The annual spring event at Isetan Shinjuku, the popular JM Weston pop-up store, is coming again this year!

In this article , we interviewed three fashion experts who are currently interested in JM WESTON , in conjunction with the upcoming event.
This time, we spoke with Eri Umemoto, who shares her attractive and realistic style on social media and has gained a large following. She often chooses leather shoes for her footwear. Umemoto herself says that she would like to wear JM WESTON shoes once she turns 30, and this time she tried on the "Weston Vintage" model.

►Event information starting April 30th (Wed) Click here for details

I like men's colors and items.

Eri Umemoto, formerly a press representative for an apparel brand, is now popular for sharing fashion-related information on social media from an independent perspective. Umemoto says that leather shoes are an essential part of her outfit.

"Basically, I prefer loafers, ballet flats, and other flat leather shoes to heels. Choosing shoes is something I'm most particular about, as it adds a little contrast to the overall outfit. I always pay attention to the balance between my bag, shoes, and clothes. A while ago I was into ballet flats, but recently I've been wearing more jacket styles like the one I'm wearing today, and sneakers would be a bit too casual, so I like the balance of loafers with socks."


Ms. Umemoto says she likes to mix and match outfits with vintage clothes from the 70s because they fit well. Her information gathering extends to men's fashion as well.

"I'm always keeping an eye on Pinterest and the accounts of people overseas that I look up to as role models, and there are men among them. Even in shops, the cute colors and items that catch my eye are often men's items. Even with blue, green, and pink, the muted color combinations are really cute."
However, the silhouette and sizing don't suit me, so I can only use it for inspiration.

And when it comes to shoes, she prefers men's styles, using leather in colors like brown and black. Umemoto's previous image of JM WESTON was that of a gentlemanly brand, one worn by men.


"I had been looking at Keiji Kaneko's Instagram, who appeared in another interview for this magazine, and that's how I felt. Of course, I knew they also had women's shoes, and I personally thought I'd like to wear them once I turn 30."

Furthermore, what I feel about J.M. Weston is a sense of stripped-down simplicity. And as the model that best embodies this, I cited the "#180 Signature Loafer."

I'm drawn to JM WESTON unique colors.

We had Mr. Umemoto take a look at Weston Vintage shoes. First, our men's shoe buyer, Kagami, explained their features as follows:


"This 'Weston Vintage' sales event has been held since 2021. Over the course of a year, JM WESTON collects vintage shoes from around the world, and then at their factory in Limoges, France, they perform full sole replacements using genuine parts and repairs to the inside of the shoes, before launching them as the 'Weston Vintage' brand. Only a very small number of 'Weston Vintage' shoes are available even at the Champs-Élysées store in Paris, and it's a rare opportunity to see approximately 500 pairs of shoes, from men's to women's, gathered in one place, only once a year."

For this interview, we prepared about 10 pairs of women's shoes that were thought to be close to Ms. Umemoto's size. The first pair Ms. Umemoto picked up was a tan brown "Signature Loafer."


"I've been looking at various lighter brown shoes in vintage shops and such, but I couldn't find anything that really suited me. When I went for lighter shades, they often ended up with an orangey tint. When I saw these today, I thought this tan brown was cute. It's a color you don't see very often elsewhere."

This comment reveals Ms. Umemoto's keen sense of color. Also, the C width seems to suit Ms. Umemoto's slender feet. So, buyer Kagami suggested the Hunter Green 'Signature Loafers' in the same length but with a D width. Buyer Kagami explains that even a one-step difference in foot width can significantly change the overall impression.


"These are really cute. They definitely look completely different. Also, these feel like they fit my feet better. The instep is tighter than the C-width ones I had earlier, and they feel less likely to slip off. It's strange, because they're supposed to be wider."

As Ms. Umemoto tried on the clothes and shared her impressions, the buyer, Kagami, explained the following:

"Since these are vintage shoes, the fit of each shoe will vary depending on how the previous owner wore them and how the upper and insole have broken in. The tan brown pair I mentioned earlier seems to have been broken in quite a bit and is now a bit loose. However, being able to choose shoes that have that kind of broken-in feel is one of the charms of 'Weston Vintage'."



Furthermore, Ms. Umemoto seemed to like the Hunter Green color.

"The tan brown was nice too, but I like that this hunter green is unique. It would look great with gray slacks, or chinos, and I can imagine it with corduroy too. I think it would also go well with denim."

The Hunter Green signature loafers went very well with the suit that Ms. Umemoto was wearing that day. Meanwhile, buyer Kagami introduced Ms. Umemoto to a different model.

"This is the '#598 Half Hunt' style, but unlike the current model, it has four eyelets. Finding models like this that are no longer in stock is one of the fun things about Weston Vintage."

Ms. Umemoto, who doesn't own any black lace-up shoes, suddenly became very interested.


"I've been looking for lace-up shoes with a flat look like these. The toe is stylish, but I like the way the welt extends outwards and the overall voluminous feel. They're really cool."

While saying this, she also looked disappointed, saying, "But this is the only option." She mentioned that the toe area felt a little tight. In that case, it would be better to pass on them, advised the buyer. She just tried them on. While wearing the shoes, Ms. Umemoto described them as follows:

"It's a shame, but I think loafers are the best option after all. If leather shoes are stiff or don't fit properly, you naturally stop wearing them. I often talk with people around me about the importance of choosing the right size. And I feel that shoes that are easy to slip on and have a simple design that complements your clothes are the ones that will ultimately stay with you. I felt that the 'Weston Vintage' model that you introduced today is exactly that kind of shoe."

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