GMTO - Carmina slipper style loafer

[thatitalian]

Hi All,

I have been in contact with Carmina about a group MTO and am looking for interested members who would be happy to participate.

I have always been a big fan of Simon Crompton's (Permanent Style) Gaziano & Girling bespoke loafer, pictured below:

As beautiful as they are I was not willing to pay nearly £2k for the privilege of owning a pair.

However, Carmina are able to produce something similar.

The proposal is the blend two styles of shoe, the back of the penny loafer (with a single stitch seam) and the front of the slipper, both are pictured below:

In addition they would add some medallion detailing to the toe.

In terms of leather, I think they would look great in either a brown museum calf or lovely Rusticalf leather from Tannerie D'Annonay in France (my personal preference as I like the texture and they can be burnished). The beautiful grains, rich colours and character of the leather make this one of the best calf leathers in the world.

Alpine looks like a great grain option. Here are some colours below:

Here is an example of No. 22:

No. 23:

No. 27:

And here is No. 31 below (in the middle):

I'll attempt to get some samples as well, but as you can see it is a stunning leather.

To keep the elegance of the shoe I propose the Uetam last, specifically designed for loafers, but am happy to consider others dependent on demand.

Soles would be finished in leather (JR / Rendenbach soles) which have been kindly offered free of charge.

Carmina have confirmed the cost below:

Europe - Includes VAT - 395euro
USA - Includes VAT & Taxes - 450usd
Rest of the world - Without VAT & Taxes unpaid. 341euro

Who would be interested in participating?

Regards,

Stephen

 

[abkain]

Hi All,

I have been in contact with Carmina about a group MTO and am looking for interested members who would be happy to participate.

I have always been a big fan of Simon Crompton's (Permanent Style) Gaziano & Girling bespoke loafer, pictured below:

As beautiful as they are I was not willing to pay nearly £2k for the privilege of owning a pair.

However, Carmina are able to produce something similar.

The proposal is the blend two styles of shoe, the back of the penny loafer (with a single stitch seam) and the front of the slipper, both are pictured below:

In addition they would add some medallion detailing to the toe.

In terms of leather, I think they would look great in either a brown museum calf, a chestnut museum calf, a brown vegano calf, a brown lama calf, a libano kid, brown grein, chestnut grein or a chestnut karangrein (my personal preference as I like the texture and they can be burnished), again all are respectively pictured below:

To keep the elegance of the shoe I would propose the Uetam last, specifically designed for loafers, but am happy to consider others dependent on demand.

Soles would be finished in leather (Rendenbach soles).

I would estimate price at around €550, but I need Carmina to confirm first.

Who would be interested in participating?

Regards,

Stephen

Would Carmina be willing to do an option without the medallion as part of the same GMTO? If so, I could be in.

 

[thatitalian]

Would Carmina be willing to do an option without the medallion as part of the same GMTO? If so, I could be in.

I am sure that can be arranged. I will ask just to make sure though.

 

[thatitalian]

Updated with confirmed pricing:

Europe - Includes VAT - 395euro
USA - Includes VAT & Taxes - 450usd
Rest of the world - Without VAT & Taxes unpaid. 341euro

 

[chichu]

Could you describe the sizing thoughts Uetam last. I would also be a fan of a medallion. Are shoe trees included?

 

[thatitalian]

From the Carmina site:

The Uetam is an Italian inspired last designed exclusively for loafers. It features a rounded and narrow toe, with a very low instep which allows for better holding. Very comfortable at the toe area. Available in E and EE widths.

I think it fits similar to the Ron and Hiro lasts from Meermin, if you have ever tried those.

I normally take a 9.5 UK for a loafer and we be going for the same here.

I am waiting on a response on the possibility of a medallion option i.e. each person can chose whether they want the medallion or not.

Shoes trees are not included currently but will ask if there is a discount if everyone wants trees. I will be taking some, personally.

 

[Bleach Connoisseur]

any option on rubber sole?

 

[thatitalian]

So I have had some questions confirmed by Carmina:

1. They can do some without the medallion.
2. They are willing to take 50% off on the trees.
3. Samples are in the post to me. Will post up photos once I have some.

 

[chichu]

It's hard to pay for shoe trees... because in the past, they use to include it in the normal price.

So I have had some questions confirmed by Carmina:

1. They can do some without the medallion.
2. They are willing to take 50% off on the trees.
3. Samples are in the post to me. Will post up photos once I have some.

 

[thatitalian]

It's hard to pay for shoe trees... because in the past, they use to include it in the normal price.

Perhaps they do not do this anymore. How long ago?

Also, they are including the JR soles for free.

 

[Bleach Connoisseur]

How many willing souls do we need to move forward?

 

[elsalvatrucha]

What color leather are you doing?

 

[rkusmant]

Full strap or same strap style from your sample?

 

[Lumaca]

I'm interested

Question: is using a different leather for strap and the loafer an option?

 

[thatitalian]

Apologies for my tardiness, my wife gave birth to our third child so I have had my hands full.

Carmina have sent me some samples of grained leather. My recommendation is below:





It is a deep chestnut color, with a reddish-brown tone. For clarification it is the darker shade on the piece.

To answer some of your questions:

@Bleach Connoisseur we need five people. So far I have had confirmed interest from:
@thatboyo
@abkain
@Lumaca
and myself, so that takes us to five if everyone commits. Please let me know if you are still interested.

@elsalvatrucha see my recommendation above, the leather is truly stunning in the flesh, a lovely shade of brown with a slight hint of red and a subtle grain just to enhance the shoe, not to overpower it.

@rkusmant the half strap (as per original picture) would look best. However, I am confirming with Carmina if they can use this shape of strap i.e. rounded as a half strap. The image below might help you picture how it would look from the top, without the strap going all the way down to the sole, with a slipper style front obviously:

@Lumaca I am not sure if that is an option, but I will ask Carmina.