When it comes to dress shoes, most people think that these shoes are too boring, if it is not required by company to wear it, nobody will wear it.
Check brands in the mall, no matter cheap or expensive, the appearance of the shoes is not much different, black lace up and brown loafer.
When it comes to leather shoes, people who don’t know too much basically think of these two pairs.
People who are very knowledgeable basically think of this pair.
It’s pretty boring, right?
But in the field of leather shoes, there is really no lack of innovation.
For example, J.FitzPatrick are very good-looking, everyone gives a thumbs up, but most people can’t hold them.
You see, dress shoes are never too boring, but the people.
So, where are the boundaries of innovation in upper design?
France has always been a country known for its design, and we choose the most well-known brands, Berluti and Corthay.
Corthay has more dazzling colors, and each upper design does not disappoint. Berluti invented patina, but the colours have been imitated too much, and now it is a copycat taste. But when it comes to upper design, Berluti IS the king.
The problem is that this upper design innovation has entered high fashion. The definition of classic menswear is actually very simple, whether it is classic enough, that is, the style of 10 years ago or 20 years ago, put today, will it only be sold by 95% discount. Clearly, some Berluti shoes certainly are not classic at all. Meanwhile, Berluti also has peerless classics like Andy and Alessandro.
In the field of bespoke shoes, there is also such a black Oxford, is it too artistic?
Japanese bespoke shoemaker Il Micio is running wild on this road.
To answer the question of the title, we can’t just look at the shoes, because whether the shoes can be worn or not is not decided by the shoes, but the outfit. Therefore, the degree of upper innovation is actually the same as the pace of the evolution of classic menswear clothing.
Does today’s classic menswear clothing incorporate more elements of other styles, such as the street or Amekaji. My understanding is not so visionary, I can only say that the whole feeling is more relaxed, fabrics are lighter and colours are gentler. Serious Oxfords and all black shoes are retreating, and the light-colored loafer is gaining momentum. Colour change is easier to see and understand but how the upper design can catch up the trend? Although I am not impressed by anyone yet, maybe adding feminine elements is a way to do it.