RED WING SHOE CO.

Fall/Winter 2012 on display

Shoe sewing machine

9158 Handsewn Oxford

8105 Moc toe Oxford

Where it all happens...

Last week I had a meeting with Mr. Red Wing, in their recently opened showroom in Amsterdam. Enjoying a cup of coffee with Dutch apple pie Matthijs told me everything about the brand and the collection. The company was founded by Mr. Beckman a German immigrant, who owned a shoe store in the city of Red Wing, the city was named after a local indian chief. In his advertising he promoted himself as Beckman, The Shoe Man. As a prosperous Main Street merchant, he saw the need for durable and comfortable boots. In 1905 when he couldn't find boots to meet his needs, he started his own shoe company. And the rest is history. The fact that Red Wing doesn't only make work boots is something you see in the 8105 Moc toe Oxford, this shoe was built to meet the demands of the factory managers who needed a sturdy work shoe as they moved from their office to the factory floor. My personal favorite for this summer is the 9158 Hand sewn Oxford, this shoe combines classic oxford styling with premium Red Wing Camel Muleskinner leather and an "American Made" plantation crepe sole. Hand sewn with contrast "baseball stitching" and rawhide laces. These shoes are made in Maine - the traditional home of moccasin style shoes and is one of the oldest and most traditional methods of constructing a shoe.

TRUNK CLOTHIERS, LONDON

This is the last London post, but certainly not the least.

Trunk Clothiers is established in the autumn of 2010 in London's Marylebone. Here on 8 Chiltern Street you find 2 floors stocked with menswear from every corner of the world from Japan, Italy, the UK, Sweden and the US. All curated by founder Mats Klingsberg in an inviting environment. Brands like Barena, Beams, Boglioli, Drakes, Gitman Vintage, Edwin, Woolrich Woolen Mills all earn a place @ Trunks.

DRAKE'S @ No.3 CLIFFORD STREET, LONDON

Drake's opened it doors of No.3 Clifford Street almost a year ago on May 20th 2011. The building is a landmark in the heart of Mayfair on a stone throw from Saville Row and Bond street. The store is a must for those who love Haberdashery, well stocked with ties, bow ties, socks, etc. Enjoy the comfort of the Harris Tweed covered armchairs, the fire place and cabinetry from the Natural History Museum and simple wooden floors.

Drake's was founded in 1977 by Michael Drake, Jeremy Hull and Isabel Dickson, the original Drakes collection was comprised of mens quality scarves. A range of English handmade ties and printed silk handkerchiefs quickly followed, and today Drakes is the largest independent producer of handmade ties in England. On Friday there is someone from the factory in the store to show how a tie is finished with the slip-loop. The slip loop secures the slippers thread which allows the tie to move freely along it's entire length. Your purchase will be wrapped in a silk foil with a full explanation of a Drake's tie.

TRICKER'S @ JERMYN STREET, LONDON

Last week I stepped back in time, when entering the Tricker's Store on 67 Jermyn Street. The store opened its doors in 1939 and before that it was located at number 87 from 1925. The interior didn't changed much. In the old days, the shoes didn't come in shoeboxes but they were stocked in the wall units. From size 6 in the left end corner to size 10 in the right end corner. Nowadays size 10 wouldn't fit anymore in these walls as people became taller and shoes sizes changed over the years. I was pampered by one of the salesmen who worked in the store for more then 13 years already. He helped me choose a great pair of Stow boots from the Country line in the color Acorn Antique. 

GANT RUGGER FOR A CLEAN CUT

GANT Rugger has it's own department in the basement of the Gant Flagship Store on Regent Street, London. It ain't tucked away there, no it get's the right environment and feeling here. The furniture and props are a great add-on to the products designed by Christopher Bastin. I very much like the window, Gant Rugger is a cut above the rest.

LONDON UNDERCOVER, CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

The London Undercover pop-up store was open for 4 weeks only and closed it's doors today. Situated at Monmouth Street @ Seven Dials, the perfect location for a pop-up store like this. Last Saturday I met Jamie Milestone in the store, who told me that they will close down for the season and looking for another spot for Fall, as fall is a great season for umbrellas even in a country which is known for their rainy days. The store contained not just umbrellas of the brand, but also fur felt Bowler hats, cashmere scarves and bags, which are handcrafted in England by John Chapman. London Undercover was established by Jamie in 2008 with the aim to turn around the umbrella and return to its rightful position as a fashion accessory. And so he did umbrellas with the map of London, an English Breakfast, Camo prints etc. Also some great collaborations with ACL, Carthart & Dutch pride Tenue Denim and more will come. Look forward to see Jamie back in the new Pop Up Store.