Experience with JL Paris Bespoke

[Fashionicon]

I used Gatto in Rome, Italy for a long time. Since my visits to Rome were getting less and less, I decided to try a bespoke maker who visits NYC. I was measured by JL Paris in March 2005, fitted in June and received the first pair of shoes Sept. Most of us are aware of the physical beauty of the RTW line as well as the bespoke product. The fit is equally as important. From the time the shoes were delivered to the first wearings, I can report that the fit is near perfect. I have oredered, received and worn 3 new pair of shoes and can report that the consisteny of fit and workmanship continued with each new pair.

[manton]

I placed an order with them in Paris in June 2004. They made me a pair of plastic try-on shoes, which Philippe Atienza was not happy with. They made another pair of plastic try-ons. I had a few complaints, which Philippe said he could easily rectify and make the shoes. When I got the shoes, I was shocked. It wasn't just that the fit was off. The shoes were enormous -- much bigger-looking than many of my RTW shoes -- and also bulbous and ugly. I complained, and Philippe did not hesitate to say that the only remedy was for them to remake my last and remake the shoes. I appreciated that.

The next fitting was a leather try-on, on the new last. The shoe looked strikingly different -- and better. I now do not believe that the plastic try-ons are worth a darn. The leather try-on needed some minor tweeks. Philippe actually cut them up with a blade at the fitting. I should receive the completed shoes Tuesday. I have every hope that they will be excellent. At least I know that the company is committed to getting it right, which attitude is less common than you might think, even at such an exalted price point.

[manton]

My long intercontinental nightmare is over.

Philippe Atiezna delivered my remade shoes today, the ones to replace the bespoke ballistic missile submarines he made for me last time. The new shoes are 100% superior. The fit feels perfect, or near perfect. They look gorgeous and unmistakably bespoke.

Kudos to Lobb Paris for acknowledging the problem, remaking the shoes without any argument, and above all for getting it right.

[zjpj]

Sounds excellent, manton, but it must have been a nerve-wracking time waiting for the finished product and praying that it wasn't another failure.

[manton]

Not so nerve-wracking, really. I mean, they are only shoes. And given the exemplary attitude they showed throughout the whole process, I had confidence that they would d what it took to get the shoes right.

[manton]

The fit is extraordinary. The last is (to my eye) gorgeous. The make is easily the best I have ever seen. The strangest part is that I don't see how the same company that made the last pair of ballistic missile submarines also made these.

Here are some pics:

[Concordia]

So-- have you teed up your next order?

[manton]

So-- have you teed up your next order?

Thinking about it! PM me and I will send you my PayPal info.

[Concordia]

Hey, I already get to look at pix of one fine pair for no charge.

[bengal-stripe]

Niiiiiiiice!

If I remember correctly, weren’t they supposed to be utility brogues?

[bengal-stripe]

Sorry, ment Austerity Brogues.

[manton]

Yes they were. And the ballistic missile submarines were indeed austerity brogues. But when I asked to have the shoes remade, I had a change of heart, which Lobb graciously obliged. I may still get austerity brogues one day.

[zjpj]

Black shoes, I didn't think you owned any! Congratulations, they look lovely.

[manton]

My third pair of black shoes, and possibly my last. I consider these the perfect black shoes. A little more interesting than the plain cap, but still sober enough for the most formal and somber occasions.

[uppercase]

Beautiful shoes!

Very rich looking.