The Luxury of a Wholecut, Everyday | REGAL
REGAL | Regal
Beautifully Comfortable Shoes: The Essence of Luxury
True luxury is something that fulfills both mind and body. Not merely beautiful, nor just comfortable, but a combination of both is what should truly be called luxury. The wholecut shoes that Regal proposes this spring are exquisite items that allow you to enjoy the essence of such luxury in your everyday life.
Photographs by KOBAYASHI Takashi (ITARU Studio)Styling by INADA IsseyText by TAKEISHI Yasuhiro (City Writes)Edit by ITO Yuji
A Pair Born from the Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
Just as daiginjo sake is the pinnacle of Japanese liquors, or crystal glass the ultimate for glassware, there are items in food and objects hailed as the very best. While evaluation criteria naturally differ, the common thread is likely the use of carefully selected materials, high-level craftsmanship, and a rare sense of creativity. The men's shoes that Regal unveiled this spring are indeed worthy of being called the pinnacle.
The vamp, made from a single piece of leather (i.e., Wholecut), is meticulously designed with laser processing before being molded into a three-dimensional shape (refer to the video below for detailed steps). This is the first time such processing has been used by Regal, and it is a groundbreaking, globally unique endeavor in the field of dress shoes.
The embellishments, which appear to be traditional broguing at first glance, are all created using two types of laser processing: holes that penetrate the leather and stitch-like marks that only shave the surface. Since there's no need to switch out parts, this innovative method allows for the enjoyment of classic designs without compromising the comfort of wholecut construction.
The new Regal models this season feature the "wholecut" construction method. This technique uses a single piece of leather for the vamp that covers the foot, eliminating seams and overlays. This results in a lighter, softer feel against the foot and exceptional comfort. However, creating a wholecut requires a large, high-quality piece of leather with minimal blemishes, and shaping it three-dimensionally demands advanced technical skill. This is why wholecut shoes are considered the pinnacle of men's footwear. Furthermore, the absence of stitching enhances the elegant silhouette, but it also necessitates a minimalist design.
What's particularly noteworthy this time is the application of the latest laser processing to create wingtip and straight-tip designs on these wholecut shoes. This innovation allows for the enjoyment of elegant designs while retaining the unique comfort of wholecut construction, resulting in a truly revolutionary shoe. Additionally, the sole construction combines Regal's traditional Goodyear welt method with a durable synthetic rubber sole for practicality. These shoes are built for daily wear, offering durability and the ability to be resoled for long-term use. They are a testament to Regal's pursuit of traditional craftsmanship, innovative creativity, and everyday luxury.
Unprecedented Lightness and Elegance
Regal's wholecut shoes, in their wingtip and straight-tip variations, adhere to classic designs, making them suitable for any business attire. The use of innovative laser processing, without veering into the avant-garde but rather refining classic designs, showcases Regal's deep understanding of men's shoes and the needs of businessmen. The smooth surface of the wholecut, devoid of stitching, imparts a smart modernity that perfectly complements contemporary styles, which value lightness while still appreciating classic aesthetics.
The classic straight-tip design is a perfect match for this season's British-inspired windowpane suit. The clean, smart finish achieved through laser processing, combined with the nuanced brown hue, adds a touch of lightness to the footwear, completing a modern business style that isn't overly heavy.
A gradient coordination from ecru to brown, a key trend color this spring. The light-feeling brown wingtips, enhanced by laser processing and the subtly varied leather texture, blend effortlessly into casual settings with a sophisticated flair. It's an adult's weekend style that balances refinement with a relaxed feel.
With suits being re-evaluated in recent times, it's fashionable to enjoy them off-duty by pairing them with a T-shirt. In such cases, rather than sneakers, dress shoes provide a sharp finish. The light, nuanced straight-tip shoes with laser processing seamlessly transition to a casual look, even when worn sockless.
For instance, many contemporary suits are classic yet feature softer, less structured tailoring. Regal's wholecut shoes, with their blend of classic elegance and lightness, strike an excellent balance. They are also ideal for off-duty suits or casual outfits, providing a smart, understated presence without appearing too heavy.
While respecting tradition, Regal continuously pursues further innovation. Why not take a new step this spring with these unprecedented dress shoes, born from Regal's spirit and creativity? [PR]