Cleverley

RSS · Oct 22, 2010

Originally Posted by bengal-stripe

Let’s hope Glasgow Junior is ready to get his hands dirty and is willing to learn all aspects of shoemaking, even work in other firms to get a feel for the differences (and similarities), and is not just a handsome face in a nice suit.
Well, Glasgow Senior has come a long way in terms of appearance. When I first met him, he was quite disheveled and there was no nice suit ... well ... except for mine. Had the firm (it was still N&L at the time) not had such a fine reputation, I'd have run for the hills ... although I realize that significant ones can be difficult to find in England. And I'll never forget what I call the Glasgow Glance. It occurs as you meet face to face. The eyes ... while focused on your face ... take an almost but not quite imperceptible glance downward ... so as to take in your shoes. Where that not obvious enough ... the first question after meeting would make it so. Brooks Brothers Peals? That said ... I liked George Senior from the get-go. I do not know Junior ... well ... not yet.

medwards · Oct 22, 2010

In those days, it was rather uncommon for a shoemaker or even a tailor to be terribly well turned out (though there were some notable --and even flamboyant -- exceptions). Of course, there was also a very traditional approach to style. My first several pair of shoes made by the folks who were to become Cleverley were all black calf, differing only in the amount and placement of their stitching/broguing. I'll never forget asking George about a pair of spectators (co-respondent's shoes) and getting that Glasgow look and a very dry "And where was sir thinking of wearing such a pair?" I ordered another pair of semi-brogues instead!

RSS · Oct 22, 2010

Originally Posted by medwards

In those days, it was rather uncommon for a shoemaker or even a tailor to be terribly well turned out (though there were some notable --and even flamboyant -- exceptions).
Absolutely true of my shoemakers and shirtmakers ... but my tailor, Colin Harvey, was one of the "exceptions" you reference. Perhaps this explains why after I had the basics covered ... I began to venture ever further and further out on a limb. Yet when thinking back ... many of the men at A&S were not all that well turned out. Today when I see John Hitchcock looking very much the gentleman -- and he can look quite distinguished -- well, lets just say he looks quite different from times past.

Originally Posted by medwards

Of course, there was also a very traditional approach to style. My first several pair of shoes made by the folks who were to become Cleverley were all black calf, differing only in the amount and placement of their stitching/broguing. I'll never forget asking George about a pair of spectators (co-respondent's shoes) and getting that Glasgow look and a very dry "And where was sir thinking of wearing such a pair?" I ordered another pair of semi-brogues instead!
George's comment you relate refreshes my memory of having asked Anderson & Sheppard for a black "funeral suit." Mr Harvey responded something akin to, "We shall make it up in charcoal. One day you will thank me for having done so."

RSS · Oct 22, 2010

I want to add one more comment about John. Much as George Glasgow ... I liked John from the start. There is something about John that just says "trustworthy." I have always been very comfortable in his presence ... and if he tells me something ... I know I can believe it.

Eustace Tilley · Oct 22, 2010

I have met George Jr. several times. Imo, he is a very good guy who understands well the tradition / history of the firm. I have no hesitation in dealing with him.

RSS · Oct 22, 2010

Originally Posted by Eustace Tilley

I have met George Jr. several times. Imo, he is a very good guy who understands well the tradition / history of the firm. I have no hesitation in dealing with him.
Glad to hear. I've been thinking that must so. How could anyone grow up in George Glasgow's house and not live and breath "Cleverely."

medwards · Oct 22, 2010

Originally Posted by RSS

I want to add one more comment about John. Much as George Glasgow ... I liked John from the start. There is something about John that just says "trustworthy." I have always been very comfortable in his presence ... and if he tells me something ... I know I can believe it.

My feelings precisely!

Manton · Oct 22, 2010

Cleverley is great. I think others make a finer shoe from a construction perspective, and overall I like the Lobb Paris last shape better, but Cleverley is an excellent shoe from start to finish and the fit is never short of perfect.

RSS · Oct 22, 2010

Originally Posted by Manton

Cleverley is great. I think others make a finer shoe from a construction perspective, and overall I like the Lobb Paris last shape better, but Cleverley is an excellent shoe from start to finish and the fit is never short of perfect.
Also a fan of Lobb Paris in terms of last shape.

Eustace Tilley · Oct 22, 2010

Originally Posted by Manton

the fit is never short of perfect.

+1

luk-cha · Oct 22, 2010

Originally Posted by RSS

I want to add one more comment about John. Much as George Glasgow ... I liked John from the start. There is something about John that just says "trustworthy." I have always been very comfortable in his presence ... and if he tells me something ... I know I can believe it.

+1 i i really liked John when i met him as was gonna have a pair untill i got the hard sale from George
and a few choice word about their former empolyee

voxsartoria · Oct 22, 2010

Ugh.

- B

Son Of Saphir · Oct 23, 2010

Many good storey here.
Tell some more

LabelKing · Oct 23, 2010

I believe George Jr. is a former lawyer in LA.

ruben · Oct 23, 2010

SIMON RICH's favorite shoes are old basketball sneakers.

I hate these stupid byline status updates, I don;t want to feel like the facebook friend of your writer.

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