I’ve never been a fan of Albert slippers with black tie. With a normal tux they look out of place and with a velvet jacket they drag the look back to the domestic engagement that the jacket is trying to escape from.

Equally, patent shoes have never held much appeal. First, because patent leather is essentially cheap skin with a plastic coating – even good patent leather is not great leather – and a beautifully polished calf shines with greater depth and subtlety. And second, because the shoe is so restricted to just that handful of formal occasions during the year.


An interesting alternative is to wear those calf Oxfords with ribbon laces – as shown here, with a pair from Gaziano & Girling. The ribbons can be inserted before an event and removed afterwards, lending a new look to an existing shoe.

Shoemakers buy these in by the box, but I don’t know of anywhere in London that sells them retail. (I acquired my pair from Tony and Dean at G&G.) If anyone does and can recommend a supplier, please let us know.

UPDATE: Cleverley normally sells them, priced at £10, but they are out of stock at the moment. Thanks for your comments.


Photography: Andy Barnham
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2bsure

Simon – you’re absolutely on the monet with this. Is that a GG Sinatra btw

Paul van der Hart

Only on the web, of course! Look under “dance shoe laces” or “grosgrain ribbon laces”.

http://www.shoelacesexpress.com/

Traditionally Styled

These shoes are absolutely wonderful. The ribbon laces are the perfect tip for added formality with a bold, yet subtly refined, style. This is a perfect way to make a shoe functional in a number of situations.

Anonymous

Love, Love, Love.
Worthy alternative for eveningwear!

Steve

Anonymous

F!@#king Ace. Bravo…

George Smiley

Simon, this comment is a bit tardy, but thank you for another wonderful post. I came across it as I searched your archives for shoes I can wear to a formal event, requiring a tuxedo.

May I ask a question? How were the shoes in the photos shined? They have a brilliant shine across the shoe that appears to go beyond the level of a standard mirror shine, typically limited to the toe and heel portions of shoes.

George Smiley

As for recommendations for places to purchase ribbon laces, A Fine Pair of Shoes carries them for a reasonable price (https://www.afinepairofshoes.co.uk/collections/shoe-laces-price-desc/products/satin-ribbon-shoe-laces-75cm). Thank you for all your thoughtful and erudite content, Simon!