The craftsmanship that goes into making a shoe always captivates me. From the first concept to the final product the creator takes a piece of leather or other material and crafts it into an object of true worth. Brogues Workshop are taking this craft to the next level by making a gorgeous array of shoes but also affording guests to have a say in the final product.
Construction
The shoes that I have are a gorgeous whole-cut, which is one smooth piece of leather with only one seam in the back. This sleek profile compliments a suit beautifully and lends itself to an elevated outfit more than a casual setting. The attention to detail is evident in the minute touches that they added to enhance the shoes. The stitch detail around the top heel adds a slight character without interrupting the flow of the shoe from front to back. The shoe features a small foot opening which does make them a little more difficult to get on, but once on really hugs the ankle well to provide an elegant look to the shoe.
The shoes are built with full leather upper and sole. The heel is a wood stack with a rubber guard.
The Color
I knew I wanted a whole-cut shoe, but what I didn’t know is in what color, so I did a lot of thinking. Finally I came up with a color idea, for a shoe that would be rich in color without being distracting. I was looking for a light chestnut with a character to it and was able to find a leather color for reference. Along with my size, I communicated my creative concept to Brogues Workshop and BOY did they deliver!
The shoes were HAND-PAINTED for me.
That’s right…I told them my vision and the leather masters went to work on the color.
The color has slight variations which brings the leather to life. The toe and heel lead into a beautiful dark burnish providing a contrast to the shoe. The sole of the shoes are also hand painted a deep maroon color, which will obviously fade as they wear but again….the details matter.
Overall Thoughts
The shoes look brilliant, and attracted a lot of attention at fashion week when I stepped out in them. The shoes are light which I am back and forth on. It could mean that the leather is thin and prone to creases, but could also mean that the shoes were constructed to be light in both appearance and substance. The lighter look of the shoe brings it into the dressier realm of shoes and I do approve of that.
How often do you have the chance to customize your shoe? To say…I want a blue leather wingtip or a crimson monkstrap. I know I have not had many opportunities to do that and that ability opens up Brogues Workshop to a whole new audience looking to have a say in the design process. These shoes are sure to turn heads and I recommend you check their regular line out, but then consider just how special it would be to bring your own ideas to the designer and see your creation come to life.
See more here: http://www.broguesworkshop.com/
Custom shoes here: http://bit.ly/2dHhWgh
