Alfred Sargent Shoes

New Alfred Sargent site.

2011-09-20T10:51:00.002+01:00

Please bear with us while we tweak a few things but our new site is now live.

We have decided to incorporate this blog onto the new site so please click here to see the new ranges and to continue following the blog and the latest news from AS.

Thank you for your continued support!

Best regards,

Chay.

AS Handgrade trunk shows

2011-09-10T11:50:00.004+01:00

With my visit to America drawing closer I have received quite a few emails asking what is available during our AS Handgrade trunk shows; below I have detailed what is on offer for those considering to visit but wondering of the choice available.

I hope this is of help and looking forward to meeting some of you in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco later this month.

Last choice: AS Handgrade styles are available on three different Last shapes whilst retaining the consistency of the fit across all three. We also have a choice of three different widths available on these Lasts.

Pictured below, in order, are AS53 our chisel toe Last, AS48 which is clasically English and often called a soft square and AS19 which has an almond shaped toe:

We always have a broad selection of styles on show and a good choice of leathers and suedes to select from, the possibility to request a different toe medallion or if inclined to remove the medallion and have the front of the shoe left plain is also up to your personal preference.

The shoes can be personalised with your name inside them or perhaps your initials in brass nails on the sole, toe taps or decorative brass pins around the toe area can be selected also.

The key to the shows is to ask the question, we will tell you if it's not possible but in most cases it is.

My schedule is beneath this post and I'm looking forward to together creating some great made to order shoes!

Best, Chay

Please email me chay@alfred-sargent.co.uk to register your interest in attending or if you have any queries!

AS Handgrade TrunkShows - USA September 2011

2011-09-09T07:37:00.000+01:00

Please join us as we again visit America with a series of shows with a selection of new AS Handgrade styles:

New York

Thursday 22nd of September at Leffot, 10 Christopher Street. 11am - 7pm

Los Angeles

Sunday 25th September (10am - 7pm) and Monday 26th of September (9am - 4pm) at The Palomar Hotel, Westwood. 10740 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles.

Please email Chay on chayc@alfred-sargent.co.uk to register your interest.

San Francisco

Wednesday 28th & Thursday 29th of September at The Marriott Marquis Hotel, 55 Fourth Street, CA 94103 San Francisco.

Please email Chay on chayc@alfred-sargent.co.uk to register your interest.

Update

2011-09-06T17:40:00.002+01:00

Apologies for the delay in posting, I hope to have the new site ready by the end of this month.

Hopefully I will get to meet some of you in America later this month at the trunk shows.

Best,

Chay.

AS Handgrade - Troy

2011-08-27T14:25:00.003+01:00

With all the shoes I have posted from the Exclusive range recently It feels like I have been neglecting to post Handgrade orders coming through the factory.

This one is called Troy and with a lot of Handgrade orders in progress I will add more soon plus of course pictures from the Handgrade trunk shows coming up next month in America.

AS Exclusive - Stepney

2011-08-26T22:19:00.000+01:00

Featuring Stepney on our 87 Last.

Callaghan

2011-08-26T21:05:00.001+01:00

Callaghan is our apron loafer. Made on our 68 Last.

AS Exclusive - Belgrave

2011-08-26T20:49:00.002+01:00

AS Exclusive's Chelsea boot, Belgrave is made on our 106 Last.

AS Exclusive - Pimlico

2011-08-26T20:32:00.002+01:00

Introducing our elegant two eyelet derby. Pimlico is made on our 106 Last.

AS Exclusive - Cambridge

2011-08-26T20:11:00.003+01:00

Cambridge is cut from a wonderfully soft country grain calf and shaped on our 87 Last.

AS Exclusive - Chester

2011-08-26T19:06:00.002+01:00

Chester the plain front derby from our AS Exclusive range is made on our 7wk Last.

AS Handgrade TrunkShows - USA September 2011

2011-08-13T09:09:00.003+01:00

AS Handgrade - Benson

2011-08-13T08:47:00.004+01:00

Benson our single strap monk is from our Handgrade range and named after a gentleman who attended one of our trunk shows at Leffot, New York.

Our next show at Leffot is on the 22nd September everyone is welcome and we look forward to meeting with you and giving some new styles their debut.

AS Exclusive - Hurst

2011-08-12T13:46:00.001+01:00

Our wholecut is made on our 99 Last witha channelled oak bark sole.

AS Exclusive - Armfield.

2011-08-12T11:06:00.002+01:00

Our traditional cap oxford Armfield is made on our 109 Last and like all the dress shoes in our Exclusive range features channelled oak bark sole and hand pinned heels.

AS Exclusive - Hamstead

2011-08-11T11:34:00.004+01:00

Our Hamstead brogue has a double leather sole, bellows tongue and antique sole edge.
Made on our popular 7WK Last.

Oak Bark Soles

2011-08-11T10:24:00.002+01:00

We only use the best oak bark soles on our shoes; the soles are tanned from English hides and made in England in a tanning process that takes 12 months!

Enjoy this link http://bbc.in/r4ibFS

AS Exclusive - Ramsey

2011-08-10T17:28:00.003+01:00

One of two monk shoes in the Exclusive range Ramsey is a double strap and available on our 99 Last.

AS Exclusive - Charlton

2011-08-10T13:11:00.002+01:00

Our apron derby with hand stitched tabs is on our 99 Last and named Charlton.

Pictures below are in antique espresso calf.

AS Exclusive - Stiles

2011-08-09T20:28:00.003+01:00

Our side gusset casual in chocolate suede on the 724 Last is another style that will be included in our new website.

AS Exclusive - Greaves

2011-08-09T16:30:00.004+01:00

Our zip boot from the Exclusive range is named Greaves and is made on our square toe 724 Last.

AS Exclusive - Lombard

2011-08-09T13:59:00.004+01:00

Welcoming Lombard to the range.

Featuring black waxed calf and a Commando sole this style is similar in design to our Hannover model but is made on our more rounded Last 7wk as opposed to 87.

AS Exclusive - Harrold.

2011-07-31T19:37:00.006+01:00

We are delighted to introduce another new style from our Exclusive range - our brogue derby named Harrold.

Featuring commando sole, bellows tongue, antique split welt and eyelets and cut from for a sublime rosewood waxed calf it is a no nonsense English country brogue shaped on our 7WK Last.

AS Handgrade - Miller

2011-07-23T12:47:00.003+01:00

Miller, balmoral boot
Last, 53
Espresso calf/chocolate suede

AS Handgrade TrunkShows - USA September 2011

2011-07-19T07:42:00.002+01:00

Please join us as we again visit America with a series of shows with a selection of new AS Handgrade styles:

New York

Thursday 22nd of September at Leffot, 10 Christopher Street. 11am - 7pm

Los Angeles

Sunday 25th September (10am - 7pm) and Monday 26th of September (9am - 4pm) at The Palomar Hotel, Westwood. 10740 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles.

Please email Chay on mto@alfred-sargent.co.uk to schedule an appointment to your convenience.

San Francisco

Wednesday 28th & Thursday 29th of September at The Marriott Marquis Hotel, 55 Fourth Street, CA 94103 San Francisco.

Please email Chay on mto@alfred-sargent.co.uk to schedule an appointment to your convenience.

Factory Insight - Part Two

2011-07-16T09:30:00.002+01:00

Created by Duncan @ Alfred Sargent.

AS Exclusive - Hanover

2011-07-15T15:19:00.002+01:00

Introducing Hanover a brogue boot in Walnut Calf Grain with a Commando rubber sole on our 87 Last.

AS Handgrade - USA Trunk Show dates - September 2011

2011-07-11T21:58:00.003+01:00

I am pleased to announce dates for our next USA shows:

Leffot, New York on the 22nd of September

Los Angeles 25th - 26th September

San Francisco 28th - 29th September

Please email mto@alfred-sargent.co.uk to register your interest.

Best,

Chay.

Sargents Heritage..

2011-07-06T15:40:00.002+01:00

This photograph showing the belt driven machines is dated 1915.

This is a very early photograph showing the then employees and dated 1902.

Above shows, from left to right; William Sargent (Alfreds Father) Walter Sargent Alfreds brother, seated) then Alfred Sargent far right.
The children in the background are Alfreds son Frank and Walters son.

Alfred Sargent.

AS Exclusive - Hunt.

2011-06-29T20:39:00.003+01:00

Previewing Hunt from the Exclusive range - this pair was made for CS with thanks!

AS Handgrade - Made To Order.

2011-06-25T12:49:00.002+01:00

Cut from grey calf suede and made on our AS19 Last this MTO was made for CF to his own design requests.

AS Exclusive - 'Hatton'

2011-06-24T15:45:00.002+01:00

Introducing our new single strap monk shoe Hatton, on our sleek 106 Last and in these pictures cut from burnished cherry calf with oak bark soles it is sure to be a favourite once our new line up is complete come September.

Hatton can be pre-ordered now and is available made to order in a choice of fine calf leathers and suedes.

Best,

Chay.

USA Trunk Show

2011-06-17T17:21:00.003+01:00

Thank you!

2011-06-14T18:31:00.002+01:00

To everyone who attended our recent show in Helsinki, it was nice to see some new faces as well as some familiar ones from my previous visit.

Great hospitality from everyone once again for which myself and Michael reiterate our thanks!

I will be in touch shortly via email.

Best,

Chay.

New York City

2011-06-14T18:11:00.000+01:00

Monkey Magic

2011-06-09T15:55:00.001+01:00

Made To Order - For MN, with thanks!

USA SpringTrunk Show.

2011-06-06T16:20:00.001+01:00

Mr Andrew Sargent of Alfred Sargent and Toby Luper of Hemmingway Tailors will be holding a joint Spring USA trunk show and look forward to meeting customers both old and new on the following dates:

New York

Thursday 16th June to Saturday 18th June
InterContinental Barclay
Show 9.00am to 6.00pm

111 E48th Street, New York, 10017 – 1297
Tel: +1 (212) 755 5900

Washington DC

Monday 20th June & Tuesday 21st June
The University Club of Washington
Show 9.00am to 6.00pm

1135 16th Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20005
Tel: +1 (202) 862 8800

Chicago

Thursday 23nd June & Friday 24th June 2011 (until 1.00pm)
The Fairmont Chicago
Show 9.00am to 6.00pm

200 North Columbus Drive, IL 60601
Tel: +1 (312) 565 8000

AS Exclusive - Moore.

2011-06-06T13:41:00.004+01:00

Following on from our 'Montague' boot I posted recently 'Moore' is another style from our Exclusive range and available to order now.

Choose from Espresso, Black, Chestnut, Cherry (as pictured) and Mahogany Calfs or Caramel and Coffee suedes.

Helsinki Trunk Show.

2011-06-02T08:59:00.000+01:00

Tervetuloa tutustumaan Alfred Sargent kenkiin Helsingissä perjantaina 10.6.2011.
Paikkana toimii Punavuoren Ahvenen kabinetti kello 16-20.
Osoite on Punavuorenkatu 12, 00120 Helsinki.

Nähtävillä runsaasti uusia malleja. Paikalla mahdollisuus jalkojen mittaukseen ja luonnollisesti myös kenkien tilaamiseen.
Kaikkiin tapahtumassa tilattuihin kenkiin toimitetaan maksutta mukaan kengän lestin mukaiset lepolestit.

Alfred Sargent - 'Montague'

2011-05-25T20:48:00.003+01:00

Introducing our new Derby boot 'Montague'

Montague is one of the new styles from our AS Exclusive range and is available for pre order now for delivery in July.
Please email me mto@alfred-sargent.co.uk to register your interest.

Best, Chay.

AS Exclusive - The Channelled sole.

2011-05-17T08:56:00.009+01:00

With the popularity of our new range AS Exclusive growing rapidly I have had quite a few people ask about how we make the channelled soles.

Below is a brief insight which I hope is more interesting and far more insightful than listening to my explanation via a telephone call or email for those who asked.

We have a lot of new styles currently in design for AS Exclusive that once our new website is finished shall be included and available to order.
I will see if we can highlight these on the blog as and when they are ready and fine tuned.

The Oak Bark soles are soaked in water then a slit of leather is made and opened up to create the channel for the sole stitching.

On each of the stitches a lock is created by the two threads as shown above. This lock sits in the substance of the oak bark sole once stitched.

Once the sole is stitched as seen above the channel then needs closing on the brass wheel as shown below.

With the channel now closed we allow the soles to dry naturally with the Last still inside the shoe for around two weeks, this rack seen below was stitched a couple of days ago.

Helsinki Trunk Show.

2011-05-16T13:01:00.001+01:00

On the 10th of June we will be holding a trunk show again in Helsinki.

Our last show was a great event and we look forward to seeing some familiar faces as well as hopefully meeting some new ones also!

Please email me mto@alfred-sargent.co.uk to register your interest.

Best regards,

Chay.

Thank you!

2011-04-24T15:57:00.003+01:00

To everyone who took the time to come to our trunk show at Leffot, New York - it was great meeting with you all and we look forward to making your shoes.

Best, Chay.

AS Handgrade - Keats MTO.

2011-04-18T10:22:00.003+01:00

This pair of Keats is an example of the choice and flexibility of AS Handgrade when ordering MTO.

This pair is for one of our clients in Finland who requested Keats in Whiskey cordovan and a colour change to the lining also.

We are also happy to work with you and create the shoe/style that you want..

Using this Keats pictured below as an example, the wing cap could be changed for a straight cap or the toe medallion can be changed to a different style etc'

New York Trunk Show - April 21st

2011-04-09T18:51:00.005+01:00

I'm looking forward to travelling back to New York soon to hold another trunk show at Leffot - it's always great fun and nice to see clients new and old while catching up with friends..

This particular show takes on more significance as it is the debut of the new AS Handgrade sole I mentioned a while back on the blog; it is quite a lot narrower in the waist and features a V shaped heel but retains the fiddleback sole at the same time. I can only hope that it is well received as it took some time getting it to look like what I had pictured in my mind!

The show is on the 21st of April between 11am and 7:pm, if you're unfamiliar with Leffot it is located on 10 Christopher Street, NY 10014 and worth a visit anytime as in addition to AS they hold some great footwear from other makers. If you need any further information give Steven a call on 212-989-4577 or by email at info@leffot.com

Hopefully I will see you there but until the 21st I will leave you with these.
Best, Chay.

Factory Insight - Mulling.

2011-04-09T12:44:00.003+01:00

Mulling is a process that recreates the flexibililty of the leather created by the tanning process, this makes the leather more pliable and less prone to cracking when stretched over the Lasts.

The room as pictured below, has high humidity relative to the temperature. Something that you are definately aware of when entering the room to either hang new uppers or remove those that have been there a while in readiness for Lasting.

After we have cut the leather sections and sewn them together creating the upper, we then hang them on metal pins in our Mulling room for several days before starting the Lasting process.

There is a lot of wetting and drying of the leather involved in shoemaking; trying to force the 'memory' of the leather away from being a flat piece from when it arrives from the tannery to ultimately conforming to the shape of the Last we are working on.

Introducing - 'A Fine Pair Of Shoes'

2011-04-06T16:43:00.004+01:00

As our AS Exclusive range continues to grow and new styles enter production so do new suppliers of this range...

I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce the blog readers to Julian and Sarah Nelson and asked Julian if he would write a brief piece introducing himself, Sarah and their company. They have been a pleasure to deal with and I have already heard from several people about what good service they are providing, check them out at http://www.afinepairofshoes.co.uk/

Anyway, enough from me..

................................................................................................................................................................

At 'A Fine Pair of Shoes' we have a real passion for beautiful footwear and are delighted to be stocking Alfred Sargent. It is very exciting to be selected as one of their international retailers of the stunning new AS Exclusive range.

We love being involved with shoes, enjoy the look and feel of good quality craftsmanship and above all, we love passing on exceptional footwear to our customers along with a very high level of customer service.

All of our products are produced in the United Kingdom at traditional manufacturers, with hundred’s of years of shoe-making experience behind them.

We are a husband and wife team, with several years experience in high quality footwear retail business. We hope you'll be delighted by the service you receive. We do our utmost to make sure every pair of shoes leaves us in fantastic condition and as quickly as possible.

We hope you'll love the new shopping experience.

Julian & Sarah Nelson

Veldtschoen MTO

2011-03-18T17:09:00.002Z

This MTO was based off Culford but made as a veldtschoen for my friend TS.

We also changed the Last from the 89 on which Culford is normally made and used our 53 Last instead.

Milton MTO

2011-03-11T16:41:00.003Z

We made this pair of Milton in Espresso calf on our 48 Last for our client CM with thanks for his custom.

New AS Handgrade styles and the debut of our new narrower hand cut sole and heel shall be on display at our Trunk show at Leffot, 10 Christopher Street, New York on the 21st of April.
Email me at mto@alfred-sargent for further details.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Best, Chay.

Horween Cordovan - The Real Deal.

2011-03-10T16:34:00.004Z

At Alfred Sargent we only use Horween shell Cordovan, why settle for less?

AS Custom Boots

2011-03-05T10:47:00.003Z

This pair is based on our Dumfries boot that we made for our good client JB.

With our custom service you can take any of our styles and put your own twist on it, we think this pair turned out particulary nice.

Alfred Sargent - Culford.

2011-03-02T09:56:00.005Z

Great review and photos of our Culford boot below:

http://youhavebrokentheinternet.blogspot.com/2011/02/alfred-sargent-culford-boots.html

AS Town & Country - Coming soon..

2011-03-01T18:10:00.003Z

AS Exclusive.

2011-02-26T11:12:00.006Z

More styles can be seen on our website: http://tinyurl.com/65tgjst

USA Trunk Show Itinerary.

2011-02-23T14:40:00.003Z

Mr Andrew Sargent will be holding trunk shows at the following venues.

Also in attendance will be Harvie & Hudson Shirtmakers of Jermyn Street, London and Toby Luper of Hemmingway Tailors.

Andrew will be bringing a selection of AS Handgrade and AS Exclusive styles and shall be on hand to discuss made to order requests and is looking forward to meeting with you all.

If you need any further information please email mto@alfred-sargent.co.uk

New York

Thursday 3rd and Saturday 5th March

AS Exclusive only. AS Handgrade show at Leffot, New York on 21 st April 2011

InterContinental Barclay
9am -6pm
111 E 48 Sreet, NY 10017-1297
212 755 5900

Washington DC

Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th March

The University Club of Washington
9am -6pm
202 862 8800

Georgetown

Wednesday 9th March

Willaim Field Tailors
9am - 1pm
2134 Wisconsin Ave, NW 20007

Chicago

Thursday 10th March
The Mid America Club
10am - 7:30pm
200 East Randolph Drive
80th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
847 582 0289

Chicago

Friday 11th March
The Fairmont Chicago
9am - 3am
200 North Columbus Drive, IL 60601

AS Handgrade the Evolution..

2011-02-10T16:25:00.003Z

With a narrow hand cut sole waist and a V cut heel AS Handgrade is evolving...... more to follow in the coming months.............

AS Handgrade - Made To Order.

2011-02-03T17:25:00.003Z

This pair of Handgrade we made with thanks to our client RB for his custom.

Cut from Antique Chestnut calf they were made on our square toe 53 Last.

Co Respondents.

2011-01-28T17:25:00.002Z

Red Gusset Gentlemen?

2011-01-24T17:39:00.003Z

Model name: Stiles.

Last: 724.

Range: AS Exclusive.

Monday and back to work.....

2011-01-24T17:28:00.002Z

Cordovan MTO

2011-01-19T17:37:00.002Z

We made this AS Handgrade MTO with many thanks to our good client PT for his commission.

Cut from Horween Whiskey and Cognac Cordovan coupled with a translucent brown fiddleback waist and antique sole edge, it is on our 724 Last and has created a truly unique saddle shoe.

The Pepperpot.

2011-01-14T17:56:00.002Z

Made To Order
Pine Calf.
Last 72

Made To Order Boots.

2010-12-28T13:20:00.002Z

Why not take advantage of our made to order service and either tweak one of our existing designs from our website (like below) or request something completly unique.
We will work closely with you as you choose the Last shape, upper leather and lining colour, style and sole, drop me an email and I will run you through the process.

Christmas Holiday Period.

2010-12-24T22:19:00.002Z

We are now closed until January 4th but would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your custom and support this year, it is greatly appreciated.

2011 promises to be an exciting year as we continue to develop our AS Exclusive and AS Handgrade ranges as well as introducing early in the year our new AS 1899 range.

Warmest festive wishes to all of our clients, have a brilliant Christmas and a fantastic New Year!

Kindest regards,

Chay.

Milton

2010-12-22T17:29:00.007Z

We made this AS Handgrade MTO for our client on our 53 Last. Cut from espresso burnished calf the style name is Milton.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-21T08:16:00.003Z

May we take this opportunity to wish all of our clients and associates a very Merry Chrstmas and a prosperous New Year -from the team at Alfred Sargent.

Dumfries MTO

2010-12-20T12:39:00.002Z

Based on our Dumfries style, our client request the boot to me made in dark brown suede with a natural storm welt and Dainite sole on our 77 Last.

AS Handgrade - The Fiddleback Sole.

2010-12-18T15:33:00.003Z

All AS Handgrade shoes feature the handpainted oak bark fiddleback sole.

Museum Calf Wholecut.

2010-12-15T15:32:00.002Z

We made this MTO for one of our clients to AS Handgrade specifications on the 48 Last.

Cut from brown museum calf with an antique edge finish to compliment and as always with AS Handgrade the handpainted fiddleback oak bark sole.

MTO - Black Calf

2010-12-03T17:53:00.002Z

Using one of our existing designs we adjusted this pattern to fit the bespoke Last that our client provided us with.
The shoes are made to AS Handgrade specification and the punching on the toe is accentuated by the decorative stitching that accompanies it.

Double Monk - MTO

2010-12-02T18:58:00.002Z

This double monk is a new model added to the AS Handgrade range and is named Forde.
The example below which we made for one of our clients is made on the AS 48 Last and cut from burnished oxblood calf.

AS Handgrade - Espresso MTO

2010-11-28T12:55:00.001Z

With thanks to PT - enjoy them Sir.

AS Handgrade MTO.

2010-11-25T09:16:00.006Z

This adelaide cap oxford was requested to be made on our 106 Last to AS Handgrade specification.

Cut from burnished chestnut calf with an oak bark fiddleback sole we thank the gentleman for his commission, the Last suits the style very well!

AS Handgrade MTO

2010-11-21T11:59:00.002Z

This style is Moore from the AS Exclusive range http://alfredsargent.co.uk/ShoeRangeMenu.aspx?Range=PremEx
cut from espresso burnished calf our client requested we kept it on the square toe 724 Last but upgrade the specification to the same as AS Handgrade.

Burgundy Cordovan Derby.

2010-11-20T19:47:00.002Z

We cut this plain front deby from burgundy shell cordovan for our client who requested we make it on our 104 square toe last with a single oak bark sole tapering into a double. I think the results are really good and hope he enjoys them for many years to come!

Lidgate. Made To Order.

2010-11-17T07:31:00.002Z

Last 7WK

Leather, Rustic Grain.

MTO - Tobacco Calf Suede Chukka Boot.

2010-11-15T17:31:00.002Z

With gratitude to YM for the commission.

Last- 89

Specification- AS Exclusive.

Buffalo Bourne

2010-11-14T08:52:00.003Z

We cut this pair of MTO's from a Buffalo skin given to us by our client after a hunting trip to Luangwa Valley, Zambia.

The style chosen is Bourne on our 106 Last and the shoes are now a unique way of providing a reminder of what must have been a truly memorable experience.

Appleby MTO - Last 77

2010-11-12T22:45:00.002Z

Dumfries MT0 - Last 77

2010-11-12T22:41:00.000Z

Kirkham - MTO Last 89

2010-11-12T22:31:00.000Z

Hunt - AS Exclusive.

2010-10-29T20:52:00.005+01:00

This wingtip brogue is one of the new styles from our new AS Exclusive range it is made on our 109 last and is available made to order in Pine, (as pictured) dark brown oak, cherry red, black calf or a choice of suedes.

With linings cut from the same skin as the upper leather and oak bark tanned soles with a gentle camber in the waist, it is a wingtip of absolute quality that is already proving to be a popular addition to the range.

Guest Article.

2010-10-28T21:54:00.011+01:00

With thanks to GT...

====================================================================

Brogues!

IPod blaring, yesterday I started out for a run in the crisp autumn air. I cannot run without music and I don’t understand how people do, and my favorite running music is essentially movement put to words and music. To set my mood right and proper, the first song that came (one that I can only describe oxymoronically as a quick paced lament) was the “Rocky Road of Dublin.” The song, a Celtic standard, has enjoyed a pleasant rebirth as a result of its prominent position in the Sherlock Holmes movie with Robert Downey, Jr. It tells a typical story about a wayward and somewhat vain Irishman who is forced for a variety of reasons to travel from his beloved Isle. What catches me, as a shoe lover, is how prominent a place a good pair of shoes plays in the man’s life. I so love the words:

With a pair of bran new brogues, I rattled o'er the bogs —
Sure I frightened all the dogs on the rocky road to Dublin

I understand exactly how he feels. Brogues, Wingtips, or Gunboats as they are now affectionately called, are often the first “real” pair of shoes a boy gets when becoming a man. Sturdy and substantial, they date back well before 1773 when they were first identified by the English writer Dr. Samuel Johnson on the Scottish Isle of Skye.

Brogues have several well known (if only to the eye) elements which make them a distinct form of shoe. Brogues can be found in Balmoral form, but the ones which most often come to my mind are Bluchers, which although named after Field Marshall von Blucher who helped Wellington defeat Napoleon at Waterloo, simply signifies open lacing—a style of shoe the Field Marshall preferred.

“Broguing” in reality simply refers to the holes which are punched into the shoe. The yarn that these holes were placed in the shoes to allow for the easy passage of water while men tramped about the bogs is apocryphal but certainly speaks to a rye English country sense of humor which does not brook outsiders. Pinking is the serrated edges you might see on the tongue of a brogued shoe. Most brogues, since they are classically viewed as country shoes, have a storm welt and a double (or if you are in some of the more rural European regions triple) sole to enhance the longevity and ruggedness of the shoe. Finally, most brogues have a patterned medallion across the toes. These medallions often contain a hidden message or design.

Brogues are monument shoes providing the wearer a substantial base and a bit of swagger. I have always found their substance comforting for long walks or long days on my feet. Today you can get them with a rubber Dainite sole which adds to their usefulness in colder, snowier climes. Fall and Winter, you can find me in traipsing Chicago in my favorite pair.

Alfred Sargent will help you connect with your favorite pair—no matter what that may be.

AS Handgrade MTO

2010-10-28T20:26:00.003+01:00

Following on from our Trunk Show at Leffot is this pair of MTO shoes we made for one of Stevens clients.
Cut from burgundy burnished calf, we made it on our almond toe shaped AS 19 Last resulting in a classically English tassel loafer.

Trunk Show Holland - 19th - 20th November.

2010-10-21T16:09:00.000+01:00

Trunk show Alfred Sargent
19 & 20 november
Vanità – modern tailors
Denneweg 75 Den Haag

Trunk Show

Neem een Engels fabrikant met een geschiedenis in het vervaardigen van klassieke herenschoenen, een Nederlandse leverancier van kwaliteitsproducten om die schoenen te onderhouden, en een Haagsche winkel voor maatkleding.
Dit vormt de samenwerking om een trunk show te houden, waar ruimte is om de modellen, maar ook de mogelijkheden van het hoogwaardige merk Alfred Sargent tentoon te stellen. Niet alleen een lust voor het oog, want ook zullen de heren van Alfred Sargent aanwezig zijn om u van alles op de hoogte te brengen, uw voeten op te meten en de verschillende modellen te bespreken.
Voeg hierbij toe dat Quality-shop.nl het gehele aanbod aan schoenpoetskisten, schoenverzorging, en accessoires als kousen en riemen zal gebruiken om de setting compleet te maken, en de winkel aan de Denneweg in Den Haag zal twee dagen lang omgetoverd worden tot een schoenenwalhalla.
U bent van harte welkom, op de vrijdag 19, en zaterdag 20 november van 11:00 tot 18:00 uur bij Vanità modern tailors, aan de Denneweg. Afspraken maken is niet aan te raden met de verwachte belangstelling, daarentegen schenken wij u graag een kopje koffie of thee in!

Leffot Trunk Show, New York.

2010-10-18T14:02:00.002+01:00

Below is a selection of pictures from yesterdays show at Leffot.

Our Trunk show continues today, Monday 18th.

If you find time drop by Leffot, be good to meet with you all.

Time: 12 - 7pm.

Location:10 Christopher Street

New York Trunk Show - 17th and 18th October.

2010-10-17T13:41:00.002+01:00

Join us at Leffot, 10 Christopher Street today and tomorrow from 12pm - 7pm.

We have a selection of new AS Handgrade styles on display and will also be on hand to answer any question that you may have.

We look forward to meeting with you.

AS Handgrade

2010-10-08T12:10:00.002+01:00

Nice article about AS Handgrade by Simon Crompton of Permanent Style on Timothy Everest's blog

http://timothyeverest.blogspot.com/2010/10/connecting-to-shoe-geeks.html

AS Handgrade MTO's

2010-09-25T12:12:00.005+01:00

These two pairs of MTO Handgrades were made for one of our clients based in Malta. Both pairs were requested on our AS19 Last, a classic round, almond shaped toe.

First up is the Chaucer, featuring the handsewn piped stitching on the upper. Then the Milton with its elegant toe medallion.

With thanks to HM, I hope that you enjoy them!

USA Trunk Show - Itinerary.

2010-09-23T10:43:00.003+01:00

We look forward to meeting as many of you as possible both in Chicago and New York.

First stop is Chicago where we will be introducing a selection of new styles to our AS Exclusive range as well as showcasing some AS Handgrade models.
A unique show with Alfred Sargent, Harvie and Hudson Shirtmakers and Hemingway Tailors collectively showing a selection of the finest shoes, shirts and suits.

Thursday 14th and Friday the 15th of October. 9.00am - 5.00pm

The Fairmont Hotel, 200 North Columbus Drive, IL 60601

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NEW YORK.

On Sunday the 17th and Monday the 18th of October. 12pm - 7pm we are delighted to be holding our inaugural trunk show at Leffot, 10 Christopher Street, New York 10014.

We will be bringing a host of new AS Handgrade models and Andrew Sargent will be in store to discuss Made to Order options, Last shapes, leathers and answer any questions you may have.

Please email info@leffot.com for further information.
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AS Handrade - MTO

2010-09-19T11:22:00.004+01:00

AS Handgrade MTO on Last 48 in Espresso calf.

AS Exclusive - Chicago Trunk Show.

2010-09-18T10:29:00.003+01:00

This balmoral cap oxford on the 104 Last is named Wilson.
It forms part of many new styles that will be on show at our Chicago Trunk Show on the 14th and 15th of October - further details of the event shall be posted soon, alternatively feel free to drop me an email to register your interest.
Best regards, Chay.

Re-colouring.. Moore

2010-08-26T16:01:00.007+01:00

I received this photo from one of our clients, he recently purchased a pair of Moore on the 724 last in Chestnut calf as seen on the left.

He decided to attempt re -colouring the shoes using dyes and polish (2nd picture) and I think they have turned out great, sadly he wishes to stay with his chosen career and won't be joining us!

The Old and the New..

2010-08-25T15:36:00.002+01:00

I was sent this picture by one of our clients showing his thirteen year old brogues and the identical new pair that he has just received -lets hope this pair serves him just as well!

Alfred Sargent Archive..

2010-08-19T12:40:00.006+01:00

In the picture below dated 1893:

Left; William Sargent, Father of Alfred Sargent and Great, Great Grandfather of the Paul and Andrew Sargent who currently run the Company.

Centre; Walter Sargent, who it is believed worked with Alfred before leaving and setting up his own shoe factory.

Right; Alfred Sargent who founded the Company back in 1899.

The small boy furthest in the background is Frank Sargent, Grandfather of Paul and Andrew and son of Alfred.

In this picture above dated 1915, Harry Sargent looks on while Frank And Alfred Sargent sit in what is believed to be a Model T ford.
This is still where the current factory resides, although it has since been extended.

Alfred Sargent.

Founder of Alfred Sargent & Sons Shoemakers 1899.

Whiskey shell cordovan with oak bark fiddle back sole on the 99 last.

2010-08-13T09:52:00.002+01:00

White two tie derby,

2010-08-11T15:13:00.001+01:00

Red Suede Brogue Boot - MTO

2010-08-09T17:28:00.002+01:00

Shiny Suede....

2010-08-03T20:25:00.001+01:00

AS Handgrade - Style:Shelley - Last: AS19

2010-08-02T13:59:00.002+01:00

Another AS Handgrade MTO for a client of Leffot, New York.

Shelley is a classic loafer particularly suited to our AS19 last with its almond shaped toe which compliments the hand sewn apron.