Barker Black MTO Damage Photoessay

[sartort]

After 126 days, a package was finally waiting for me, a door tag that is. A short trip to the local FedEx facility after work and the wait was finally over. I thought I'd share a photo essay of my MTO Barker Black Crown/Wolfe hybrid Loafers. Before I begin, I know that Barker Black is one of the more controversial brands on this forum. It seems to ignite both passion and vitriol. It is probably the closest shoe equivalent to Tom Ford and Thom Brown and their subsequent threads. I own several pairs of "better value" makers such as Edward Green and Crockett & Jones. While EGs are my favorite, I have soft spot for both C&J and Barker Black. I'd like to think the subsequent shoe is a good example of what they are capable of.

I have always liked the Ashfield last that the Wolfe Loafer and Archdale wingtip are on. It is very very similar to C&J's 337 which is also one of my favorites. I had a vision of the perfect loafer (for me) about a year ago and it combined the penny strap found on BB's Crown Loafer, with the higher vamp and ashfield last found on the Wolfe bit loafer. I had a moonlighting job this summer and earned a little extra spending money and decided to finally place an order. Luckily I got the order placed before the September price increase which was 10% across the board I believe. Barker Black charges a 20% upcharge for all made to order shoes. They take 40% at the time of order and 60% at completion. I have to say Toure at the shop was very courteous and helpful throughout the entire process. He even called to let me know that my shoes were going to be delayed a few weeks (past the 16 weeks normally) due to my pair not passing QC and that they were going to remake a new pair. Luckily my shoes arrived sooner than that, in perfect condition and with free shipping and a hand written letter to boot. I can not ask more of customer service. It was a pleasure dealing with them.

Without further ado...

MTO Perk 1: Your Name in the Style Box

Receipt & Hand Written Note

Nice Waist treatment

MTO Perk 2: Your Name in the info Oval

Detail Shot

 

[gomestar]

beautiful man, absolutely beautiful.

Huge envy right here.

 

[DrZRM]

I'm not a big loafer fan, but I like them. Nice work.

 

[dopamine]

While I'm not a fan of penny loafers, that is one hot looking shoe. I've always thought that a pair of Barker Black derbys with the skull medallion would look perfect with a Thom Browne suit.

 

[Johnathan]

Those are just beautiful.

 

[gomestar]

Originally Posted by dopamine

While I'm not a fan of penny loafers, that is one hot looking shoe. I've always thought that a pair of Barker Black derbys with the skull medallion would look perfect with a Thom Browne suit.

Mr. Miller of Barker Black is no stranger to Thom Browne suits.

 

[plotter]

The best rendition of a loafer from Barker Black in my eyes. The color is great. I have the StanHope, and I am so amazed by the skull nail print and how beautiful their soles turn out to be, although I might sell my StanHopes, because they are bit too big.

Anyway, congrats!

 

[Tarmac]

I probably will never do a custom order loafer, but if I did, those might be it

 

[zjpj83]

Not for me, but very cool shoes. My first thought was that the crown is very Budweiser-esque.

 

[Spatlese]

Originally Posted by zjpj83

Not for me, but very cool shoes. My first thought was that the crown is very Budweiser-esque.

Was thinking the same. Everything else about them, especially the colour, is great.

 

[acidboy]

very interesting casual shoes, i particularly like the pair of "x" stitches on each side. congratulations.

 

[polar-lemon]

Wow, what a penny loafer. If you don't mind me asking, what is the cost for MTO shoes?

 

[ManofKent]

I'm not a fan of loafers, but these look very well done.

 

[StylenotFashion]

Really nice shoe!

 

[nate10184]

I bought a pair of C&J Loafers in about the same color and I've slowly fallen in love with them. These are in a whole nother world though. Great.