This essay began as an interview with Gabor Halmos, the U.S. agent for Vass Shoes of Budapest, and that interview will still appear in the future. But first I thought I'd show samples of two new offerings by Vass, the addition of ostrich and alligator hides to the product line.
Not every man appreciates the exotics. Other mens' hearts beat just a bit faster. They're not seen every day, and when they are they make a statement.
Vass is remains a tiny company of 18 craftsmen and Vass shoes continue to be entirely hand made. That means visibly more attractive waists and, on their traditional models, more interesting sole treatments.
The prices for their new offerings are exceptional. Alligator is HUF 390,000 a pair and ostrich HUF 270,000 in Budapest (tentatively $3,000 and $2,100 respectively in the United States after shipping and duty), which compares favorably to Edward Green's $5,000 crocodile offerings.
Prospective buyers should act quickly. There won't be many skins left once they hear about this in Moscow.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Vass to Offer Exotic Hides
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8 comments:
A little out there for my taste, Will, but I would wear a dark croc loafer.
About a month ago, the manager at Crocket & Jones above Turnbull & Asser was explaing to me how a croc shoe is made. Little did I know how much work there is in getting a croc shoe to look as nice as it does when finished.
Purchasing Vass shoes in the US has proven to be a challenge as stated in the forums of AAAC. Does Mr. Halmos offer any hope?
Still, great pictures of some very handsome shoes. Thanks Will
It takes some time and trouble, yes, but so does buying any other high end shoe except John Lobb Paris.
I'm not a fan of the exotics. I don't think these shoes are attractive at all. Like John, however, I would wear a loafer made of croc or gator skin. I recall seeing a pair at BB a year or so ago and they were just beautiful.
I'm having a hard enough time maintaining and adding to my shoe collection involving cows.
Amazingly, I'm indifferent to the exotics. I would think, though, that they would draw the lookers eye to one's feet. I'm not sure I see these melding harmoniously into an ensemble. They more scream, "hey look at my shoes!"
John, could you expand on the C&J manager's explanation of how a croc shoe is made? I would be interested. I have next to no knowledge in this area.
The price comparison between EG and Vass is all the more striking when you realize that EG uses crocodile and Vass uses alligator (alligator being more expensive than all but a couple of species of crocodile that i doubt EG uses).
Trad:
Some time has passed since then, but it was along the lines of matching up all of the pieces of skin just right. There are larger scaled pieces toward the bottom of the shoe and smaller pieces near the top and they all have to match and line up just right.
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