As my time in London progresses it would appear that my services offered and The Shoe Snob name seem to be progressing with it and therefore find myself doing more and more things. Sometimes I don’t even realise all of the things that I am doing, and just see them as normal day to day work and progress towards my bigger goal: J.FitzPatrick Footwear. But then sometimes when I get a chance to be alone with my thoughts I think, “wow I can’t believe that I am here, now, doing this.” Part of this disbelief is my newly incorporated “The Shoe Snob” shine stand within Selfridges’ new shoe floor, called The Men’s Shoe Galleries, which is the biggest shoe floor in the world. Never did I think that I would have a shine stand in one of the most important department stores in the world with my “The Shoe Snob” name all over it, showcasing my products and upcoming shoe line. But nevertheless, it’s here and I must say that I am very fortunate to be receiving the opportunity.
I must admit though, that while I wouldn’t have personally thought to come shop here myself, this new shoe floor has given me the impression that I might have been wrong to think that way, for it’s offerings are far and wide, ranging from Paul Smith/John Lobb’s new collaboration, to Crockett & Jones, to Alden, to all of the high street and fashion brands as well as your generic trainers like my personal favorites: VANS. ‘Something for everyone’, as I believe that they would want you to think, which is always a nice concept so long as you attempt to take the best from all categories. Don’t know how I would feel if they were to stock some pink pony hair chukka boots?? Good to leave some things out……. Nevertheless, while I am just a Shoe Snob who loves shoes out of my price range (that being, those on Jermyn St.), I do think that this new shoe floor is good for those that are not as fussy as me, because if you can’t find something that you like here, then you shouldn’t be buying shoes at all. Even here you can get the Edgware’s by Crockett & Jones, amongst all of the other English shoemakers that the average snob would certainly approve of.
It’s funny, but since being here I seem have reinvigorated my love for sneaker type shoes, as I quite like the all-black trainers by Dior and these navy moleskin/flannel (not quite sure) high top trainers by Hugo Boss (both below). While I probably would not spend the �400 or so on those Diors, the Boss are certainly calling my name!! I have also started to remember why I love some Italian shoes, as they are sometimes just so amazingly elegant! I have found that a lot of my time here in England has made me forget my love for the flashier things in life and being here has helped to remind me of that love and the fact that while I do find that conservatism has it’s place in day to day life, one must not forget to live a little and wear the things that make them feel different from the masses, like blue crocodile Santoni’s or lime green Tod’s loafers!…… All this talk of shoes is making me think that I better stay in my corner or I just might come out broker than when I started here!
Anyway, for those of you that have never had the opportunity to come visit me at my stand at Gieves & Hawkes (of which I will still be maintaining Mon-Sat. 10am-1pm) this now gives you a new opportunity at a place that is larger than life. The shoe floor is nothing shy of impressive and my section is nothing shy of fitting for a snob king, so if you are in the area please do stop by and say hi. You will find me here from 2-7pm Tuesday through Saturday (until the end of January), shining away as usual as well as blogging my life away. I hope to see some new faces, so please don’t hesitate to say hi if you spot me!!
All the best,
Justin, “The Shoe Snob”
Well done Justin! Selfridges has always been a fave stop of mine whenever I’m in London, for the mens gallery and of course the redoubtable collection of champagne on the ground floor!
Looking forward to the formal launch of your collection.
P.S. I never knew you were into ribbon belts! Perhaps you could incorporate it into the suede loafers? ^^
Congratulations, Justin! How are you dividing your time with G&H now?
Anyway, more to the point, as lovely as many of these are, it’s your shoes we want to see. The tantalising glimpses above are not enough! Also, I heard the Albanian mafia are keen to see some pics posted of their investment. You know how people end up in the foundations of low cost residential developments when those guys get nervous.
Oh, and one more thing: what’s wrong with pink pony hair chukkas? I mean, I don’t have any, but mainly because I’ve never been a chukka fan. And I’m coming around on that one.
I’d wear a pink pony hair chukka, and you’d love it. You know you would. I’m expecting it in your next collection. And if it isn’t, I’ll have to have my own collection just to put it in!
Anyway, in the mean time, more shoes by J Fitzpatrick please, and a pre-order option. Before I spend all my money on tweed suits and pink pony chukkas.
P.S. Dior and Boss can take their plastic, pseudo-sportswear, wannabe “gangsta”, supermarket-standard rubbish, and stick it up their collective corporate orifice. Go on, right up there, you revolting charlatans. (And don’t encourage them, Justin…) 🙂
P.P.S. What in God’s name is that hideous creature from “Sebago”?
Whoever signed off on stocking that should be made to eat the right one, and the designer the left.
You can eat the box, for putting it on the internet and upsetting me.
Amazing work Justin.
HUGE congratulations!!
Your section looks superb.
I hope you can venture over to the jeffery west area.
The have a great ‘pick of the bunch’ selection in there.
I’d love to see them on the block. A brand I love for that something a bit different but never appeared on here!
Hi Justin, any information on the two Grenson’s (think I see their rose log ath the heel there) Blue suded monkstrap with leather toe cap, and tan brogue with brown toecap? any help much appreciated, I am over in london in early Dec’, I always check out their shoe section so I will be sure to visit to check them out and see what else is on offer in person
Cheers,
Ian
sorry double post
Ian
Congratulations Justin! It is great o see things progressing with your endeavor.
Justin,
Congrats buddy. The new dig looks awesome, sad that I cant over there to check it out. Keep up the good work. And not to sound redundant, but seriously looking forward to the collection.
-Justin
Justin,
Congratulations on your new stand and upcoming line. Looking forward to seeing more detailed photos of the shoes.
If you have time, what is your opinion on the rubber tipped top lifts with dozens of nails used by most manufacturers like C&J? I seem to slip like crazy with these things. I’ve had combination rubber/leather heels with four nails before and never had a problem. Also, I can’t believe that in the history of this blog nobody has said anything about Topy sole protectors. Don’t get me wrong, I am a purist, and I like the slide from leather shoes when walking down stairs, but if you like to wear your shoes a lot and spend a lot of time on concrete footpaths and un-predictable rainy conditions (Sydney), would you consider them on high-end shoes to avoid the need for frequent leather resoles?
Thanks.
Congrats, Justin!
well done. huge fan of your blog and check it all the time!! will definitely pop by for a shoe shine and have a look at YOUR RANGE!! good luck and milk the exposure you deserve it!!
congratulations!! glad that u are getting more recognised all the time!! always a fan! 🙂
Benjy – Thanks Benjy!! Ribbon belts?? Are you referring to my apron???
Alex B – G&H in the morning, Selfridges in the afternoon…but only until the end of Jan.2013…
You would never wear pink pony hair chukkas!! Your girl would dump you for sure!
Will put a few more of mine soon!! Save up!
(I will still have those Hugo Boss!! Just to feel like a teenager again!)
OwenB – Thanks Owen, I appreciate that!
Anon1 – sorry, but that is not my cup of tea….
Ian – Information in what way? I think that they are their Gzero line and retail for about �450….handgrade….see you in Dec…
Raphael – Thank you sir!!
Justin – Thanks man!! I always appreciate your support! Hope to catch up in person soon!
Anon2 – Are you referring to a whole rubber piece as the top heel bit?…I prefer a combination, like you said….as far as topy’s go, no one mentions them because they are shoe blasphemy! 🙂 You just need more shoes to rotate or some fancy galoshes….but yea I am strictly a purist and will never add rubber to a leather sole….
Dave – Thank you sir!
Paradigmz – Thank you and look forward to meeting you soon then!
Marcus – Thank you, I really appreciate that!!
-Justin
Congratulations Justin, a reward well justified. I look forward to popping in to see you.
Best regards,
Snapper
Snapper – Thank you my friend! Look forward to seeing you the next time!!
-Justin