It was nearly six years ago that Gabor Halmos and Andrew Harris introduced hand-made Vass shoes onto the internet forums, opening an important new market in North America for a small Budapest-based shoemaker.
Rather surprisingly, it's a new market that likes English-inspired shoes. In Hungary, 90% of Vass sales are from its 'traditional' collection of distinctive bluchers, comprised of the Budapest, Alt Wein and Theresianer models. In the United States, that percentage is reversed, with 90% of sales coming from models that originated with the company's relatively recent collaboration with Roberto Ugolini for the F and U lasts. The photos are of two new designs introduced for 2008 on those lasts. 
These are really outstanding shoes. Perhaps the finish may not be up to the highest world class standards, but it's not far off. Vass construction is comparable to many bespoke shoes, the waist is better than any machine-made Northampton product and the price represents great value for the money.
Speaking of value, I don't understand a lot of the forum discussion about how to purchase Vass shoes in Europe at a savings because I don't understand where the savings are for U.S. residents. Gabor and Harris offer the line at roughly the European price (about $850) after taking duty and shipping into account. Better yet, they'll send a trial pair of oxfords to prospective customers to establish fit before the customer places an order. The average wait time is twelve weeks, the same as it is anywhere. And if there's a problem the buyer doesn't need to speak Hungarian.
There can be a few days email delay in getting a response from Gabor, who is living in Greece for a year, but I'm told that Harris is usually able to respond faster. Contact information for both of them is on the web site.
Personally, I'm thinking about a pair of Old English II semi-brogues in oxblood, on the F last.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Vass USA
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8 comments:
Will,
What all is included in the term "finishing" when referring to shoes?
Also, good choice on the Old English II/F Last. I have the same exact shoe in Oxblood and love it.
Thanks for the information, Will.
I am tempted to acquire a pair of Vass shoes, mainly due to their outstanding reputation in the forums. But, I would really love another pair of EG Malverns, this time with an Edwardian finish... We'll see.
I am also looking at a pair of Saint Crispin's #205, a full brogue model. However, there is something a little 'off' about SC shoes, but I can't put my finger on it. A little too much design, perhaps.
I don't know that I am yet prepared for the the EG or Vass type quite yet - not until I add to my millions that I already have invested in South African Securities, but I picked up my brown C&Js on Saturday.
http://www.crockettandjones.co.uk/loafers-sydney.html
Trad:
I just looked up the St. Crispin #205. I see what you're saying. When I first looked at the shoe, I wanted to buy it. But then when I looked more closely, I saw the "side brogue-ing" which isn't all that attractive.
John, those are great shoes. Did you get them in suede? Very nice. Interesting comment about South African securities. I think SA is a good bet right now, as the Chinese and Australians are pouring money into the country, focusing on the mining sector.
Trad,
Thank you for the compliment regarding my shoes. They are not suede but rather regular dark brown calf. However, I do have 2 pair of suede shoes from C&J, one of which, the chocolate brown sued is worn by me today with yellow socks from Paul Stuart and gray pants.
My comment about South African securities was a spur of the moment fiction. I attended the Annual Dinner of the Baker Street Irregulars last week (where at least 2 members in attendance are ASW readers) so the Sherlock Holmes story, The Adventure of the Dancing Men, was still fresh in my mind where Holmes deduces that Watson does not intend to invest in South African securities.
And a hearty congratulations to John, from ASW's other Baker Street Irregular! John was invested as "Harry Pinner," the financial agent in the short story "The Adventure of the Stock-broker's Clerk".
The BSI had better look out - there are now two extremely well-dressed young members in their midst. And if any of the rest of you want to know what we're talking about, you may as well check out the Baker Street Irregulars Weekend site.
Scott,
As this ties into ASW, I will post it here. After I was invested into the BSI, some people asked if I knew ahead of time because I was wearing a boutonniere. I said "no, just recently read about it and wanted to try it for Sherlock Holmes's 154th birthday.'
Of course I read about it in the Boutonniere book which is one of Will's 20 great clothing books.
Some people commented favorably and others asked where the wedding was.
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