According to Nakamura, the men's shoe buyer Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building B1F, the Italian shoe brand FABI, which he praises as "a shoe whose quality is immediately apparent, packed with the latest shoemaking technology in its last, stitching, and coloring," will be making its full-fledged debut in Japan this autumn. It will be available at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building B1F (men's shoes) and Mitsukoshi Ginza. With the first ever bespoke order event in Japan also scheduled, this brand is one to watch.

What the tag with the shoemaking manager's name and last number indicates

Fabii was founded in 1965 in the Marche region, considered the mecca of Italian shoemaking. The founders, brothers Enrico and Elisio Fabii and their wife, divided the work among themselves: the older brother designed, the wife drew the patterns, and the younger brother and his wife did the sewing. Their classic and elegant men's shoes quickly spread throughout Italy, and they have built a successful career as a leading factory brand.

Buyer Nakamura visited the company's vast headquarters factory, which has been in operation since 2004 and covers approximately 15,000 square meters. He commented, "The modern factory has nearly 300 staff members, including shoemakers and master craftsmen, and they all greeted me with big smiles, creating a strong sense of unity within the factory. What surprised me most was the factory's state-of-the-art machinery. The shoe lasts, which are fundamental to shoemaking, are managed in a tower-like system similar to a parking lot, and with the push of a button, lasts in small to large sizes are produced. In addition, while continuing to uphold the tradition of high-quality shoemaking that values handcrafted work, they were among the first in the Marche region to introduce automated leather cutting machines. They have leather designers and cutting craftsmen, allowing them to control computer-generated designs in-house."


What Nakamura felt on-site was the evolution of shoemaking. While there are many brands in the Marche region that have continuously carried on the tradition of shoemaking, what makes Fabi stand out is the creativity and innovation reflected in its shoes. They have a handmade feel, yet the colors are striking, and they are comfortable to wear right from the start. The tag attached to the shoes, which bears the name of the shoemaker and the last number, is said to be a testament to Fabi's confidence.

The authentic wooden last of the NEXT series, combined with the exquisitely dyed leather, creates a truly exceptional piece.