The London Lounge

In early July I was able to collect the custom Vass shoes that I had ordered over the Easter weekend (see http://thelondonlounge.net/gl/forum/viewtopic.php?t=129 for a discussion).

As my flight was on time, I was able to go direct to Vass on the Saturday of my arrival, and it's a good thing that I did. The shoes were ready; they looked very handsome and were obviously well made. However, they had neglected my request of steel toe plates and 3 piece trees. I wasn't surprised, as these things will always happen if there isn't a very meticulous means of recording a customer's instructions. I told the ladies in the shop, asked if they could fix the problem and reminded them that I was leaving on Monday evening. This is how the conversation went:

Lady: "Is not possible"
Spinola: "Why not?"
Lady: "Is not possible, come Wednesday"
Spinola: "But my flight leaves on Monday evening"
Lady: "Sorry, my English not good. Wait"

She then picked up the phone and started speaking Hungarian to someone. The lady then passed the phone to me. It was Eva at the other end of the line - she organised for the steel toe plates and 3 piece trees to be delivered on Monday afternoon.

The shoes are snug, however I haven't had a chance to wear them for longer than 20 minutes.

There are some poor photos of the shoes in my folder. I'll amend them when I've got a little more time.

Addendum
I should say that whilst the shop ladies seem stern, I think that this is partially due to the language barrier. I would urge all loungers considering bespoke to contact Eva in advance - she is charming and I found her most helpful indeed.

Benedict,

I really like the shoes! I will take the same lasts, I like the wholecut very much...

I visited Vass on the 19th August, and I probably met the sam elady at the shop. As I had to leave on Monday and I did not really trust I decided to have my shoes made next time.
When I asked for special wishes like tight ankle and enough spaces for my toes, she refused immediately...and told me that they just "measure my feet" and that's all...
Next time I am gonna call Eva Vass before I go to their shop...
How much did you pay for each pair? 125.000 HUF? Some extra money for the shoe-trees or the metal toes?
Mr Teplitz and I already discussed our impression at the bespoke shoes section...

Regards,

Raphael

I paid 235,000 HUF for two pairs, including trees and steel toe plates. The charge for the toe plates was small - about 1,000 HUF. I paid in cash, which I seem to recall attracted a discount. Rest assured that they would be able to accommodate your wishes - though I would counsel against asking for a tight ankle.

I want to just amplify on pricing for the sake of any members who may make it to Budapest as I did several weeks ago. It remains unclear if VAT "should" be applied to shoes exported (mine are being made and shipped to me in Washington). I have gotten several different answers from the Hungarian Commercial Section at the Embassy here. It is my belief that Vass does not participate in any VAT refund scheme for shoes hand carried out of the country, so assume that a whopping 25% VAT will be charged either way you to take delivery. I was charged the 25% VAT on my shoes to be exported.

Eva Vass mentioned an amount which I have forgotten, which was represented as a one time "last making charge." In addition there is a shipping charge, amount has varied as I have attempted to get a breakdown, of U.S. $95 for shipping it as a "sample" which avoids U.S. customs (5% I believe on 'welted shoes'). I can't make sense out of the breakdown of charges.

Thus my measured, bespoke last shoes came to HUF154,000 or about US $770 inclusive of VAT, shipping, and an unknown sum included in the total for the making of the last. I have asked for a more categorical breakdown of the charges, but the math in this shop appears to be, shall I say, very "fuzzy." Off the rack shoes in the shop were $400.

Do not expect any hand holding at this shop, but if the shoes turn out OK I suppose I will be happy. I would be very clear with Eva prospectively about pricing based on my limited experience. In this regard experiences of LL members can exert mature Western influences on these nouveau capitalists. Be assured, you will not have to endure any "tales of Olde England" in the transaction.

Terry A. Teplitz

BenedictSpinola wrote:...though I would counsel against asking for a tight ankle.

Why would argue agaisnt it? Have you ever tried it? I met a shoe philosopher who developos his own last which are then made by weston and C&J. I usually wear a 105 D UK. He precisely inspected my feet and then gave me a 12 A UK Weston which was a great walking pleasure. He argues in favour of a tight ankle and enough space for your toes to support the feet's natural movement.
Try it - if you don't like it, alright. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth trying it!
Apart from the technical aspects a 12 A UK looked much more to elegant as I am about 6" 1 tall.

le.gentleman wrote:

Why would argue agaisnt it?

Because I think you'll find that they'll make them snug enough at the ankle if left to their own devices.

le.gentleman wrote: I met a shoe philosopher....

Holy smoke….a shoe philosopher….wouw!!!

Why didn’t they tell John Cusey, Lance Pryor and myself about that at career's advice sessions in school?