A man who has been at the forefront of the imported shoe industry since its early days has launched his own original brand in the milestone year of his company's 30th anniversary. The man's name is Hiroshi Takahashi, and the brand is called Royal Gorge Bridge.

"The opening isn't shallow, is it?"
"That would make it the 80s, wouldn't it? What I wanted to do was the 70s."

I had always thought that classic shoes were all about short noses that emphasized the opening, so I was immediately taken aback. But there was no way I could compete with Takahashi, who has been observing the world of shoes for a long time. Pretending to know everything always leads to cold sweats.

The flared heels, double soles with prongs on both sides, and the topline scooped out on the outside—or the moccasins with elastic straps to hold the instep, the round toe and square sole shape—the meticulous attention to detail is rooted in the fashion that originated in 1970s San Francisco. I was particularly impressed by the saddle design and its variations. The saddles, which I've never seen before, have a really great look. Some people will feel a sense of nostalgia for the sock stamp design.

loafers
Left: 141,480 yen Right: 143,640 yen
■ Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , B1F = Men's Shoes

"While this era is often discussed in terms of hippies, sophisticated adult fashion also flourished. With brands like Ferragamo and Gucci arriving in Japan, American shoemakers followed suit, and a new style of traditional fashion was established."

Takahashi's brilliance lies in his ability to take classics as a base and transform them into fashionable pieces. Sometimes, we, the audience, are unaware of what was there before, and it appears fresh, but that's all thanks to Takahashi's touch. For example, he entrusted the manufacturing to a small workshop in Marche, Italy, known for OEM production for luxury brands. His approach of reinterpreting American-derived designs through the filter of an artisan has been established for a long time, but this is exceptional. It's a victory achieved by diligently building up the details.

loafers
Left: ¥52,920 Middle: ¥63,720 Right: ¥63,720
■ Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , B1F = Men's Shoes

I was also impressed by the judgment that they deliberately chose not to use local leather. By using French calfskin, British Scotch grain, and American cordovan, they succeeded in toning down the distinctive Italian character without sacrificing the unique qualities of each design. Knowledge, ability to digest, and a global production network. Without any of these, this look could not have been achieved. In other words, these are shoes that only Takahashi could have created. That is the Royal Gorge Bridge.

While their debut season was themed around 1970s San Francisco, they plan to change the era and region they explore each season. The underlying theme is "a fashionable collection based on America."
A shoe brand has finally arrived that makes you feel lighter on your feet after a long time.

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