berluti store in NYC

[edhayes]

I went in there today, the owner, Ms Olga Berluti was there which was a distinct asset. The store is simple, nicely done on the corner of about 75 and Madison. It took me a bit of time to get used to the shoes. They are very distinctive and often much more dramatic then I am used to. Many feature unusual patterns, inscribed words or letters, some are made to look as it they were repaired, some are made with piercings and gatherings that give them a very overtly masculine appearance. I suspect her basis for them were the court shoes of the agressive aristocracy.
She takes very good quality leather and then colors it further, I looked very carefully at a black pair in a club style that had been given a feel of being that could have been a very dark brown-purple on top of the black. Very rich color.
Further, I looked at something which was a kind of norwegian-extraordinary leather and very comfortable. An unusual brown.
She seems to prefer that the shoes fit a bit more loosely then I am accustomed to but she seems quite competent so I am inclined to accept her judgement..
The prices for ready made range from 900 to 1180 so they are expensive but the quality is very high.
Its a completely different theory then Tony or Cleverly-not nearly so "neat" or elegant but I may get a couple of pair as variety. Tony does such extraordinary work that no one can compete on his level but I do find this look intriguing.

[RWS]

I've found some Berlutis very appealling visually, Ed, but have been told that the shoes are not so carefully made as their prices would lead one to think.

Should you buy a pair, I'd be interested in learning what you think of them after five or ten years, at the least.