FASHION /
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August 31, 2015
Shoes Adorned with Unseen Elegance | JOHN LOBB
JOHN LOBB
The "EASTON" Shoe to Elevate Your Dress Style
Elegance or Allure: What Emanates from Beautiful Shoes?
Have you ever seen elegance or allure, words often used as compliments? Because they are invisible, people desire them, and because they are intangible, they strive to give them form. One answer to this pursuit is John Lobb's new model, "EASTON."
Model Photographs by KUBOTA Ikuo (owl)Still Photographs by KOBAYASHI Takashi (ITARU Studio)Text by ITO Yuji (OPENERS)
Shoes with Allure Realized by the New Creative Director
Many words used to describe people lack a concrete definition. This is a testament to the complex composition of human beings, and one such element is allure. As the characters suggest, this ambiguous quality, like a fragrance emanating from a person, cannot be acquired overnight.
This is because acquiring it requires accumulating various experiences. Some of these experiences may not even be necessary to know.
One could argue that elegance, allure, and grace are not essential for survival. However, whether one understands this or not significantly alters their charm. Which adult would suit "John Lobb" better? Surely it would be someone who has experienced the truth that "great extravagance is elegant investment."
A Navy "EASTON" with a Tuxedo
This notion of "elegant investment" also applies to shoes. While shoes may not always be the focal point of an outfit, they undeniably express one's personal taste. This is similar to the world of watches; wearing something that satisfies you personally influences the aura that emanates from within.
In essence, could this aura be the very definition of allure? John Lobb's new Autumn/Winter 2015 model, "EASTON," is a rare shoe that supports this idea. Positioned in the Prestige line, this shoe features a single monk strap on the 7000 last, creating a dressy design. The square buckle is newly crafted and, of course, an original John Lobb creation.

The "EASTON" is characterized by its masterful combination of different materials, featuring calfskin and suede. While the upper is made of lustrous calf, the strap and heel are covered in suede, lending a slightly more casual feel. To fully appreciate the charm of this shoe, why not try wearing it as a deliberate contrast to formal attire like a tuxedo? In that case, the navy x indigo colorway is recommended.
The reason for this recommendation is that deep navy was once described as "blacker than black, and more profound." Simply put, under certain lighting conditions in the past, it appeared darker than black. However, like James Bond and the Duke of Windsor, sophisticated British dandies preferred navy over black. While the difference may not be immediately obvious, it is perhaps this subtlety that envelops a man with an air-like allure.
"EASTON"
Price: ¥280,800 (includes shoetrees)
Last: 7000
Color/Material: Black×Charcoal, Navy×Black, Navy×Indigo / Calf× Suede
Sole: Single Leather Sole
Size: 5E–9.5E

