Carmina Shoes - Definitive Thread (reviews, advice, sizing, etc...) - official thread.

[jet-stream]

Regarding some member's interested in creating a derby boot with detailing similar to model 80450, we have been developing the derby version of this model for a while.

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Nonetheless, since it is an original design and we would not like it to seem like we are trying to copy other maker's models we have not launched the model yet. To be fair, classic models and traditional styles can have close looks. However, our artisans make great efforts to design models that are close to our aesthetic and which work well within our collection.

We generally get inspiration for very old models in our archives or rather some ideas our pattern makers come up with. Client requests are sometimes taken into account too but they are usually requests to change a model from a cap toe to a wingitp, add broguing... Our artisans would not agree on copying a model from another maker.

This said, we have requested permission to disclose the boots with this "wing" detailing for you to see. For the time being, the only available model would be model 80450.

Thank you for the thoughtful reply! There is a lot of interest in this type of boot pattern and, as we discussed here over the weekend, we likewise would be interested in a unique Carmina pattern rather than anything that could be construed as a copy.

With that said, I think we'd all be thrilled to see what your team has designed. If we are able to provide feedback and/or contribute ideas for the final design, all the better.

Please let us know how we can help. I generated a list of members who have expressed interest in this type of pattern. You're obviously more than welcome to reach out to us individually or publicly, as you see fit.

Once again, thank you for your efforts to work with our community!

I’ll echo stook - thanks! I am one who specifically wants Carmina’s take on the concept, not a clone.

Personally, I’d vote for a clean line where the shaft meets the rest of the upper (no perfing/pinking).

 

[jet-stream]

Hi all. I asking for your advice.
I have recieved two new Kirby pairs. One of them is flawless but I want to discuss with u if I'm too fussy if I don't accept the other.
The medallion in the right shoe is not completly centered. Honestly, I'm not sure if this is one of those thing which only detected by the owner.
Anything else is perfect and I love them (but now I can only watch this medallion!!!)
(@dave_rawitat: Thanks for the inspiration. I'm not so brave as you but mine are the sons of your greens)
Please, excuse my poor photo skills.


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I think a misaligned medallion is reason to request a remake, especially on a pair of shell shoes. Lovely makeup, though.

I agree - that’s not to Carmina’s usual standard and I’d give them a chance to fix it.

 

[dave_rawitat]

Hi all. I asking for your advice.
I have recieved two new Kirby pairs. One of them is flawless but I want to discuss with u if I'm too fussy if I don't accept the other.
The medallion in the right shoe is not completly centered. Honestly, I'm not sure if this is one of those thing which only detected by the owner.
Anything else is perfect and I love them (but now I can only watch this medallion!!!)
(@dave_rawitat: Thanks for the inspiration. I'm not so brave as you but mine are the sons of your greens)
Please, excuse my poor photo skills.


View attachment 1259323 View attachment 1259328

I would ask for a remake. Especially if it is noticeable by you and you can't keep your eyes off it, as you said. (Me too, being an OCD).

By the way, yours looks like a lovechild of my two MTOs: The Green Shell + Loden Suede 80383 Adelaide and Burgundy Shell + Burgundy Suede 80450 boots (we even picked the same medallion for the burgundy pair!)

 

[stook1]

Personally, I’d vote for a clean line where the shaft meets the rest of the upper (no peering/pinking).

I'm assuming you mean perfing (ie. Brogue) and pinking? I agree with your thinking here since it makes for a cleaner look. I'd also point out that these details, broguing and pinking, fall into the more typical customizations that Carmina supports on orders. So if there was someone that wanted broguing it could be possible to add on a custom order.

I think the real challenge is what to do with the heel counters and possibly the quarters.

 

[Carmina]

Hi all. I asking for your advice.
I have recieved two new Kirby pairs. One of them is flawless but I want to discuss with u if I'm too fussy if I don't accept the other.
The medallion in the right shoe is not completly centered. Honestly, I'm not sure if this is one of those thing which only detected by the owner.
Anything else is perfect and I love them (but now I can only watch this medallion!!!)
(@dave_rawitat: Thanks for the inspiration. I'm not so brave as you but mine are the sons of your greens)
Please, excuse my poor photo skills.


View attachment 1259323 View attachment 1259328

Please send us an email to [email protected] with the issue. We will very gladly assist with your order.

 

[jet-stream]

I'm assuming you mean perfing (ie. Brogue) and pinking? I agree with your thinking here since it makes for a cleaner look. I'd also point out that these details, broguing and pinking, fall into the more typical customizations that Carmina supports on orders. So if there was someone that wanted broguing it could be possible to add on a custom order.

I think the real challenge is what to do with the heel counters and possibly the quarters.

Correct re: perfing. Stupid fingers - I have edited original post for clarity.

Personally, the cleaner the quarters the better. I would not want the heel counter to extend to the shaft; I want a suede shaft and either shell or CXL below.

 

[Rodolphe]

What is the last of this shoes on @Carmina website ?
I guess this is Simpson but I am not sure...

 

[stook1]

Correct re: perfing. Stupid fingers - I have edited original post for clarity.

Personally, the cleaner the quarters the better. I would not want the heel counter to extend to the shaft; I want a suede shaft and either shell or CXL below.

I like the idea of the shell lower portion getting carried up through the quarters and heel counter as trim to carry through the look and add a little more visual interest. I'm not sure if it's possible, but perhaps a single piece of shell for the lower panel and vamp flowing all the way up around the eyelets and up the back of the heel.

 

[serbarristan]

Question for the board - received my Kirby pair and love them, but there’s a dark spot in a very unfortunate place. This is my first pair of light shell so I’m not sure how much of this is acceptable, so please let me know your thoughts. Thanks.

 

[Neville Southall]

Question for the board - received my Kirby pair and love them, but there’s a dark spot in a very unfortunate place. This is my first pair of light shell so I’m not sure how much of this is acceptable, so please let me know your thoughts. Thanks.
View attachment 1259491

Shell isn't naturally uniform. That type of spotting is more commonplace than you think. If it really bothers you, I'd contact the New York store, but I'd leave it alone.

 

[serbarristan]

Shell isn't naturally uniform. That type of spotting is more commonplace than you think. If it really bothers you, I'd contact the New York store, but I'd leave it alone.

Exactly what I was hoping to hear, thank you. It looks like it might disappear into a roll eventually. I’ll post much better pictures of them soon.

 

[007Bond]

Question for the board - received my Kirby pair and love them, but there’s a dark spot in a very unfortunate place. This is my first pair of light shell so I’m not sure how much of this is acceptable, so please let me know your thoughts. Thanks.
View attachment 1259491

May seem like a dumb q but did you try to clean it. If it was me I would try to go over the top area with something like saphir renovateur basically something that is not a polish as you don't want to cover it but lift it. May come off with damp cloth too hard to say from the pic.

As noted the lighter colors are more subject to this depends on if it bothers you. I have several natural shell and a few pair have seen harsh times and still look great. I buy shoes to wear none are museum pieces so I tend to not worry about the small details. So that's back to you if it bothers you it's a problem if it does not well you see where I am going.

Also the lighter colors do get darker in the rolls so who knows where this will fall as the shoe wears.

I sort of think it will go away if you clean it as noted above, up to you.

 

[serbarristan]

May seem like a dumb q but did you try to clean it. If it was me I would try to go over the top area with something like saphir renovateur basically something that is not a polish as you don't want to cover it but lift it. May come off with damp cloth too hard to say from the pic.

As noted the lighter colors are more subject to this depends on if it bothers you. I have several natural shell and a few pair have seen harsh times and still look great. I buy shoes to wear none are museum pieces so I tend to not worry about the small details. So that's back to you if it bothers you it's a problem if it does not well you see where I am going.

Also the lighter colors do get darker in the rolls so who knows where this will fall as the shoe wears.

I sort of think it will go away if you clean it as noted above, up to you.

Thanks! I’m already so impressed with everything else about them that I’m quickly getting over the spot. I hit it with the brush and looks about the same, but you’re right the rolls should take it soon.

 

[007Bond]

Thanks! I’m already so impressed with everything else about them that I’m quickly getting over the spot. I hit it with the brush and looks about the same, but you’re right the rolls should take it soon.

Sounds good.

Here is a link to my natural shells in test a while back https://www.styleforum.net/threads/...vice-sizing-etc.241469/page-1524#post-9422926

And here they are today in some sun, these get hard wear all weather.

 

[scb]

My Kirby mto arrived. Olive 907 with single jr sole