How does EG rank?

[Will]

Originally Posted by Looking to improve

I'm asking because I've received an invitation to a trunk show in which the new Top Drawer program is described. That description sounded much like EG's existing m-t-o program to me. But it may have been the store oversimplifying - they, not EG have sent the invitation - so it's entirely possible that the shoes may be better made than 'regular' EG's.

MtB

It's my understanding that Top Drawer models will only be available MTO, and it's likely that they will be described at your trunk shoe.

 

[Manton]

In the early 90s, EG had a line called "Top Drawer." It was a handmade shoe, made by bespoke makers, using bespoke methods, etc. They were easy to tell from a conventional, partially machine-made EG shoe. They had bevelled waists as good as any bespoke shoe, because they were sewn exactly the same way. They had a very Cleverley-esque chisel toe and their own special last, the 22. Somewhere I still have the brochure. They were basically bespoke quality shoes in every respect except an individual last. Back then, EG's cost maybe $450 or $500 and Top Drawer was $1,200.

Tony has indicated to me that the new "Top Drawer" line won't be quite this good. It's more meant to compete with JL Prestige than (say) Lattanzi. I think Top Drawer made to those old standards would today have to be priced at $2,000, and probably more.

 

[Looking to improve]

Originally Posted by Will

It's my understanding that Top Drawer models will only be available MTO, and it's likely that they will be described at your trunk show.
Ahhh. I see. So will there be m-t-o's made to Top Drawer standards and those made to 'regular' standards? Or will all EG m-t-o's in future be made to Top Drawer standards?

I was planning on attending that trunk show, now I know I'll definitely go!

Originally Posted by Manton

In the early 90s, EG had a line called "Top Drawer." It was a handmade shoe, made by bespoke makers, using bespoke methods, etc. They were easy to tell from a conventional, partially machine-made EG shoe. They had bevelled waists as good as any bespoke shoe, because they were sewn exactly the same way. They had a very Cleverley-esque chisel toe and their own special last, the 22. Somewhere I still have the brochure. They were basically bespoke quality shoes in every respect except an individual last.
I knew about the old Top Drawer line. I have an old (oblong) EG brochure with a special section in the back dedicated to the Top Drawer line. I didn't know what the great difference was with the regular EG's. I thought it to be the models presented, the special last and an "only in black" availability. Thank you.

MtB

 

[Artisan Fan]

We may have the same brochue MtB...I have an old brochure from EG with the Top Drawer models inside. They were quite nice. Probably dates to 2000...it's green with wax paper inside the front sleeve. The Top Drawer models are black & white on dark green background.

 

[Manton]

I have a small brochure that shows only the Top Drawer models. I had hoped it was a collector's item, but Tony told me EG still has reams of them lying around.

 

[Artisan Fan]

Manton,

Have you ever done bespokes via Tony? If so, how was the experience?

 

[Manton]

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

Have you ever done bespokes via Tony? If so, how was the experience?
Yes, very good. I wore a pair today. I would put his construction a bit ahead of Cleverley, a bit behind Lobb Paris. His last aesthetic is entirely different from both, however -- more "contemporary". I think I prefer the more old-world approach of the others, when it comes to the shape of the shoe. But Tony's construction and finishing are superior to most bespoke shoes I have seen.

 

[Artisan Fan]

Congrats then. I may have to place an order at some point. I'm working with Jason now on my second pair of bespokes...may do a "Cleverley toe".

 

[luk-cha]

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

Congrats then. I may have to place an order at some point. I'm working with Jason now on my second pair of bespokes...may do a "Cleverley toe".

have you decided on the look yet??

 

[Artisan Fan]

Still in discussion with my shoe advisors.

 

[luk-cha]

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

Still in discussion with my shoe advisors.

not wanting to thread jack but you should do a log thread about it sort of " AF log shoe date 2006"
i think it might be interesting to see i guess a docu-thread!

 

[kitonbrioni]

The difficulty of getting EGs in the USA seems to be part of their mystique. However, given their classic styles, I've never made an effort to seek them out.

 

[Will]

After sizing is established, few things are easier than an email ordering one of those on that last, in such and such a color.

 

[RJman]

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

We may have the same brochue MtB...I have an old brochure from EG with the Top Drawer models inside. They were quite nice. Probably dates to 2000...it's green with wax paper inside the front sleeve. The Top Drawer models are black & white on dark green background.
I have that brochure as well. This is confusing, but EG revamped its Top Drawer program at one point. I believe the models in the catalog we have are not bespoke quality like those in Manton's catalog, but are just slightly better made than the EG normal line, with different heel nail patterns and with the waist that has become normal on EG (machine bevelling). Top Drawer was then phased out completely.

 

[Homme]

Can someone explain what a bevelled waist actually is ?