One of the great things about my factory is that they will literally allow me to design anything and will try to make it for me. I have heard through the grapevine that many classic factories (making this type of welted shoe) don’t allow this type flexibility for their private label customers, forcing them to stay within the boundaries of classical patterns. So needless to say, I feel quite fortunate for this freedom and therefore continuously try to knock up new things with the hopes to find new models and last shapes that can fit into the collection and thus appeal to all of you (or at least some of you!). While I have most of the simple classics already taken care of, i.e. a semi brogue, a wingtip brogue, a cap toe, darby etc., lately I have been trying to slightly reinvent the wheel a bit, doing things that while still relatively normal, offer a slight edge to them, such as my new take on a saddle loafer (as shown below in blue calf on my new soft chisel toe last) or this straight-cut heel counter. While some will obviously not find these details appealing, it is only with hope that some of you will and appreciate the uniqueness that I am trying to create, while keeping it tasteful. So, here are a few new models that will hopefully be coming to my collection at some point next year. If you fancy them, stay tuned!
Question for all: Loafer with or without a medallion??
I hope that everyone has a lovely weekend and while this is delving slightly a bit into my personal life, I feel the need to tell all of you that my lovely wife is due with our first born child any day now and that means that when it happens there might be a slight period of disappearance from myself. I will do my best to keep it to a minimum, but duty will inevitably be calling…..
Justin, “The Shoe Snob”
Lovely work Justin.
Personally I prefer the loafer without a medallion.
OwenB
Love the brown suede cap.. I do think the blue loafer needs a medallion .. Seems a bit .. Empty .. Though with it being blue, it may already have that edge.. If you are going for simply a classic with one twist.. No medallion … For my eyes, I think the medallion completes it . I also think the suede cap toe would look good with a darker suede too… But this one you showed is quite stunning as well… Great job justin ..
Brad
I’m loving those navy slip-ons!
A medallion would look great!
Lovely stuff Justin; and more importantly, best of luck to Mrs F and wishing you all well with the new addition. 🙂
Hi Justin, been following your fantastic blog for awhile, just wanted to say that although I think the loafer would look better with a medallion (without it looks a bit slipperish) I think the last shape is fantastic and I can’t wait to see other designs in this last.
Hi Justin, I also guessthe loafer looks somewhat empty. A medalion or any other subtle addition. All the best for your new team member. Sleepless nights will foster your creativity and additional mouths will increase your performance
Wow, didnt even read the last paragraph… Congrats on the new little one justin and wife.. As if you weren’t busy enough with g&h, your line, this blog, husbandly duties.. Now you got diaper changes… Congrats and good luck my friend !
I really like the captoe! Although I think it would look better if the area around the eyelets was made from calf and not suede (like the flannel shoes you have)!
Hi Justin,
Unmistakably, these shoes depict bold designs indeed!
John
I’m not usually fond of slip ons, but that pair is terrific. I think a fleur-de-lis medallion would like nice, but something more concentrated would probably overwhelm the shoe. I do like it a lot with a plain toe, so anything might be too much.
Best wishes to your wife on her delivery and congratulations to you and your family.
Justin, Seems like it is a 50/50 split on the medallion, which I think might just tell you something. You know, there is an old saying ” Give the people what they want ” Seems like they want both. Perhaps you make two different versions on a shoe like the Laurelhurst and see how it goes. Just a thought. BTW , I personally prefer that shoe without the medallion . Congrats on the addition to your family. Best of luck.
The long toe-cap on those blue loafers is pure design genius!
thank you Clive!