FASHION /
MEN
February 19, 2016
Allure is born from concealment | JOHN LOBB
JOHN LOBB
The "BAY": Shoes with Refined Allure
A Sleek Design That Conceals the Laces
What the eye perceives is not everything. It is the unseen that sparks the imagination, revealing an inner beauty. This season, a new shoe embodying such playfulness and aesthetic sensibility has been born: the "BAY."
Photographs by KOBAYASHI Takashi (ITARU Studio)Text by ITO Yuji
Leaving Elements Unseen is Also a Virtue
In fashion today, "alluring clothing" emphasizes concealment over display. While there was a time when overtly revealing designs were considered sexy, such direct expressions are now largely avoided. Even with a suit, a proper tie, and a classic three-piece ensemble feels more in tune with the times, exuding a dignified charm and subtle allure.
Underpinning this shift is the Japanese aesthetic sensibility that values subtlety and shadow. While revealing everything might seem clearer for information processing, the true charm of people and objects lies beyond the obvious. Jun'ichiro Tanizaki's seminal work, "In Praise of Shadows," eloquently explores this very idea.
The beauty of shadow and obscurity arises precisely from the presence of unseen elements—shadows, clouds, darkness. Examining this concept, one might infer that leaving certain aspects ambiguous piques curiosity, compelling us to discover their hidden allure. It is in this vein that I wish to introduce John Lobb's new Spring/Summer 2016 model, the "BAY."
Sharpness for Casual Wear, Relaxed Elegance for Dress
The concept behind John Lobb's new collection this season is a return to the very foundations of shoemaking. This is coupled with a pursuit of comfort, such as lightness and a supple feel, resulting in shoes with unprecedented designs. Among these, the "BAY" stands out as the most ingeniously designed.

While featuring a simple plain-toe design, the outer vamp's single eyelet is a remarkably catchy detail. Structurally, a leather tube is incorporated inside the vamp, through which the shoelaces are threaded, creating the concealed design. This minimalist aesthetic lends sharpness to casual outfits and a touch of relaxed sophistication to dress styles, further enhancing the shoe's appeal.
True to this season's concept, the "BAY" is a Goodyear-welted shoe crafted to be as light and soft as physically possible. Its excellent fit and fresh design possess the power to transform everyday ensembles. We recommend these as the ideal choice for the discerning man who prefers not to reveal all.
Model Name: "BAY"
Color/Material: Black, Parisian Brown, Bruinn/Suede
Last: 8695
Sole: Single Leather Sole (Natural)
Construction: Goodyear Welted
Price: ¥248,400
Sizes: 5E - 9.5E

