American brand J.FitzPatrick is my favorite dress shoe brand for its very innovative yet elegant and classic designs at each model. Some scattered inspirations are not hard, but that every model is not lack of innovation is not easy at all. Take an example of Gaziano & Girling which is a new brand founded in 2006, certainly it needs some new designs to grab the market share from the long established brands such as Edward Green and John Lobb. J.FitzPatrick also innovates, but on a grander scale. Colour is his weapon, and rejuvenating very antique style is his sword. This plain toe loafer, Marcos is a great expression of both.
Unboxing
Watermelon red shoe box with big logo, the design is quite modern.
The hole on the side is for move the shoe from stack. Sticker has all the information you need to know about this pair of shoes. Model name Marcos, last LPB, width F, colour burgundy calf and suede. Size is UK5.5.
What sets J.FitzPatrick apart is his global vision so the size information is very comprehensive and friendly to people all over the world.
Shoe bag is quite thick, the canvas of the outer layer is heavy, and there is an inner layer of fabric, I feel the protective function is sufficient.
Last
I first fell in love with J.FitzPatrick by the temporary round last TMG developed by Tony Gaziano. The slender feeling is undeniable.
Maybe I am getting old and more conservative, this round toe is not round enough for me in the end! Then I came to realize the square toe of J.FitzPatrick, LPB is a good substitute.
The square toe makes the toe blunt on one hand, and powerful on the other hand.
Speaking of square toe, George Cleverley comes to the mind simultaneously, and last LPB from J.FitzPatrick has totally different feeling off it. If to find a more alike feeling, Aubercy is where to see. No sharp chisel, only smooth diving.
Top view, the elongation is obvious again. So Justin is really a fan of Gaziano & Girling.
Profile is also beautiful. This last is well rounded.
Pattern
Plain toe is not unusual in dress shoes, but not so on loafers. for most loafers, you should find apron, even we step back to compromise, you see wingtip on some old fashion models.
The sleek slot increases mysterious feeling of the shoes.
Is Marco a pair of penny loafer? Well, by definition, it has the slot to keep penny coin, so we can say it is. But the strap straightly extends to the back heel which I only see on this pair. Whenever I see J.FitzPatrick shoes I worship the design skill of Justin.
Leather
Great quality of calf and fluffy suede, although in the same colour, but the tone is different. Same colour but different textures combination is very new.
Construction
The fudge is very recognizable and I can call it quality shoes from this detail.
Outsole
Do you notice the waist is slightly bevelled? I can see the tiny and continuous improvement on J.FitzPatrick products. The colour of the sole also tries to match the upper.
Details
Size, width, last and model name can all be found on the lining. I feel historians will love this information.
Conclusion
J.FitzPatrick never disappoints me.