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June 25, 2015
Feature | Essential items for the gentleman to brighten early summer, Vol. 03 Penny Loafers
Feature: Essential Items for a Gentleman's Early Summer Style, Vol. 03
Vol. 03: The Timeless Penny Loafer
Penny loafers are leather shoes loved by all generations, from students to adults. They are versatile summer shoes that can be enjoyed in any coordination, whether formal or casual, and there are renowned masterpieces from long-established shoe manufacturers. In recent years, as Ivy League and other traditional styles have once again become a choice for coordination, attention has also turned to these shoes.
Photographs by YUASA TohruStyling by IDA MasaakiText by MURAMATSU Ryo (OPENERS)
A Summer Classic That Transcends Time
The penny loafer is a slip-on shoe with a slit across the instep. The name "penny" is widely believed to originate from the 1960s when students at Ivy League universities in the northeastern United States, such as Yale and Harvard, would tuck a penny into the slit. This is thought to be a fusion of an old European custom of coins bringing good luck with the fashion of the youth at the time.
More recently, in the 2000s, a resurgence of American traditional style, spearheaded by New York designers, led to a renewed focus on Ivy League fashion. Following this trend, the Japanese edition of "TAKE IVY," a book showcasing the fashion culture of Ivy Leaguers, was reissued in '11, a memory still fresh. The photographs, capturing the casual daily lives of these students, possess a timeless charm and remain remarkably unfaded as a symbol of fashion.
Penny loafers, which adorned the feet of these students, are also produced by renowned shoe manufacturers worldwide. From these, we have selected two classic models made with Goodyear welting: black and burgundy. Black pairs well with casual outfits, while burgundy is recommended for dressier styles. While they look great with bare feet, pairing them with trousers that end at the ankle and intentionally showing off your socks creates an even more sophisticated impression. Enjoy a traditional look this summer with penny loafers that exude timeless charm.
