Shoe Patina by Hom Nguyen

I have been always intrigued by the patina artists, makers or designers. But when I came across Hom the leather patina artist, I had to admit that, there are patina artists out there and there is Hom. Meaning that Hom is an outstanding artist within this genre.

I am aware that Mr. Hom's work may not be everyone's cup of tea in regards to the shoe patina, but I have to admit that the Gent brings a new dimension for individualising shoes or leather goods. A true artist, he does make some amazing things with leather, he makes Berluti look like a toddler in this game. 

Whats even surprising is that Mr. Hom is the "New kid on the block" within the French patina artists. 

View the depicted pictures and decide for yourself.

Mr. Hom's work is not only limited to leather items such as shoes or bags, as you will note on the pictures below.

Pictures sourced from Hom

The Sloop loafers - from SW1 in Italy

Today, when packing away the Autumn/Winter shoes and as going through the Spring/Summer shoes. I came across my forgotten Summer loafers. Had completely forgotten about the existence of "the Sloop loafer". 
Imagine my delight after finding the Sloops.  All three Sloop pairs happened to hide away for a solid two and a half years. That is the reason for today's blog, which is all about the forgotten Sloop loafer. Now I am really looking forward to Summer, so I can air my Sloops. 


The Sloop loafer is a very slim and elegant loafer, made in Italy by SW1, who is inspired by the English (Northampton) shoe industry and the Italian shoemakers.  Sadly, the company (SW1) shut down in 2009/2010, but web site is functional and they still produce shoes.  Get in touch with Mr. F. D´Urso below & he will help you out.


The Sloop loafer was a hit from start, but became very popular and on high demand after young Rubinacci (Luca) was spotted wearing a pair. The Sloop is a must have loafer for the Summer.

Mr. Francesco D´Urso himself co-founder & owner of SW1

 The Sloop in Water Buffalo

The Sloop in very dark brown suede

 The Sloop in very dark brown leather

The demand for Sloop loafers became high after Luca Rubinacci was seen wearing them. 

Pictures sourced from SW1 and www.styleforum.net

The Japanese Shoemakers - Saion (Part three)

Japanese bespoke shoemakers are one of a kind, not many of them are known outside of Japan, but they do produce some very exquisite and elegant shoes. On the theme "The Japanese shoemakers", I have decided to bring forth Saion to all of you out there. Saion produces some very classical, stylish and timeless shoes. From the looks, inspiration is from English, Italian and French bespoke shoesmakers and perhaps more.

A Norwegian split-toe Derby on the making process

 

 A very beautifully made Chukka boot in two tones

 A double monk (1) suitable for the office

 A double monk (2) suitable for a gent in creative business - now this shoe is something for itself,

look at the details. Waw!

Full brogue

 Semi brogue punch cap toe

Side gusset punch captoe (my favourite travel shoe)

 All pictures sourced from Saion.

Spring 2012 is here - colours for Spring and Summer

Today I will look into the Spring/Summer shoes, rather the lighter coloured shoes that compliment the sunny days & warm weather. Yesterday I packed the dark(er) coloured shoes away and brought the lighter ones out for a spit shine where applicable.


Well, here in the Nordic, Spring is still far from us, still cold and windy, today wetness with hail was added to the cold & wind. Imagine, how that felt like, I was cold. But as we say up here, "there is no bad weather, just inappropriate dressing." How very true.


I am still looking forward to Spring, so when I saw Drakes of London Spring and Summer collection 2012, I was inspired to blog about lighter coloured shoes to compliment the sunny & warmer days to come.

Drakes of London Spring & Summer colours for 2012

Spring / Summer coloured shoes are a must to have for a Shoe AristoCat, Shoe lover, Shoe snob or any Gent into classical shoes. Below are bespoke pieces by Tony Gaziano's hand from his time at Edward Green. 

Quarter brogue oxford

 Quarter brogue punch cap toe side gusset

 Full brogue with initial as a medallion

 Full brogue with medallion

 Semi brogue no cap toe with medallion

 Butterfly loafer (1) split toe

Butterfly loafer (2) with brogueing on the apron

Pictures sourced (shoes) Tony Gaziano (Gaziano & Girling), Drakes of London