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Scuppers

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Most curious. JL did not hesitate when I asked for a pair of MTO Berkeley. In fact, always found them accommodation with obscure requests.
 

Texasmade

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Most curious. JL did not hesitate when I asked for a pair of MTO Berkeley. In fact, always found them accommodation with obscure requests.
Same here. Granted this was pre-Covid but I was told that any model that's not a SC special edition can be made on request.
 

ForwardPleats

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Most curious. JL did not hesitate when I asked for a pair of MTO Berkeley. In fact, always found them accommodation with obscure requests.
How long ago was that? It seems to me like the brand has been changing a lot over recent years and not for the better sadly.
Same here. Granted this was pre-Covid but I was told that any model that's not a SC special edition can be made on request.
Yeah, I think the Pre-Covid thing makes all the difference. A lot of business has changed or streamlined their operations since then. It makes me very sad that there are more designer sneakers on Lobb's website these days than Goodyear-welted fine footwear.
 

Texasmade

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Yeah, I think the Pre-Covid thing makes all the difference. A lot of business has changed or streamlined their operations since then. It makes me very sad that there are more designer sneakers on Lobb's website these days than Goodyear-welted fine footwear.
Post-Covid, a lot of offices are starting to be more casual so I can see why JL would pivot to more casual footwear. At least the bespoke workshop is still amazing if not really expensive.
 

ForwardPleats

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Post-Covid, a lot of offices are starting to be more casual so I can see why JL would pivot to more casual footwear. At least the bespoke workshop is still amazing if not really expensive.
It is understandable, but I think going to far with it is a mistake along with their new fashion forward aesthetic for even their dress shoes in recent years.

For me, the whole appeal of John Lobb RTW footwear is to get a more budget friendly facsimile of the classic, timeless John Lobb bespoke footwear worn by British style icons ranging from members of the Royal Family to James Bond.
 
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Scuppers

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How long ago was that? It seems to me like the brand has been changing a lot over recent years and not for the better sadly.

Yeah, I think the Pre-Covid thing makes all the difference. A lot of business has changed or streamlined their operations since then. It makes me very sad that there are more designer sneakers on Lobb's website these days than Goodyear-welted fine footwear.
16 months ago
 

Ebitdaddy

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Post-Covid, a lot of offices are starting to be more casual so I can see why JL would pivot to more casual footwear. At least the bespoke workshop is still amazing if not really expensive.

I have not worn any of my nice dress shoes since Covid.

Also friends with a few guys that own businesses that sell nicer clothes and they are all still way down revenue wise since Covid. Pretty sad.
 

Scuppers

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I have not worn any of my nice dress shoes since Covid.

Also friends with a few guys that own businesses that sell nicer clothes and they are all still way down revenue wise since Covid. Pretty sad.
HAH, really? Bought 35-36 pairs of Lobb/Greens from my local over 6-8 years. Can’t say I am weeping in sympathy.
 

ForwardPleats

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I had some older models made as MTO some years ago, but was told they didn't do that gladly. Don't know now, but doesn't surprise me, if they don't do that any longer.

The Fencote is a nice model I was considering at the time, but unfortunately, they were not willing to provide a try-on pair, so I had to give up, because a less than perfect fit on a loafer is not acceptable.
Okay, John Lobb just quoted me double the original retail price for those new old stock Fencote loafers I was looking at, said price also being more than what Edward Green quoted me for the pair of MTO Winchelsea I've also been looking at. And said Winchelseas would be split sized for a perfect fit.

Hermes has gotten ridiculously greedy. I'm not paying for their silly product placement campaign to have all the Oscar nominees wear Lobb shoes this year.
 

othertravel

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Okay, John Lobb just quoted me double the original retail price for those new old stock Fencote loafers I was looking at, said price also being more than what Edward Green quoted me for the pair of MTO Winchelsea I've also been looking at. And said Winchelseas would be split sized for a perfect fit.

Hermes has gotten ridiculously greedy. I'm not paying for their silly product placement campaign to have all the Oscar nominees wear Lobb shoes this year.
The Veblen cost curve in action. Church’s tried, and seems to be failing at it. I’m assuming Lobb is doing well?
 

ForwardPleats

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The Veblen cost curve in action. Church’s tried, and seems to be failing at it. I’m assuming Lobb is doing well?
I dunno, I think this sort of marketing will bite Lobb in the butt. I don't think these sort of strategies work for English shoemakers. I don't think people buy Lobb for the brand name in the same way as the Italian fashion houses.
 

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