Vol. I No. VI (Sept 05') CONCERNING SHOES from AA / ESKY

[HappyStroller]

Thanks, Tampan, for the wonderful lead.

The shoe looks just like the design of the black dress boot shown on the shoe rack which Etutee kindly provided (the picture, not the shoe rack itself) in his great article. And Bally is my favourite brand. Too bad, the seller didn't have my size, too.

Though the shoe is described as black/black, the upper part looks grey to me. It would be nice if the upper part were really grey, as that would pick up the grey of a typical Morning Dress waistcoat.

[TVD]

The shoe shown in the link is not exactly what you are looking for, as it is laced. Etutees image depicts a model that can only be obtained bespoke nowadays. A rather beautiful design that has always tempted me, but at GBP1,800 plus it simply would not be sensible to order something that can only be worn with morning dress.

I suggest that you chose a classic Oxford design, which is sold by all the reputable shoe manufacturers. It is absolutely correct with morning dress and far more versatile. There is also no danger that it looks like costume, which is a real danger with any boot that is not absolutely correct in all the detrails.

[Tampan]

I agree with TVD, the Ballys were only a loose approximation. Today I found a good pair of black patent leather toecap oxfords at Wizard of Oz in Singapore for US 141, made "by hand" in Spain. At that price I don't mind if I don't use them very often, and they do look very posh.

[HappyStroller]

Don't know why, but somehow I want to reserve my black patent leathers for evening dress; I'd rather use black plain leathers polished to a shine for morning dress, as if the non-patent stuff is more suitable for outdoor strolls. What are the views of the experts?

[HappyStroller]

Both you and Tampan are right. Viewed with a magnification of 200 to 300 per cent., the dress boots had a single row of buttonable studs(?) on only the outside vamp. This is the first time I've seen such closure, so unlike the military boot style with the laces freely wrapped around the double row claw-type studs.

The shoe shown in the link is not exactly what you are looking for, as it is laced. Etutees image depicts a model that can only be obtained bespoke nowadays. A rather beautiful design that has always tempted me, but at GBP1,800 plus it simply would not be sensible to order something that can only be worn with morning dress.

I suggest that you chose a classic Oxford design, which is sold by all the reputable shoe manufacturers. It is absolutely correct with morning dress and far more versatile. There is also no danger that it looks like costume, which is a real danger with any boot that is not absolutely correct in all the detrails.