This past June, the 110th "PITTI IMMAGINE UOMO" was held in Florence, Italy. At the venue, attendees could check out the trends for the next season proposed by each brand, and buyers also purchased and commissioned valuable brands and items for customers of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building . Here are some of the must-have items for Spring/Summer 2027 that buyer Narihiro Fukushima has been curating.

The traditional manufacturing methods that are preserved create timeless value.

After spotting a rare bag at Felisi , Fukushima headed to the basement floor of the same main venue. This floor is lined with British brands. The place she visited was CROCKETT & JONES. It is a well-known British shoemaker and a brand that enjoys strong support from a wide range of age groups in Japan.

"This shoemaker was established in 1879 in Northampton, England, the mecca of leather shoes. They hold a Royal Warrant, a mark of royal patronage, and each pair of shoes is handcrafted by skilled artisans over approximately eight weeks. The exhibition booth, meticulously designed right down to the entrance, mirrors the design of the brand's flagship store, making it feel as if you were actually visiting their London shop."

Recently, more and more dress shoe brands are focusing on offering casual shoes and loafers. Crockett & Jones also seems to be increasingly adopting a more casual style.

"We saw many models that offered a nice twist on classic loafers, such as travel loafers made with soft leather, as well as reintroducing the standard designs. I remembered that customers had been asking for products like these, so I conveyed to the brand that we would like to further expand the lineup in the future."

The "wave of casualization" is also affecting classic shoe manufacturers.

"There were lots of new models on display. Personally, what caught my eye was a double monk strap U-tip shoe that looked like it could be worn like a loafer. Apparently, a model developed specifically for the Japanese market based on this sample is scheduled to be released next spring. I made sure to request that it be available at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building !"

Of course, Fukushima is also in negotiations regarding classic dress shoes. In particular, he has been in discussions with Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building about a special order project for the inner-laced straight-tip dress shoe, which can be considered the pinnacle of dress shoes. This is scheduled to be released in Spring/Summer 2027.

"While understanding modern trends and tendencies, classic dress shoes remain an essential in any man's wardrobe. Even those who used to wear leather shoes five days a week now want a pair to wear on special occasions. Many customers at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building are looking for a special pair. So, we want to propose a pair that can be cherished for a long time, a pair that offers added value and can be considered a lifelong investment. To achieve this, we want to be particular about the materials, construction, and details. That's what this new "Whitehall2" model, exclusive to Isetan Shinjuku Store and using the 397 last, represents."

A special edition model for Isetan Shinjuku store, aiming for the true straight-tip design.

"The 397 last is a last that debuted last year, and it's a round-toe design that fits the foot shape of modern people. It also features a beveled edge finish on the outsole. We also paid close attention to the all-black finish of the sole. Furthermore, we requested that a special shoe tree be included just for this custom model, so please look forward to the finished product."

A commemorative photo was taken at the end of the business meeting. Jonathan Jones (center), the fourth-generation head of the family, kindly agreed to all of Fukushima's (left) requests. His son, William (right), is also learning about the family business in order to take over as the fifth generation.
"No matter how much trends change or technology advances, it was a time that made me truly understand that the British temperament of stubbornly adhering to traditional manufacturing methods in the workshops of Northampton, the mecca of shoemaking, is what creates timeless and universal value. Thank you so much, Jonathan and William!"

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Fukushima Masahiro

Shinjuku Men's Department, Men's Shoes, Bags & Luggage Buyer

He joined Mitsukoshi Isetan Co., Ltd. in 2010. He has gained experience in men's shoes, bags, and leather goods in general, and currently works as a buyer for men's shoes, bags, and luggage. His hobby is saunas, and he loves sauna facilities and public bathhouses.