Maftei is a bespoke shoemaker in Vienna, the founder and captain backing his own name is Alexandru Maftei, a great man. He has been working together with John Lobb London for 40 years. This coopeartion is not purely Lobb outsourcing to low cost region, more importantly, to preserve the craftsmanship in Europe. The youngest worker under Mr. Maftei is 46 years old, and quite few young men are interested in this trade. Mr. Maftei is doing his best to support his workers, in the meantime, to enroll younger generation to bear this tradition skill to the future.
In Hugo Jacomet’s new book, Shoes The Art of Mens Footwear, Maftei has its position.
As he rightly calls Maftei can commission any style you want, but his signature style is Viennese.
To be fair, this style is not invented by Mr. Maftei, but the heritage belonging to this city, this country as its name indicates. What Maftei improves this iconic Split Oxford is the patina as well as the last.
I have shown you the different colours of this style, but only this deep red one proudly gets its name, Ersherzog, The Great Duke.
Today, a dream comes true. The shoes just jump out of the page.
Surprisingly, it is even better, made of Buffalo leather, not the usual calf leather.
It can not be seen even some one stand in front of you, but when attention is paid, this quite delicate texture shouts “This owner is tasteful!”.
The elegant last, eyecatching center seam and rich patina have made these shoes impeccable, the contrast Norwegese stitches add more flavor and touch inside further.
That is when a dream comes true, exciting and warm.
