Why Japanese Shoemakers Shine Globally

MatsudaThe first bespoke model you're wearing today, which we discussed last time, has a beautiful silhouette with excellent balance in length and width, and an egg-shaped toe – the most iconic John Lobb shape.

NIGO®I wanted my first pair to have a standard John Lobb shape, so I'm very fond of this model.

MatsudaDo you order shoes from makers other than John Lobb?

NIGO®I have some from John Lobb in the UK, and also from George Cleverley. One thing that surprised me was finding Japanese craftsmen in every atelier I visited, which made me happy.

MatsudaIndeed, they are everywhere. When I ask about their reputation, everyone speaks highly of them. Do you know why? It's said that because Japanese feet have the most complex shapes globally, having Japanese craftsmen who understand them is incredibly helpful.

NIGO®Is that so?

Displayed in Vintage Glass Cases at Home

MatsudaWhen you aim to create something truly satisfactory, do you find yourself drawn to bespoke orders?

NIGO®Yes, I always create things from my own perspective, so perhaps bespoke is the ultimate form for me. But it's a world of self-satisfaction (laughs).

MatsudaHow does your wife react?

NIGO®She complimented the John Lobb bespoke shoes I brought today, saying, "These shoes are so lovely and elegant."

MatsudaWhat about your knowledge of bespoke orders?

NIGO®I'm the type to learn through practice, and I tend to start by creating basic items. I bought a ready-to-wear John Lobb loafer overseas, but it didn't quite fit my foot comfortably, so I had one made bespoke. Loafers actually took quite some time.

What About the Craftsmanship of HUMAN MADE?

MatsudaHow about "HUMAN MADE," the brand you're involved with as a designer?

NIGO®With this upcoming autumn/winter season marking "Season 5," we're finally able to do more. Initially, the base was to create things that wouldn't resonate with APE fans even if made by the old APE, things I wanted to wear myself, things I wanted to own. Because of the intricate craftsmanship, the prices are high, but I make what I like without concern.

MatsudaSo, it incorporates elements of NIGO®'s roots?

NIGO®I started with vintage clothing. In my student days, 1950s vintage was the oldest, but now I go back as far as the 1910s and 1920s. I believe "the future lies in the past," and while time moves forward, I feel that what we seek strangely becomes older. Therefore, for younger generations, basic items are currently trending.

MatsudaI see.

NIGO®At HUMAN MADE, I find graphic themes in my daily life. Currently, I'm into coffee. Are you familiar with "Kopi Luwak," known as the world's rarest and most expensive coffee? It's made from coffee cherries that have been eaten by civets and then excreted undigested, followed by washing and drying the beans. I use the civet itself as a motif for graphics.

Participating in a John Lobb Project!?

MatsudaWhat are NIGO®'s future activities?

NIGO®In my private life, I'm into Japanese culture. Influenced by my wife, I watch Kabuki once or twice a month. Each time, I discover something new, and it feels very fresh to me right now.

Matsuda: Are there any shoes you'd like to create next?

NIGO®Well, I think I've made most of the things I've wanted (laughs).

MatsudaActually, John Lobb Bespoke had a project called "Spirits of Capitals," where we created bespoke models representing major cities worldwide. If a similar opportunity arises, we would be delighted if you would participate.

NIGO®That would be a great honor. Thank you.





Dates: Sunday, July 8th – Monday, July 9th, 2012 | John Lobb Hilton Plaza
B1F, Hilton Plaza East, 1-8-16 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka
Tel. 06-6346-3933
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 19:00 (during the order event)

Reservations and Inquiries via Email
bespoke@boutique.johnlobb.co.jp

John Lobb Japan
Tel. 03-6267-6010
http://www.johnlobb.com/jp