The popular JM WESTON pop-up event, held annually around this time, will be taking place again this year at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building, 1st Floor, The Stage . In addition to the ever-popular "Weston Vintage" collection, this year's highlight is the availability of models made with "Russian Finish Calf," a leather tanned to resemble "Russian Calf," available by special order. Following last year's success, the number of models and colors has been expanded this season.

In this article, we feature a conversation between Keiji Kaneko and Yuhi Ozaki, both avid users of JM WESTON . Having spent intense time working together as buyers at the same select shop, these two can share their unique perspectives, which will serve as a starting point for exploring the appeal of "Russian Finish Calfskin."

JM WESTON from April 29th (Wed/Holiday) to May 12th (Tue)
Event information and admission details can be found here.

[Click here for Part 2]

The Edifice era when JM WESTON was the dress code.

The two were once colleagues at Edifice. They went on buying trips and business trips together, and although it was a short period, they say they spent a very intense time together. Even on this day, when they met again after a long time, they fondly recalled their memories of that time.
*Titles and honorifics omitted below.




Kaneko: We didn't spend a long time together, but it was a very intense experience, wasn't it?

Ozaki: It was actually about two years, but we spent every day together.

Kaneko: We usually went on buying trips and business trips together, too.

Ozaki: It was quite strict. We were divided into casual and dressy sections, and we were in charge of the casual section, but all the staff at the time, including our seniors, wore JM WESTON loafers. I think it was like a dress code.

The two encounters with "Russian Finish Calf"

Next, we move on to the highlight of this event: "Russian Finish Calf." JM WESTON has tanned "Russian Finish Calf" leather, inspired by the legendary "Russian Calf" leather. Following its success last year, this year we are offering an even wider lineup, including the first-ever "Dark Brown" color.

Furthermore, the collection also includes models that exude masculinity, such as the "#641 Golf" with its storm welt double leather sole, and the "#180 Signature Loafer" equipped with an all-terrain sole that combines the casualness of rubber with a dressy feel.



Ozaki: Actually, my first pair of shoes was something I got during a business trip to Paris with Kaneko-san. I wanted the "#180 Signature Loafers" at the store, and I wanted a color that wouldn't be the same as what other Edifice staff members had, so I chose burgundy. And then I immediately bought my second pair, the "#690 Yacht." Those were made of "Russian Finish Calf."

Kaneko: When you think of Ozaki, you think of the "#690 Yacht" shoes, right? It was a rare model back then, and he'd been wearing them for a long time, even before they became as popular as they are now.

Ozaki: But at first, I thought they were just regular calfskin. But later, I noticed that the leather was different from the "#180 Signature Loafers"... I later found out that they were actually "Russian Finish Calfskin."



Kaneko: I also got my first pair of "Russian Finish Calf" shoes a few years ago, and I actually got them at an event at Isetan Shinjuku. I think I chose "#690 Yacht" because I saw Ozaki-kun wearing them and thought they looked cool. It also coincided with my current mood of wanting to wear something casual.

Ozaki: Actually, I ordered the "#180 Signature Loafers" in "Russian Finish Calf" at last year's pop-up and have been wearing them ever since. They're definitely different from the regular calfskin models. They contain oil and have a unique matte texture. The leather itself is soft, and the appeal is that they fit so well right from the start, as if you've already worn them in.


Kaneko: I think JM WESTON is a perfect fit for current fashion trends. In response to the general mood of people being tired of overly fashionable styles, and with the rise of sophisticated French style, it's natural that more and more people want to wear JM WESTON which is at the forefront of that style. And JM WESTON itself continues to offer models that people can enjoy without feeling self-conscious, but still appreciate for their high-quality leather shoes.

Ozaki: "Russian finish calfskin" might be in line with the mood of the world right now. It has a matte, understated look, and it feels softer to wear than regular calfskin. I think it's a leather that really hits the mark in today's world.

What are SHAPERS PREMIUM socks for JM WESTON fans?

Another highlight of this event is the collaboration between SHAPERS PREMIUM, a pioneering compression sock brand by Japanese sock manufacturer Fukusuke, and JM WESTON . Designed for JM WESTON enthusiasts who prefer a slightly tighter fit, these socks offer a comfortable compression that can be worn all day long. Be sure to check out these socks, created in collaboration with JM WESTON to enhance your enjoyment of leather shoes.


Kaneko: I don't usually wear compression socks, but these feel really comfortable. They give a nice, snug, and comfortable feeling around the calves and ankles.

Ozaki: My feet feel really light. The fit is also good, so it's nice that the socks don't seem like they'll slip down easily.

Kaneko : There are so many colors to choose from, so you can enjoy coordinating them with your leather shoes.



Ozaki: When you actually wear them, the way the threads of a different color peek out from the ribbing is really stylish. I myself often wear colored socks, but there aren't many dressy colored socks like these long socks on the market, so I'm very happy to have them.

With its matte, understated look and soft, oil-infused feel, "Russian Finish Calf" perfectly aligns with today's fashion trends, catering to those who want to enjoy high-quality leather shoes casually and with heavy use. Adding the collaborative socks with Shapers Premium further enhances the comfort of JM WESTON shoes, addressing foot concerns such as swelling and slippage.

In the second part, scheduled for release on April 24th (Friday), we will showcase the styling of each of them using their personal JM WESTON and "Russian Finish Calf" leather shoes. Compare their outfits and use them as inspiration for your ownコーディネート.

JM WESTON from April 29th (Wed/Holiday) to May 12th (Tue)
Event information and admission details can be found here.

Text: Shinji Hashimoto
Photograph: Tatsuya Ozawa (Studio Mug)

＊All prices include tax.
＊The information in this article is current as of the time of publication. Product information may be revised or changed without notice.

For inquiries, please contact Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , B1F, Men's Shoes.