Evolving Leather Shoes! Want to wear leather shoes with casual clothes? We asked an Isetan men's shoe buyer for advice on how to choose them | "Adult Social Studies Field Trip" [GUIDE by ISETAN MITSUK
Three men in their 30s from the "GUIDE by ISETAN MITSUKOSHI" crew, who wanted to incorporate leather shoes into their everyday fashion, visited the men's shoe floor on the first basement level Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building .
Yosuke Kagami, a buyer of men's shoes, has worked for many years in the dress clothing field, including as a buyer of tailored clothing, before taking on the role of men's shoe buyer in 2023. He is well-regarded for his proposals of "new shoes for adults" that incorporate a perspective on classic fashion.
What is an "adult field trip"?
Mitsukoshi Isetan's official YouTube channel, "GUIDE by ISETAN MITSUKOSHI"
This channel features videos created by men in their 30s, for men in their 30s. The project involves receiving lectures from famous fashion shops and influential figures, presented as an "adult field trip," to discover how to enjoy life going forward.
*The information in this article is current as of February 2, 2024, the date the main video was released. Please note that some of the featured products may no longer be available.
[The three members of the "Adults' Social Studies Field Trip" crew (from left to right in the image)]
FUSHINUKI/Fushinuki = Stylish leader with a strong interest in art and fashion.
TSUCHIYA/Tsuchiya = Editor-in-Chief of GUIDE, who enjoys the mainstream of various genres.
TASHIRO/Tashiro = A sauna lover from downtown Tokyo, everyone's senior
[This episode's guest]
Yosuke Kagami = Men's shoe buyer at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building
I've found a pair of leather shoes that are "lazy-friendly" for people like Tsuchiya, who don't usually wear leather shoes!
The first place the crew visited was the "Classic" men's shoe zone on the first basement floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building .
This store features a wide selection of European-made shoes ranging from around 50,000 yen to 150,000 yen, including brands such as Paraboot, Tricker's BARKER SANDERS , Oriental, and JOSEPH CHEANEY .Tashiro, who previously worked in the men's shoe department, says, "There are more shoes now that can be worn in a casual style compared to when I was in that department."
Buyer Kagami selected the classic PARABOOT "Michael" model for Tsuchiya, followed by Tricker's service shoes, and finally, a straight-tip shoe based on SANDERS ' officer shoes featuring glass leather.
SANDERS MILITARY DERBY SHOE
Kagami chose "glass leather," a glossy calfskin that has been glass-processed, because, as she explains, "The leather is relatively resistant to rain, oil, and dirt, and it shines up quickly with just a brush, making it very convenient and easy to handle. It doesn't require meticulous care, so I thought it would be perfect for Tsuchiya-san."
Why buyer Kagami chose SANDERS ' straight-tip shoes
- Made with easy-to-care-for glass leather, even for those who are lazy. - Designed to fit various foot shapes and styles, making it highly versatile. - Originally developed for military formal wear, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions. - The addition of subtle embellishments, such as the triple stitching on the toe, enhances the casual feel. - Uses a rubber sole from Harboro Rubber, which offers excellent grip. - The soles can be replaced.
"Since Tsuchiya-san usually wears a lot of denim, I recommend shoes based on military shoe archives that will give him a masculine look that goes well with denim," says Kagami.
The elegant and beautiful sheen adds a sophisticated touch to Tsuchiya's footwear.
In contrast to Tsuchiya, Fushinuki is not the "manly" type, so a slightly dressy look suits him perfectly!
For Fushinuki, who enjoys a unique fashion sense, Kagami chose a single monk strap shoe from the Japanese shoe brand Oriental.
To Fushinuki, who said, "I've never worn monk strap shoes before," Kagami replied, "We considered brands like F.lli Giacometti and Le Yucca's, but since Fushinuki tends to dress in a more dressy style, we thought something with a slightly more feminine touch would suit her."
For men in their 30s, black suede shoes are a great choice to give your look a polished finish. Slip-on styles with a wide opening are the best option!
Oriental/Oriental JOSEPH2
Why Buyer Kagami recommends Oriental's single monk strap slip-on shoes
- The upper is made of European suede, which has a more relaxed feel than smooth leather, making it easy to wear without being too formal. - There are no unnecessary details or excessive decorations, making it easy to blend into any style. - The black suede is dressy and has a unisex feel. - The wide opening gives it a casual feel, making the socks stand out.
Kagami explains, "Single monk strap shoes are dress shoes, but they don't give off the same stiff impression as lace-up shoes, and choosing suede adds a touch of elegance to their softness," to which Fushinuki nods in agreement.
I discovered a modern Church's with a strong, distinctive style that even shoe enthusiast Tashiro couldn't resist!
Kagami took Tashiro, a shoe enthusiast, to the high-end zone where luxury brands are lined up. Church's, EDWARD GREEN , GAZIANO&GIRLING GEORGE CLEVERLEY ANTHONY CLEVERLEY , and others are neatly arranged.From among them, he chose a pair of Church's platform country shoes. "Church's is now a total shoe brand, and they have a wide range of casual leather shoes in their lineup," the buyer explained, and shoe enthusiast Tashiro was very interested.
Church's Letchworth
From among them, he chose a pair of Church's platform country shoes. "Church's is now a total shoe brand, and they have a wide range of casual leather shoes in their lineup," the buyer explained, and shoe enthusiast Tashiro was very interested.
The reason why buyer Kagami chose Church's model "Letchworth"
- Shoes made in our own factory in Northampton, England - Lightweight rubber sole (original EVA sole) for comfortable wear - Glass leather upper, binder calf, moccasin overlay and eyelets for a casual look
After hearing the explanation, Tashiro exclaimed, "These shoes are like a bento box with all the different dishes!" She instantly fell in love with these country shoes, which are a must-have for any shoe lover!
We asked buyer Kagami, "Tips for men in their 30s to incorporate leather shoes into casual wear."
- Your feet need to have presence, but keep it simple and not overdone. - The shoes should be a single color tone, but have volume. - The design should be understated, but with an accent.
That's what he replied.
Are you ready? Put on your favorite leather shoes and you're ready!
Tsuchiya Select SANDERS MILITARY DERBY SHOE
Fushigi Select Oriental / Oriental JOSEPH2
Tashiro Select Church's Letchworth
Next time, we'll be discussing "How to choose a leather tote bag that suits even casual outfits." Stay tuned!
► "I wanted to match leather shoes with my casual clothes, so I asked an Isetan men's shoe buyer for advice on how to choose them!" Watch the full video here!
► See other articles in the "Adult Social Studies Field Trip" series.
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This is Mitsukoshi Isetan's owned video media, which develops adult men's fashion projects with the theme of "enjoying fashion."
*The information in this article is current as of February 2, 2024, the date the main video was released. Product information may be revised or changed without notice.
Text: Makoto Kajii
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