The London Lounge

I have received a referral concerning a Swedish shoemaker from our member Ed Hayes. It concerns a Mr. Janne Melkersson. Pictures of his work have been placed in the bespoke shoe PJ.

It appears that Mr. Melkersson is actually enrolled in the LL and as such should be able to speak about his production.

here is the link to the homepage:

http://melkershoes.com/

There, I found a very innovative idea... I copied the following text from the homepage mentioned above...

"Since the interest of our trade is increasing we offer a unique one week course where a client follows the creation of his or hers pair of Melker Shoes & Boots. The course address those who have a genuine interest in the trade and the making. We also offer a two week course. This course address those who want to try the making on their own and is an outline where we will show all steps regarding the making. All our courses include full board and lodging in Hara, Sweden. Please e-mail us for further information."

Sounds very interesting!

For New York members, Mr. Melkersson is expected to visit NYC in February. More details (except for specific location which is yet to be determined) can be found in this StyleForum topic:

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=30685

Dear member of the L.L. forum,
My name is Jan-Erik Melkersson. I have been in the shoemaking trade for about 25 years. In a way more then that since I was born in the same house where both my grandfather and my father had their shoemaking workshop!

Three years ago my familly, wife and three children, moved from Stockholm up north in Sweden. To many that might be seen as an odd place for making bespoke shoes, but through internet I am close to my clients even though they are in New York or anywhere else.

I am mostly making traditional English styled mens welted shoes. The system for my bespoke grade is pretty much the same as the "West End" trade i.e. the last is made in house and the upper making and the making is outsourced to colleagues in London. MTO and RTW on stocklasts is made in house. I have fitters in London and Stockholm.

If there is interest of my shoes please send me an e-mail at janne.melkersson@melkershoes.com

Besides making shoes I am glad to say that I also open my shop to shoelovers. It is to many an interesting and exciting experience to see how their own or someone elses shoes are developing from a flat piece of leather to a finished shoe. It is exciting to me as well since I am learning too. The student pick my brain regarding the trade and I get a view of what is important for the wearer.

I have seen so many beautiful shoes on this forum and others and I am glad and proud that our trade is still going strong. All those stunning shoes and all happy comments from dedicated wearers is truly a source of inspiration!

All the best
Janne Melkersson

Welcome Janne. I look forward to seeing more of your work in New York.

Murali,
Thank's for welcoming! It will be nice meeting you.
Janne

I had an enjoyable visit with Mr. Melkersson today.

I saw him today as well, he seemed very able-his taste runs towards a spare clean Scandanavian design, he had some nice leathers-I got a reindeer v-front. I liked him