Maybe many brands have several peerless classic models, such as Lopez of John Lobb, Andy of Berluti, Arca of Corthay. Even if the brands are not famous by themselves, they all have very attractive styles, such as Decon of Norman Vilalta, Tobar of Septieme Largeur, and Brillantina of Bontoni.
Then my question is, if it is not a style, but a certain feature (excluding the last), can it immediately remind us of a certain brand? For example, for John Lobb, I can’t think of any.
I can think of the following, and welcome you to contribute.
Swan Neck – Edward Green
Needless to say, I have an article summarizing how many shoes Edward Green emphasized this element.
Patina – Berluti
Patina is carried forward by Berluti. Whether it was invented by Berluti is actually controversial.
Many French brands are enthusiasts of patina while Berluti is the king or queen if you consider it was Olga Berluti, the daughter in law of the founder Alessandro Berluti who publicise this technique.
Eagle Claw – Corthay
Although the last of Corthay has been copied by many, I haven’t seen it copied to perfection, but even the last is transferred to another shoemaker, once the upper feature is seen, it immediately reminds people of Corthay, which is the eagle claw of the toe.
This can be achieved by patina or shoeshining.
This innovation is really beautiful.
Seam is on the heel side – Saint Crispin’s
Once upon a time, the seamless heel was a very high-end existence, which could only be seen on the Prestige line of John Lobb. At that time, Saint Crispin’s played a clever trick, and there was still a seam in its heel, but it moved it to one side of the heel.
Today, the launch of a brand with seamless heels is no longer a great selling point. Unexpectedly, Saint Crispin’s has become a logo when you are a clever design.
Layered Quarter – Mattina
The original intention of this feature is actually to use scraps and reduce costs, but it has formed a brand identity, which is an act that I particularly recognize.
Super Long Split Toe – Paolo Scafora
Paolo Scafora uses Norwegian sewing vigorously, so shoes present a vibrant sense of power. The super-long split head adds a sense of sharpness to the fortitude, which is very excellent.
V-tip – Alden
Split toes are not uncommon, and Alden’s so-called U-tip is actually not very special, but today, V-tip is still thought of Alden as soon as it is seen. If it puts this design on more styles, it will be perfect.
Colour Clash – J.FitzPatrick
The design of contrast color may have existed in some bespoke shoes, or it may be special shoes such as spectators and saddle oxfords, but J.FitzPatrick completed the brand identity with this element.
Side Scar – Magnanni
Although it has been imitated a little, it is impossible to shake the original position with such a marked design. This is already a very fashionable design.
Post Note
I believe there are many brands that have their own ingenuity, but I don’t remember them at the moment. Please add them.