British footwear, imbued with lightness | JOHN LOBB

JOHN LOBB

Sophisticated Men Playfully Choose Their Shoes: "DRIFT"

Suede Shoes That Bring a Relaxed Feel to Your Feet

For a relaxed spring and summer wardrobe, a certain level of sophistication and refinement is essential. A well-balanced, classy coordinate is achieved when these two elements complement each other. The new "DRIFT" model for SS16 is the perfect shoe for such a style.

Photographs by KOBAYASHI Takashi (ITARU Studio)Text by ITO Yuji

"Tradition and Innovation": The Essence of Modern British Style

When one thinks of Britain, the image of tradition, with gentlemen in walking sticks striding through the city, often comes to mind. However, this is merely a relic of imagination today. If you were to visit, you would be impressed by the contemporary style of the people. But this does not mean they disregard tradition. When it comes to preferences in lifestyle, such as shoes, fashion, and cars, they still tend to choose historical brands.

Observing the brands favored by these modern gentlemen, one notices a particular characteristic in their craftsmanship: "tradition and innovation." While inheriting tradition in core aspects like materials and techniques, they embrace innovation in design and sensibility.

This characteristic, evident in Britain's production of numerous digital gadgets and fashion designers, can be seen as a testament to the nation's aptitude for innovation. It's precisely why British products capture our attention. A collection from John Lobb, symbolizing this design sensibility that is classical yet far from boring, has been released.

Shoes That Are Light in Both Appearance and Feel

The "DRIFT" derby shoes, part of John Lobb's 2016 SS collection, are crafted from light suede, perfect for casual summer occasions. Their simple two-eyelet design offers a modern impression and serves as an accent to refine relaxed styles.

For instance, try pairing the "DRIFT" shoes, featuring a natural-colored welt and sole, with a cotton setup in natural colors like beige or khaki, instead of sandals. This instantly lends a more urban feel to your attire, creating a coordinate with a light, effortless nuance.

In addition to this visual lightness, a pursuit of comfort is also a hallmark of this season's new offerings. These shoes feature an unlined vamp, allowing the soft suede upper to fit comfortably. The result is a robust Goodyear-welted shoe that doesn't feel heavy, embodying the very essence of modern British style.