The London Lounge

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.

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.