A whole lot of sole
Partygoers enjoy celebrating the collaboration of two beloved classics
Like their wearers, shoes sometimes need a bit of pampering at the end of a long day. Last week at John Lobb on Jermyn Street, party-goers wandered around in cashmere socks provided for the occasion, mingling over Pol Roger champagne and delectable canapés and admiring the artwork on display, while their shoes were cleaned, massaged and polished by an expert.
The evening was hosted by John Lobb CEO Renaud Paul-Dauphin, and it celebrated the launch of a series of Michael Heath cartoons commissioned by John Lobb.
John Lobb shoes so consistently combine style and quality that they are instantly recognisable — whether they be one of the first pairs of John Lobbs produced over 150 years ago, or are the new 2008 annual limited-edition design (available from 25 October). Likewise, a Michael Heath cartoon is unmistakable for the deft lines and the anarchic wit.
Overlooked by the framed cartoons of dashing debonair types wearing shiny, aerodynamic John Lobb shoes, the party gathered strength. Rain pummelled the conservatory roof of the newly refurbished Jermyn Street shop as the champagne flowed and the cashmere socks padded about on soft carpeting. John Lobb’s chief designer, Andrés Hernandez, revealed some of the inspiration for his creations and showed a passion for excellence that goes a long way to explaining John Lobb’s enduring appeal. No wonder John Lobb counts kings, maharajahs, opera stars and great writers among its past and present customers. Meanwhile, in the corner next to the row of party-goers’ shoes, seasoned polisher Paul was tirelessly working away at revitalising leather with spit, polish and age-old technique.
It is important that a shoe isn’t damp before it is polished. On a torrential evening, John Lobb got around this probability by laying on speciallytailored taxis that ferried guests to the party. Like a party guest, the polisher must start small, in a localised area, and work outwards in soft circular motions. Any darting back and forth is conspicuous and can leave an uneven finish. Then more polish must be applied, ‘basting’ as it’s called, carefully building up layer on layer until a glossy shine is attained.
When John Lobb shoes are removed from their box, it is with the appearance of their having been ‘dipped in glass’. It is a testament to the detail, care and passion that goes into making and maintaining every single pair that the firm has been around for over 150 years and shows every sign of staying around for at least that long again.
One man who stood apart from the stockinged crowd and had no use for the polisher at work in the corner was the artist whose work was on display in the frames. A firm devotee (and practitioner) of passion and dedication, Michael Heath was resplendent in a new pair of John Lobb Lopez shoes in dark oak calf, happy in the knowledge that he was the best-shod man in the room.
Previous page
