A friend of mine, who is a great lover of Italian styled shoes (specifically Bontoni and Branchini) and two-tones decided to start his own online distribution channel, ‘Correspondent Shoes,’ selling a handful of brands that cater to those that like things a bit more on the bold side. Some of the shoes on there are quite cool and some of them not so much, but I guess to each his own. The ones highlighted in the post are my favorite. While I am not so familiar with the exact quality of Branchini, I did see the blue string loafers in person and they looked like they had some very comfortable and well made leather. The finishing on the soles looks quite good too and I believe that the majority of shoes on the site are blake rapid (which is a very respectable construction) and a few even being GY welted. And it was good to see a chelsea boot with a brogued wing cap on it, not to mention the derby boot which were right up my alley! Good to see something a bit different.
These really are lovely, particularly the loafers.
On the subject of correspondent shoes, this is a perfect opportunity to ask a question I’ve had on my mind recently. I’ve actually been planning on emailing you it, but I understand you’re a busy man… It may even be a good topic for a post.
Anyway, my question is simply: how best do I look after my two-tone shoes? I’ve recently purchased a pair of correspondents (or spectators, if you prefer) in cedar calf and oatmeal canvas, and I’m not sure how best to clean the canvas parts. Also, are there any particular tricks you know of to avoid getting polish on the fabric parts when polishing the leather?
Strictly speaking, it’s “co-respondent”. Supposedly the term dates back to the days when the only way to get divorced in Britain was owing to adultery. It would be presumed that a married woman and unmarried man sharing a hotel room would be engaged in an adulterous liaison. In those days, it would be normal to place shoes outside one’s hotel bedroom before retiring, and they would be polished overnight. Now the unmarried man would be called the “co-respondent” in the husband’s divorce petition, and the testimony of the chambermaid that the adulterous couple stayed overnight would be enhanced by the recollection of the footwear placed outside the door, and hence the co-respondent would supposedly place distinctive and memorable shoes for the chambermaid to remember!
You are absolutely right. The woman in question would be called to the court as a respondent, and her fellow adulterer wopul then be the co-respondent. That is where the term derives from.
It has been somewhat, let’s say “adulterated” over the years by those not entirely au fait with English colloquialisms.
Great belgian style blue loafers ! Branchini is OK, I have experienced the last 4 years 3 pairs, 1 summer loafer (canva/leather) blake stitched, 1 derby Goodyear & a norvegian pair of suede boots. I am fully satisfied.
Hmmm. I thought the term was co-repondent – as in the unsavory named third party in a divorce suit. Not correspondent. Have I got that wrong? Love the two-tone derby boots.