Ivan Crivallero The Shoe Artist

I have been quite for some time, profound apologies for that. Lots of work and no play made me a dull boy. Yes, end of story. I came across Ivan Crivallero by mistake, I was looking for somethings else, when all of a sudden this champion, artist, bespoke shoe maker appears from no where.
Ivan, an Italian bespoke shoemaker, artist, has taken the shoe sole painting to dimensions I have never seen before. How often do we look at the sole? Unless someone is sitting down. I will start looking at the shoe soles from now on...thanks to Mr. Ivan.


Ivan at work

Balmoral brown oxford, with a medallion.....but the sole (soul) Dali himself.....that is 

the sole work.

The above shoe's design, from a birds view of the left shoe

A shoe from a perspective, hmmm.....

The artistic approach of making the gloss on a tassel loafer

Another sole (soul) in an artistic translation. Nice Tan loafer

A painting by itself of the sole, above
Below, another rendition of a sole, not to easily to spot, but does look good

 For a Gent who loves an Aston Martin, then your shoe soles should reflect that. Sounds like new money? Hmmm... not sure. Old money will never go to this length.

Art Deco styled soles

 Inspiration from Japan

 Tartan soled shoes

All photos sourced from the Internet....

Mr. Cliff Roberts (Northampton) Bespoke Shoemaker follow up

Mr. Cliff Roberts, a Northampton bespoke shoe maker, a one man bespoke shoe making operation, never stops to amaze me with some of the shoe renditions he makes.


I admire his artisanship and the products produced from his hand. 


I earlier blogged about the shoes Mr. Roberts produced for me and have to admit, they are very well done, classic & elegant. I am looking forward to more pieces from the Master from Northampton. 


I took the liberty of taking some of his latest creations and bring them here to you, so you can also admire these pieces. Enjoy.


Mr. Cliff Roberts with son, who is also joining the bespoke shoe tradition, it is my understanding that the younger Mr. Roberts made the double monk they are holding. 


Furthermore, Mr. Roberts daughter is also into the bespoke shoe business. How fortunate can we be, all of the Shoe AristoCats, Shoe Lovers, Shoe Snobs, and shoe collectors, will have three Roberts to deal with. Tough for some of us........

Mr. Cliff Roberts with Mr. Frank Bruno

I have never seen a two toned Ghillie before, but this one is amazing

A Derby boot

An oxford cap toe and a buttoned balmoral boot, wow. The latter is a rare item, I am glad that some gents are reviving this Edwardian boot and thanks to artisans like Mr. Roberts who offers this beauty for all shoe lovers.

A brown monk and the channelled sole

Two tone balmoral boot (suede and leather)

Mr. Roberts rendition of a balmoral oxford, never seen a balmoral oxford done this way, very unique, the colour combination is also striking. Wonder which gent commissioned this pair.

A monk with vamp brogue

My favourite travel shoes, side gusset with false laces also known as the Churchill shoe

Another monk, a double monk in tan, stitched cap toe, this will make a good Summer shoe.

A black full brogue

Classical punched cap toe oxford

Punched cap toe side gussets in Summer colouring, wonderful

Another side gusset with brogueing (Anthony Cleverley inspired)

A brown monk

A beautifully renditioned two tone Adelaide with wing cap toe. My next pair to commission?

Two toned oxford boots, interesting colour combination, well done

Two toned Balmoral boot in black and cream, very classy

A tan whole cut with vamp stitching, beautiful Spring/Summer shoe

All pictures sourced from Cliff Roberts

Ready To Wear shoes (Septieme Largeur) Part One

I have today decided to give the blog a different angle when talking classical men's shoes, it is not always about bespoke shoes, as there are many good ready to wear shoes offered by a number of company's.

For the topic of the day, I have chosen Septieme Largeur, a French (Ready To Wear) shoe producer. The shoes from SL are Goodyear welted, the leather is fine. Their models are classical, stylish, elegant and worth the investment.
Furthermore SL offers a customised patina for an additional 50£ (Euros) charge to the shoe price. The patina is breath taking, well executed, and Beau Brummel worth. Would Beau Brummel refuse such an offer? I doubt that. So, Gents, .....

Lets go choose a model, add a patina, then we are ready to show style and elegance.

Please welcome Septieme Largeur and hope you will enjoy their wonderful products.

Two toned Adelaide with beautiful patina

Jodpur boot with blue patina

 Green slip-on with patina

 Saddle shoes with two tone patina (1)

Saddle shoe with two tone patina (2)

 Oxford with patina

 Three tier Derby with shades of blue patina

Chelsea boot with red shades patina 

 Saddle shoe with two tone patina

 Jodpur boot with shades of brown patina brown

Below are the normal coloured shoes without the customised patina

(Balmoral with Suede)

 Brogued Balmoral boot

 Balmoral Boot

 More Balmoral boots

 Side view of the Balmoral Boot

 Balmoral Boot detail

Bootie in Suede 

Bootie in calf  

 Bootie top view

Suede loafer view

 Different views of the suede loafer below 

 Sole work of the shoes from Septieme Largeur

I would like to populate my shoe wardrobe with some of Septieme Largeur's models, for example the Balmoral boot(s), the bootie and the Balmoral Oxford. A Chelsea boot with patina will top it off. Again, great shoes at an affordable price. Well done SL.

All photos sourced from: Septieme Largeur Shoes