I must admit, before coming to England, I had never even heard of the butterfly loafer. I am not familiar with any American makers that produce one (unless Allen Edmonds has recently caught on) nor did I have a run-in during my short but sweet time in Italy. But now that I am here, in the heart of Mayfair, where there are all of the arcade’s that host space to the likes of New & Lingwood and George Cleverley, I cannot seem to get away from the butterfly loafer. But I like it, it’s unique, it’s produces a nice medium between plain, boring loafer and over the top. Said to be originally designed by the likes of Mr. George Cleverley himself, it has since evolved as seen here, by French maker Marc Guyot.
One thing that I particularly like about this version of the butterfly loafer, is the fact that French makers tend to design the vamp so that it extends much higher up the foot, towards the ankle. For me, it is much more elegant looking although it does have the downfall of not showing as much sock, which can be a shame when you are trying to pull of out fancy, dandy outfit! We are rumored to be getting a burgundy pair of the classic, George Cleverley designed butterfly loafer sometime in May, here at Gieves & Hawkes. So, since I do not have one nor a burgundy loafer (something that I have been longing for) I am holding out for those! If only the French makers were more readily available here in England, things would be different. But I cannot afford to fly to Paris just to get a pair of shoes, not yet at least!
I have to say these butterfly loafers are spectacular! Very true on the point that these styles by Marc Guyot are a breath of fresh air and a break through to the generic style of the loafer. I very much like Marc’s line of shoes. Looks like he breeds a controversial yet classy upscale style, I LIKE THAT! Justin I couldn’t find the style of loafer you posted as the top pic? Let my know when you also get the George Cleverly designed loafer. I would definitely like a pair as well. I was also thinking if you can’t go to Paris, bring it to you..can you have them ship out to the U.K.?
All the best!
Julio B. – The top pic must be somewhere on the website as that is where I get all on my pics of his shoes. It may not be for sale though? I will definitely post when I get those GC designed butterfly loafers. They should come in at the end of the month, so it will be soon. Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting!
-Justin, “The Shoe Snob”
I was in Paris and paid Mr. Guyot a visit; the top shoes are a prototype design, and are incredibly good looking, but the latter shoes are brilliant as well.
I tried on a different pair of loafers, but eventually went for the butterflies because they were slightly wider in fit. Fantastic shoes, and a lovely shop with great service from both Marc and Virgile (who runs the blog For The Discerning Few).
Hopefully, the shoes will prove to be comfortable over time (considering the outlay, they should be!), because they look gorgeous.
Umer – Thanks for the info Umer, this is good to know! I definitely need to pay a visit one day soon!
-Justin
Very nice loafer, I sell one new pair in 8UK size. Too small for me, my feet are too large, i am not lucky!