Corthay shoe


Wall art from Corthay in Paris. I never tire of talking to Pierre about his creative endeavours, or his collection of the endeavours of others.

In fact it’s interesting how much more creative bespoke shoemakers are, in general, than their tailoring peers. Even those without ready-to-wear collections spend time sketching ideas or designs, where very few tailors do.

Photo: Luke Carby

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Anonymous

Simon
How does an average man, not a trendy young shoe designer, blur the line between fascinating patination and incredibly garish shoes?

A Man in Mayfair

The expectation for tailors to be creative is flawed. Tailoring is about fit and quality construction, whereas fashion is about design. Tailoring is also innately classic and conservative. Gimmicky detailing is highly undesirable to most men who wear suits on a daily basis. A colourful and unusual shoe that looks great with casual clothes may lack gravitas with business attire. I am personally dubious about any tailor who fancies himself a fashion designer. Tailoring and fashion are two different worlds. Vive la difference!

Matt Spaiser

I agree with you Simon. English tailors in the 1960s were very creative, and unlike modern fashion designers they didn’t ignore fit or make. Patrick MacNee’s suits in the Avengers are great examples of bespoke tailors being creative whilst not forgetting about making a flattering suit. I don’t see how tailoring is “innately classic and conservative.” A good fit and balanced proportions doesn’t have to be exclusive from creativity.

Anonymous

Simon I would love some ideas on some smart summer trousers?

Anonymous

Ever owned a pair of Lobbs?