Towards the evening of the first day of AW’14 London Collections Men, after viewing numerous shows, slews of beginning-to-get-weary fashion editors, bloggers and stylists were needing a pick-me-up.
Heading towards the glamorous Cafe Royale in Regent Street, we sensed that such a choice venue would mean we would view a choice collection of menswear shoes. Dutch shoe designer, Louis Leeman and his business partner, Erica Pelosini didn’t let down the menswear fashion throng.
Greeted with a glass of champagne (always a plus), attendees roamed through an Enchanted Byzantine Forest of vines creeping through pillars and splayed around jewel like shows. Rich tomes of velvet in scarlet, navy and black had regal tassels, ornate gold detailing or Swarovski covered crystals. Set in the rich baroque finery of the Cafe Royale, the shoes courted attention from the courtiers who had come to admire them. Fez wearing waiters presented guests with Turkish sweets and themed platters to round up the theme.
The collection veered from the (very swish) street to the perennial lounge lizard slip on loafers and spectacular, attention seeking, Swarovski embossed numbers that shone in all their glory. Turkish patterned loafers with tassels , studded detailing velvet, felted and patent slip-ons and suede high-tops vied against each other for premium attention. The riches of the extensive Byzantium commerce was represented by the regal intricately crafted details. Oriental inspired pearl detailing, rhinestones, fringe tassels and gold embroidery further ramped up the Turkish mystique.
Louis Leeman veers towards the Louboutin/Choo direction of menswear footwear. To choose Louis Leeman, the un-obvious yet larger than life statement shoe wear line is to show you mean business. Not the 9-5 dreary, monotonous, City type. Oh no! This is luxury at a price, glamour with Euro-chic business. Louis Leeman is a name that will soon be rolling off the tongues of the most covetous elite. Remember it well.
