Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images Europe
Reader Eric called this photo to my attention a few days ago. HRH Prince Charles is wearing a pair of (presumeably) older bespoke shoes, and the shoes have been patched.
Well, if I had ever seen patched shoes before they definitely were not on the feet of a prince. So I wrote Tony Gaziano of Gaziano & Girling to ask if this is a common sight among England's bespoke set.
Tony replied that patches are not an uncommon practice for older bespoke shoes. When the leather eventually rots and splits around the vamp it leaves a hole or tear. As Tony put it, "When the customer is so in love with the shoe that he does not want to throw it away, or even if he is try to save a few pounds by giving the shoe longer life, then we stitch a leather patch on the uppers, looking almost like a band aid/plaster. To be honest it looks better on black which is ok because most of the guys that would have this done come from an era where only black shoes were worn."
I learn something new every day.
Posts
15 comments:
I like the sentiment - but it's not the best looking pair of shoes I've ever seen !
I see nothing at all wrong with this. In fact, I think he scores points in his favor for doing so.
I have a pair of cordovan loafers that I've worn for 25 yrs. They fit beautifully--like gloves. This summer they finally developed a hole (due to rot, I suspect) and I reluctantly replaced them with a new pair. I've had an awful time breaking in this new pair and would have much preferred to simply patch the old ones, had I known this might be an option.
I've always been amazed by articles in the press about the Prince's extravagant spending on clothes. On the few occasions I've met him his clothes have certainly been of very high quality, but had clearly been worn many times; had been, as you Americans might have it, around the block!
“Trust not the heart of that man for whom old clothes are not venerable”
Either HRH has rather small feet, or else he might instruct his tailors to taper his trouser legs slightly more.
Great post Will. I've seen this done crudely on work boots before, but I had no idea that this was done for dress shoes.
I have a pair of Black Slips that somehow get a deep tear in the leather in almost the same spot as the in the photo of HRH. I had it patched and you would not know it unless you knew what shoe had the hole. It happens and with expensive shoes it needs repairing. God save the Shoe!
The patch as patina? There is a certain beauty to a make do and mend attitude. It goes above thrift for sure.
One word: horrific. ;-)
Very neat. Thank for posting this, Will.
I must say, I think this is a great thing. It shows that even a prince knows the value of perserving, rather than simply tossing and spending anew.
Will, great article.
While the prince should be commended for his certain affection to an ageing old friend I tend to agree with speedmaster..It a very "unhappy" sight!! There are times when one should be able to say goodbye with dignity and move on...
Xavier
I don't think this is about shoes at all. It's about class (in the English sense). Only someone about whom there can be 'no question' can get away with wearing patched shoes. If I wore them I would look cheap or poor. A wealthy 'celebrity' could not get away with them because they would raise doubts about his continuing wealth or celebrity. This is a way for the Prince to say that no matter how rich or famous you are you can never come anywhere near me in terms of status.
Countercultural. Love it.
I understand the feeling. I love my first pair of wingtips, and no matter how many times my mother tells me my old brogues look to be wearing out (in actuality, I just need to shine them more often. I am a student--walk alot), I can't help but fear that I may be forced to part with them. I love them to much though.
I noticed the same thing at the 9/11 memorial service . A snapshot revealed the shoes worn that day were more cracked than patched. Credit to anyone who cherishes craftsmanship that much.
Post a Comment