TLB Mallorca has just dropped a ton of new loafers for Spring/Summer 2023. It has been a long time coming too, and it sounds like they were listening to the pleas of their clients. All of the new models this season, as of now, are from TLB‘s Artista Collection. This includes new tassel loafers, the introduction of the bit loafer, and an array of unlined offerings.
Lets us break down all of the new models across their two lines and discuss what we have here
Tassel Loafers
The tassel loafer is making a huge comeback in recent years. Its popularity waned over the last few decades and it is coming back in full force and with a vengeance. It would appear that most brands either introduced, reintroduced, or beefed up their tassel loafer offering. In this case, TLB simply added a plethora of options to the Artista line, which was previously lacking.
Coming in your classic color offering, TLB added 5 new standard tassel loafers on the Goya last, with only black calf and dark brown suede in the unlined version. So, in total 7 new options, with a navy calf option for the brave ;-). I see TLB fans being happy about this new addition and am sure that it will be a successful model as the Goya last offers a beautiful modern shape that plays well into this iconic model.
Bit Loafers
TLB has joined the world of the bit loafer, an Iconic Italian design that swept through the NY scene and Mediterranean lifestyle through the classic Gucci and Ferragamo offers. This iconic design, too, has gained popularity in the classic welted world of footwear where previously they had no stake in the game. Left mainly to the Italian makers, bit loafers are quickly becoming a popular model across all European/British welted makers, and even the good ones in Asia.
TLB’s offering reminds me of a more refined version of the Ferragamo bit loafer, where the last is elongated but more tastefully done IMHO. I particularly like the cut of the pattern, and how they shaped the top of the vamp/tongue/instep part. It is tastefully done and can see that it is low enough to show a little bit of sock for those that like to pop a little bit.
Sadly there are no suede options but I like the burgundy and tan calf ones that are quite unique to what other makers offer. It is not often, or ever, that you see burgundy calf bit loafers. I am excited to see how they will perform.
Unlined Loafers
TLB has taken it slowly with this one, only adding 4 unlined versions to the mix, two tassel loafers and two penny loafers. But four is better than none, so slowly but surely this collection might grow. That is, if these perform well!
TLB Mallorca loafers offering is steadily growing and for the better. What was once a very small collection is now something sizeable and tangible, ready for you to sink your teeth into!
Find your pair here: https://www.tlbmallorca.com/
All things being equal, how does the Goya last feel width wise compared to the Van Gogh? Would
I notice a difference if going from an Oxford on the Van Gogh to a tassel on the Goya?
I have never worn the goya so cannot comment