The Centipede Has Landed + A Question About Japanese Bespoke Shoes

[pejsek]

Yes, I think you are right, tattersall. From what I recall, there is indeed a waiting list to get on Mr. Suzuki's waiting list.
Thanks for the sinner link, centipede. I really like that shop. It seems to be based on an interesting concept, namely (to my eye) the elegant and high-quality refiguring of gangster and zoot suit style. I especially like the 1 button sb peaked lapel jacket in hot pink with the simple hole in the lapel to accomodate (presumably) one of those sterling silver flowers or butterflies. I also like the belt buckles.
The shoes, however, are classic, matching the needs of the clothes but fully able to stand on their own too. The brown austerity brogue is nice, though probably even nicer in black. One of Mr. Seki's signature elements seems to be that marvelous oh-so-slightly exaggerated chiselled toe that rises up to begin its descent. Do you happen to know Mr. Seki's first name, centipede?

 

[whnay.]

The wait list last time I inquired was 2 years long.

 

[GQgeek]

Originally Posted by whnay.

The wait list last time I inquired was 2 years long.

Didn't you say you put yourself on it? I would love to see a member get a pair of those shoes.

 

[whnay.]

Originally Posted by GQgeek

Didn't you say you put yourself on it? I would love to see a member get a pair of those shoes.
Yes, early 2008 is when I supposely come due...

 

[centipede]

Originally Posted by pejsek

Do you happen to know Mr. Seki's first name, centipede?

Nobuyoshi Seki.

SINEER's Bespoke shoes made by Nobuyoshi Seki.
SINEER's Design Order shoes made by Reiko Tukui.
Reiko Tukui is Seki's apprentice.

 

[luk-cha]

how do you get on the "LIST" and and what is the ave price as i i am interested in taking the plunge and getting some??

 

[pejsek]

Thanks, centipede. I'll add those names to the list. It's amazing how much high-grade shoemaking is going on in Japan these days. The industry appears to be vibrant and young. As I was searching for links the other day I was struck by the great interest in and opportunities for training. One thing that seems to set the Japanese industry apart is that it is made up largely of individual artisans out to make a name for themselves. From what I can tell, Koji Suzuki and the other top-tier makers we've seen here do all of the work on their bespoke shoes themselves. Just like Roman Vainguz of Vincent & Edgar! That's my impression, at least. If that's true, of course, it would be a major difference from countries that rely on a cottage industry model, with individual tasks being farmed out to freelancers (who for the most part get neither fame nor fortune). I'm clearly in over my head here, though. Where is shoe-fan when you need him?
Well, whnay, you are a lucky guy. I'm not likely to be having bespoke shoes made for me anytime soonl, but if I were Suzuki would surely be at the top of my list (just as John Pearse in London would surely be my choice for a tailor if I suddenly woke up and decided I was ready to commit $20,000-$30,000 a year to tailored clothing). Everything about Suzuki's work is just perfect. Please be sure to get the three-piece trees.
The more I look at the Nobuyoshi Seki shoes the more I like them, especially that signature toe.

 

[iyorito]

http://www.oshitate.com/products/oth...20products.htm

 

[pejsek]

Thanks for the link, iyorito (though it really may be too much to bear). Here's a new one for me. Rikughi shoes:

http://www.boq.jp/closeup/shoes/2006...060206_sho.htm

The aubergine is probably right for someone.

 

[whnay.]

I believe the Japanese are leaps and bounds ahead of the curve with regards to fine shoemaking. As with automaking, they have studied the masters and perfected the craft two-fold. The sheer abundance of excellent shoe makers and shoe enthusiasts out of the island is extraordinary and one of the reasons why firms such as Lobb have done so well recently and why, in my opinion, Koji Suzuki is the finest shoemaker in the world.

 

[RJman]

Originally Posted by whnay.

in my opinion, Koji Suzuki is the finest shoemaker in the world.
Better than David Eden?

 

[pejsek]

This, I suppose, is probably one of those apples/oranges problems. Sig. Suzuki has surely done far less work in ostrich, for example.

 

[centipede]

Rikughi Owner's BLOG

http://rikughi.exblog.jp/

translate by google
http://translate.google.com/translat...&hl=en&ie=UTF8

 

[Artisan Fan]

Better than David Eden?

Who's David Eden?

 

[edmorel]

Originally Posted by whnay.

Anyone know how I could get my hands on Vol. 4?

I have a couple of Lasts at home, if one of them is Vol. 4, it's yours.