian splash and dash elegance. His workshop is in the heart of Florence. It is the price worth paying Master Ugolini's workshop a visit.

As it is Winter season I needed to add this two toned Balmoral wing tipped Brogue boot. Just beautiful.

A black stitched cap toe oxford, chisel squared toe and a burgundy brogue Derby. The colour of the Derby is very rich, would make a beautiful patina after some years.

 Two toned side gusset with a peaked cap toe, chisel squared toe, my favourite travelling shoe.

 Below the different sole work offered by Master Ugolini. First picture a very suppressed, slim waiste. Second and third picture the nail works on the soles

Photos sourced from Style Forum and Roberto Ugolini 

G.J. Cleverley Hippo Chukka boots

As I look out each day I get reminded that it is now getting colder and colder for each day that goes, not to mention that it also gets dark very early, well, that is Winter in a nutshell. 
That brings me to thinking of boots. For today I have sampled a "heavy weight" whole cut Chukka boot made from hippo hide by the London based G.J. Cleverley house. 

GJ Cleverley whole-cut hippo hide Chukka boot. The boot needs some patina, I like the texture of the hide, but as it is now -; very dull though interesting.

Photos sourced from Tumblr

An English Gent look

I was having a conversation with one of my peers discussing identity and looks, question came to what defines an "English gentleman's look" and what separates him from the hordes of other men/crowd. 
After some debating and reasoning my friend concluded that the following defines an English gentleman's look: a conservative well cut and perfect fitted suiting from a reputable Savile Row firm, bespoke English made Goodyear welted shoes, preferably in black or brown colours with a cap toe and well polished, a bowler hat and an umbrella.  Yes, he was right ....
Oh... not to forget the good manners and the upper stiff lip with a brush of coolness and tradition bound individual. 

 A cartoon illustrating an English gentleman

A dignified  English gentleman walking about town.

English gentleman gathering.

Photos sourced from the Internet

GJ Cleverly - The Anthony Cleverley shoes

Mr. George Cleverley had an estranged relative known as Anthony Cleverley, who was also a bespoke shoemaker. Anthony Cleverley designed and created some very interesting shoes, amongst the shoes he designed and produced is the "De Rede" loafer, which today is offered as part of the Anthony Cleverley line at G.J. Cleverley house. No doubt that Mr. Anthony Cleverley had learned the bread and butter of the shoe making trade from the hard-core masters like Master George Cleverley and or Master Nikolaus Tuzcek himself. Some really beautiful pieces of art. Enjoy and have a nice weekend.

Master George J. Cleverley himself

Black brogued oxford as renditioned by Anthony Cleverley

 The "De Rede" loafer which was made for Baron Alexis De Rede and later named after him.

 The Anthony Cleverley brogued Derby

Photos sourced from Tumblr

Bestetti creations - Kudu and Shark oxford

I am sorry, it may seem I have a Bestetti or shark hide obsession at the moment, but it is not. I just went through the filed pictures on my computer and realised I had the below photos which I somehow forgot to blog about and publish. So here is the Shark and Kudu combination shoe.

What fascinates me with the Shark and Kudu hide oxfords, is how the shoes look like raw, before adding the polish, cream and patina etc. Whoever commissioned the below he must have known what a beautiful piece of art he demanded from Mr. Bestetti. Congrats to the gent, wear them in good health. I have to admit Mr. Bestetti is unique. Bravo!

Photos sourced from Styleforum

Bestetti Shark hide Chukka boots

This is the time for the boots to come out, they maybe, Chukkas, Balmoral boots, two toned, Chelsea it does not matter. I have sampled a Bestetti bespoke boot made of Shark hide today. I am fascinated by the texture and structure of the Shark hide. Just lovely.

The raw shark hide where the pattern will be cut from

The Chukka pattern on its making process

The Chukka on the lasting process, taking form

The Chukka almost ready for a trial fit

 

The ready shark hide Chukka boot

Photos sourced from Style Forum