Master Cliff Roberts - A Summer tassel loafer

The Summer has been extremely hot in Europe and seems to hold the high temperatures for a time still. I was about not to continue on Summer clothing and shoes, but due to the very high heat, it will still be appropriate to mention some of the Summer offerings from diverse bespoke shoemakers and bespoke tailors. For the day I have sampled a pair of tassel loafers in real Summer colours (two toned) red and tannish in a square toe last. This is a product from Master Cliff Roberts the "One man bespoke operation".  Many of you know by now that besides GJ Cleverley my other favourite shoemaker is Master Cliff Roberts.

The colouring (patina) seems to have been done directly onto the leather rather than creating the patina by polishing, I maybe wrong on that, will have to ask Master Cliff Roberts about the technique used. Why I love this loafer and it's colours, it's because it still looks very sober and not shouting at the world. Would not mind this piece of shoe as part of my Summer arsenal.

Master Cliff Roberts Summer tassel loafer

Photo sourced from Master Cliff Roberts Face Book profile

Giacopelli and Dandy Shoe Care Collaboration - tassel loafer

A while ago a blogged about Giacopelli shoes from Parma (Italy) and at the time assumed that there was a working collaboration between Giacopelli and Dandy Shoe Care. Now I can cement that statement, indeed there is a connection between the shoemaker and the The patina Grand Wizard (Dandy Shoe Care).

As explained earlier, I assumed that Giacopelli and Dandy Shoe Care had a working relationship, and for the day I have sampled a tassel loafer made in Russian Reindeer hide by Giacopelli and handled and treated by Dandy Shoe Care.

Below depicted is a tassel loafer in Russian Reindeer hide before the Grand Wizard of Patina gives it an artistic hand treatment and care, and the look after Dandy Shoe Care treatment.
 The choice of the leather and patina elevates  the same shoe to higher and better dimensions. Judge yourself by comparing the pictures of the same shoe style. Compare to the last picture, the same shoe but different hide.
The raw Reindeer tassel loafer.

The processed shoe by Dandy Shoe Care 

The same tassel loafer in a different hide handled by the Grand Wizard too. The above gives a dash and splash due to the texture of the hide. Stunning.

Photos sourced from Dandy Shoe Care and Giacopelli shoes

GJ Cleverley - De Redé tassel loafer

For inspiration for the sunny days, I have sampled one of my favourite tassel loafers by London based GJ Cleverley house, from their Anthony Cleverley line, the Baron De Redé tassel loafer. The below rendition is different from the original De Redé tassel loafer, as the tassel is braided(platted) all the way. To add to the beauty, this shoe was constructed with a blind welt, thus the result being the upper stitched so close to the edge of the sole, so it becomes invisible to the wearer once the shoes aren put on. 
Masterly, so aristocratic, stylish and nobly classic elegant look. A touch and feel of sophistication for the Summer. Wow! Hmm...just simple and stunning loafer. 

Anthony Cleverley line, De Redé all the way braided tassel loafer in suede.

Photos sourced from GJ Cleverley

Bestetti black tassel loafer for the day

As the Summer is slowly showing it's true colours and the warmth is felt allover the place and everyone around is enjoying what the Summer brings, warmth. My thoughts during this time have been around on the below depicted Master Bestetti creation of a loafer, a tassel loafer in black hide. I know most gents prefer their loafers in suede, but...I do not see why not to pair this black calf loafer with a light weight cloth Summer suiting and then this highly polished pair of loafers, add Gammarelli socks and a Spring/Summer coloured paisley pocket square to the suit jacket and top it off with a Panama hat. 
I have in mind two tassel loafers, that must be made in calf hide and one of them is the below as renditioned by Master Bestetti.

Black calf raised apron tassel loafer 

Photos sourced from Master Bestetti

Grenson - whole cut suede tassel loafer "Marcel"

I had a friendly chat with one of my colleagues over the weekend, who asked me if I only own and blog about "high-end" shoes and clothing, well that was a hard one to swallow. Question is: What is "high-end" and for whom? I know of gents, who would not dream of cashing out for a pair of Crockett and Jones hand grade product(s), then on the opposite I know of others who will not settle for less than a bespoke John Lobb or the like. Depends who the target  audience is. 

So the question is tricky and to some extend not fair. Anyway, for the day I have sampled a whole cut loafer "Marcel" in brown suede from Grenson, a lovely shoe. Currently the "Marcel" is offered in brown, grey and blue suede (which looks very good) and it is below 200 British pounds. A beautiful shoe for the Spring/Summer period.

The Grenson "Marcel" in brown suede

Photos sourced from myself

GJ Cleverley - The Aidan braided tassel loafer

A few weeks ago I stated that I was in need of a loafer for the Spring/Summer period, as I have messed up my C&J Cavendish tassel loafer in Polo suede. Well long story short, as I was looking for a loafer to replace the Cavendish, I stumbled upon the GJ Cleverley "Aidan" braided tassel loafer in dark mahogany from the Ready To Wear offer. 
After receiving the loafer was not sure what to make of it, so I put it aside, though I have to mention that it came with a nice polish finishing. That was a nice start.

So for some inspiration for the patina, I started looking around, after a while realised that I can try and achieve the Master Bestetti's honey like patina on my "Aidan. So I started the polishing journey on my Aidan and I am so much into it, that it makes me go "damn, I did a great buy" for the Spring/Summer. Profound apologies for the photography skills.

GJ Cleverley's "Aidan" braided tassel loafer from the Ready To Wear offer. A great loafer.

Pictures sourced from myself.

Bestetti braided suede tassel loafers with hans stitched apron

I have again sampled a shoe from Master Bestetti, a loafer, a tassel loafer, not quite true, a braided tassel loafer in suede. The pictures depict the process of making the shoe, therefore no need for me to add unnecessary words. Take a view and enjoy the process of this beauty being created, from start to end, more or less. Enjoy.

The suede hide sample to cut and design the pattern for the loafer

 The braiding process done manually.

 The patterned and cut hide for the loafer

 The hide lasted on shoe trees to take shape and form of the bespeaker's feet. 

 A close up of the lasted hide on shoe trees. Note that at this time the apron is not yet added to the loafer.

The final braided tassel loafer in suede with a hand stitched raised apron. Just perfect, wonderful. I really do like these loafers for the Summer.

Photos sourced from Master Bestetti

A sea of Alden's - What a collection

As I was browsing cyberspace for more men's shoes and accessories, I noted that someone, somewhere on this continent had a "thing", obsession for Alden shoes. Alden is one of the few shoemaking companies that is still producing good quality shoes in the USA. 

As a humble owner of three pairs of Alden shoes, of which all are the Norwegian split toe Derby, in black cordovan, dark burgundy cordovan and brown suede (similar to the "Cavendish") in Polo suede from Crockett and Jones. As said this gent has 72 (seventy two) pairs of Alden's in all styles and looks in his collection, but what caught my attention was that he has at least eight (8) pairs of the NST (Norwegian split toe), is that an overkill, not to mention 72 pairs of shoes from the same shoemaker. Anyway.. the collection is impressive. Judge yourself.

Impressive collection of Alden's from one man

Photo sourced from Bespoke Makers

Crockett and Jones - Spring offers 2013

Looking for a pair of suede loafers to replace my worn down Crockett and Jones Cavendish in Polo suede, I came to some lovely suede offerings by Crockett and Jones of Northampton, England. 

The Crockett and Jones Cavendish tassel loafer in Polo suede has been my companion for at least six to seven Summers and was my favourite summer footwear. Now that is worn down and ready for the trash bin, I lament it. Sentiment, sentiment and crocodile tears. Okay, let us see what Crockett and Jones has to offer this Spring/Summer.

Chukka boot in Purple, Ocean, Bottle Green and Mushroom suede. Wow! Lets bring the linen suits out for the Summer and add some colour with these babies. 

A three tier Derby in mid blue suede. My mouth is watering already.

 An old friend the Cavendish tassel loafer in Polo Suede and ....

Cavendish in Bottle Green. Wow! The apron in white stitching. Uh!

All photos sourced from Crockett and Jones

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