Shoes Befitting the Discerning Gentleman | JOHN LOBB
FASHION / MEN
September 4, 2015

Shoes Befitting the Discerning Gentleman | JOHN LOBB


JOHN LOBB


“ASH”: Adding a Twist to Dresswear


Tradition Finds Meaning in Modernization


Men's fashion may seem to change little at first glance. However, even classic pieces are refined year by year. The art of dressing smartly for a sophisticated man lies in sensing and updating these subtle shifts. We would like to introduce "ASH," a shoe that adds further color to this evolution.

Model Photographs by KUBOTA Ikuo (owl)Still Photographs by KOBAYASHI Takashi (ITARU Studio)Text by ITO Yuji (OPENERS)




Shoes to Evolve Your Style





People often cherish the era they consider their best. While this is a necessary element in terms of successful experiences, one cannot evolve if they remain stuck in a single point in time from a style perspective. A man's wardrobe contains many items considered classics, but they are not complete once acquired.




02


Whether it's a navy blazer or a grey suit, regular replacement, meaning updates, are necessary. This is because even classic items are constantly evolving in their details, and aligning with the trends of the times is key to avoiding a dated look.

When updating, the important choice is to select items with an authentic, traditional overall design. While replacing items, the aim is not drastic change, but rather to curate basic pieces that reflect evolution and refinement for the modern era. This should result in a smarter, more sophisticated impression when worn. Pairing these with John Lobb's "ASH" will subtly yet elegantly accentuate your unique personality.

For the Feet of a Casual Party Style


The hallmark of "ASH" is its ghillie lacing. However, traditional ghillie shoes lack a tongue. The Duke of Windsor favored that type, and coordinating them to show socks was popular at the time. But recreating that exactly for today would be too much. The charm of this shoe lies in its modernization, informed by its history.
02

This new model, crafted on the slender new "0215" last with its elegant almond-shaped toe, features a tongue, making it compatible with dresswear. Furthermore, its ghillie shoe appearance prevents your style from becoming too conventional. Considering this, "ASH" is an excellent choice for party styles where opera pumps might be too formal.

From a fashion perspective, the unique value of this shoe originates from the dancing shoes of the Gaelic kilt-wearing people that appeared in the late 17th century. Its distinctive shape made it easy to adjust the fit and allowed for quick drying, which is why it was later used to traverse the Scottish wetlands. This shoe, a modernized take on tradition, aligns with John Lobb's theme this season of journeys from Cornwall, offering a way to enjoy contemporary dresswear.



Model Name: "ASH"
Color/Material: Black×Black, Black×Indigo, Navy×Indigo / Calf×Suede
Last: 0215
Sole: Single Leather Sole
Construction: Goodyear Welted
Price: ¥259,200
Size: 5E - 9.5E



02






Inquiries


John Lobb Japan


Tel. 03-6267-6010


http://www.johnlobb.com/jp