Made in Spain Footwear, including TLB Mallorca, Cobbler Union, Yanko, Norman Vilalta, etc

[Patrick1053]

I have two pairs of Artista collection shoes that do not fit me that I am willing to sell. Both size UK 10 E. Let Me know if you are interested

 

[LThomsen]

Does any one know if tlb uses bespoke grade leather for their uppers in their artista range?

 

[j ingevaldsson]

Does any one know if tlb uses bespoke grade leather for their uppers in their artista range?

Wouldn’t say there’s any such thing as “bespoke grade leather”, however, TLB only use 1st grade hides for Artista range (leathers are graded from 1 to 3 by most tanneries in Europe).

 

[LThomsen]

Thanks very helpful. Where could I learn more about tanneries and how leather is graded?

 

[shirtingfantasy]

Does any one know if tlb uses bespoke grade leather for their uppers in their artista range?

I think we also have to be realistic here. Given that even the least expensive bespoke is around 5-6x more than the price of a pair of Artista, the bespoke maker has more cost margin to select only the best part of a hide. See Jesper’s page for more price info and bespoke experiences: https://shoegazing.com/2017/08/20/buyers-guide-bespoke-prices/

And, honestly, what is good enough is good enough. Bespoke is out of desire not need (very few have feet that would not fit any RTW/ MTO last from any brand in any width), and is characterised by customised fit (last), design (pattern) and often superior construction (handwelted in many); as such, there is no need for a pair of RTW/ GMTO/ MTO TLB Artista to be “as good as bespoke” to be good...

To say “my TLB Artista is better than your Carmina” can be a reasoned judgement. To honestly believe “my TLB Artista special Adelaide is as good as your bespoke Fukuda” can be slightly delusional.

 

[clee1982]

more than slight I would say...

 

[frighter3]

However, they are not shell cordovan

Yeah, one of the best in the industry I would say, both with GMTO and MTOs, with lots of options, low upcharge, quick delivery times, etc.

 

[Patrick1053]

However, they are not shell cordovan

They are working on offering shell now. I was able to special order it already. If you contact them you can probably get it. The price for custom order shell cordovan boots (Orson with burgundy shell storm welt and Incas sole) was 795 Euro .

 

[LThomsen]

Will they be offering shell shoes? Any ideas of price and colors offered?
The idea of a pair of shell Oxfords with Jr soles sounds of interest.

 

[Patrick1053]

Will they be offering shell shoes? Any ideas of price and colors offered?
The idea of a pair of shell Oxfords with Jr soles sounds of interest.

I don't see why not. Contact them. They are very helpful.

 

[j ingevaldsson]

TLB has offered shell since the start, availability vary a bit (why it’s not part of the GMTO guides at the moment, but just ask and you can know what’s available), work with a couple of different tanneries in Italy. At Skolyx we did this GMTO last fall, Comipel shell with JR sole, priced at just over €700, very nice!

 

[zanci]

How does this shell compare to horween? Better?

 

[masernaut]

How does this shell compare to horween? Better?

Not even close. Comipel is arguably the lowest grade shell cordovan.

 

[j ingevaldsson]

How does this shell compare to horween? Better?

Not better, but not inferior either, it’s different. Some prefer Horween’s, which is more glossy and oily (depending on brand and finishing though, Horween’s can come out quite differently between brands as well), while some prefer Comipel, which is more velvety and smooth, looks less like patent leather.

Not even close. Comipel is arguably the lowest grade shell cordovan.

As I write above, many would not at all agree with that, and many prefer Comipel.

 

[LThomsen]

Does anyone have pictures of how comipel cordovan ages?