High-Stepping

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The New York Sun

Fashion and religion rarely intersect, but every year, John Lobb, the venerable British men’s handmade shoe label, launches one new shoe design on St. Crispin’s Day, in honor of the patron saint of boot making. The 2004 limited-edition shoe was launched last week, and the design is a bit of a departure for the label that was once under the roof of Hermes.


“It has a more square toe. Our shoes tend to be more traditional, but this has a modern feel,” said boutique manager Vicky Shortland. “Since it’s been in the window, it’s been doing quite well.”


Only 1,000 pairs of the 2004 shoes are made and distributed to the John Lobb shops around the world. Each pair of shoes ($1,190) is cut from one hide of calf, dyed in black, pewter (think dark gray, not Liberace), chestnut, or pepper. The pairs are stamped with a number on the sole – and when all 1,000 pairs have been sold, no more are made.


“It’s the closest thing to a custom-made shoe in the ready-to-wear line,” said Ms. Shortland.


The John Lobb boutique sells ready-to-wear men’s shoes and boots, which are made in Northhampton, England ($895 to $1,200), but also provides fittings for custom-made shoes (starting at $3,800), which are made in Paris.


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