There are six Chinese brands participated in 2021 China Trunk Show I host alongside with European brands such as Carlos Santos and Maftei in Shanghai. I choose one mode from each brand to showcase what style they are.
Rank as brand alphabet.
Cie
Cie has been making welted and Blake stitched shoes for almost 20 years and it has hundreds of models. Cie is famous for its patina. I visited its factory in Shanghai once and saw this pair on the shelf in its owner’s office. I loved this one very much, and in 2021 China Trunk Show, I came across it again and it is still my favorite.
Gulun
I unboxed this model here, I feel several other models are also very good, but the one I met first may be the darling of my heart.
Someone argues this pair copied St James 2 from Gaziano & Girling. Even it is true, to make it good on Gulun’s own last is a skill.
The several others I considered are:
Mattina
My favorite is Elgar which I repeat times, and everyone knows because it is the most conservative Oxford. Lasts of Mattina, especially N, is tremendously great for this model as it is also conservative and subtly elegant.
I feel this loafer is also quite good.
Saddle loafer is not easily seen, and the beveled forefoot is a nice feature, think John Lobb Prestige collection and Edward Green.
Oct. Tenth
It is quite awkward that their most beautiful shoes are not sold on Taobao but only shown in 2021 China Trunk Show.
My favorite is this pair.
Butterfly loafer is rare already, but this leather and patina, so aggressive last, unseeable waist, top notch!
SLIMSHOES
Lasts of SLIMSHOES are quite recognizable and the comfort is very impressive.
Why do I choose this pair? Because its aggressive square toe last is not so suitable for loafers. It fits very daring designs such as this one.
Twinkima.G
Twinkima.G is a not typical brand focusing on niche market and it strives to draw customers from ECCO. I love this pair of cap toe oxford made with museum calf.
There is another pair causing many hesitations:
Square toe Lazyman.