JOHN LOBB | The 18th Year Model, "JOHN LOBB 2013"

JOHN LOBB | John Lobb

Prestige Derby on the 2511 Last

The 18th Year Model: "JOHN LOBB 2013"

Since 1996, an "Year Model" has been released simultaneously worldwide on October 25th, the feast day of Saint Crispin, the patron saint of shoemakers.John LobbThe 18th model, "JOHN LOBB 2013," features a Prestige Derby on the 2511 last.

Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)Photographs by SUZUKI Shinpei

"JOHN LOBB 2012"
"JOHN LOBB 2011"
"JOHN LOBB 2010"
"JOHN LOBB 2009"
"JOHN LOBB 2008"

Intricate and Profound Leather Hues

Though seemingly simple in design, the "JOHN LOBB 2013" Year Model is the result of an incredibly complex process. John Lobb's signature fine leather is cut slightly larger than its final size in its natural state, before coloring, during the cutting stage.

The cut leather is then colored by hand, one piece at a time, using specially blended creams applied with a sponge. Only after this meticulous coloring process is it cut to the precise size and moved to the next step.

The "Ash Black," reminiscent of ash dusted over black, offers a sense of depth; "Deep Purple" is rich and profound; and "Faded Bordeaux," a rare bright reddish-purple for John Lobb. Each leather color is uniquely captivating, defying simple description, and promises fascinating evolution with age.

The facing, where the laces are threaded, is meticulously finished with a hot iron, polished smoothly to showcase subtle hand craftsmanship. Furthermore, the two "parallel stitches" at the joining points are hand-stitched, creating perfectly balanced accents on both sides.

Applying cream and wax to the "JOHN LOBB 2013" reveals a beautiful, translucent sheen, enhancing its luster. This is a masterpiece available only for a limited time.