The Maker
I'm probably the furthest away from a shoemaker that you could imagine.
My entire life has been spent working as a corporate executive.
You wouldn't believe me if I told you.
Even I still don't.
Born
Melbourne, Australia
Current studio
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
How it started
In 2014, I bought my first pair of handmade footwear in Beijing, accompanying a friend to a shoemaker. As a westerner based in Asia, I always had difficulty with sizing, let alone combining fit with aesthetics.
Because of this, my friend suggested handmade.
With the advice of the shoemaker, I commissioned 2 pairs that day. A mid-brown full brogue oxford and a black Adelaide oxford. Back then, I didn't know anything about shoes, they were simply a necessity.
Over time, I grew to appreciate the design lines of footwear, yet never really became a true enthusiast.
How it went
Many years later, I was searching for a pair of boots.
By this time, my interest in men's footwear had grown.
When compared to that day in Beijing, I was much more educated.
Out of nowhere, a thought popped into my mind.
Why don't I just make the boots myself?
This question had no right place being in my head.
I had never crafted anything with my hands and no knowledge of leatherworking.
That day, I had 17 years of corporate life and 0 years of shoemaking experience.
Countless pairs of shoes later, that day seems like a lifetime ago.
My design philosophy reflects my character
My corporate life shaped me into the person that I am today; my values and character.
As a shoemaker, I'm able to explore these in ways that were often unfulfilled in an office environment.
The need to have a tangible outcome at the end of each day, end of each project.
To have the opportunity to learn from zero, where I truly know nothing. To be completely raw at something again, unable to be protected by hierarchy or corporate status.
And finally, to allow myself a long term journey. To hone a craft over decades to come.
My design style reflects me. Straightforward, understated. Traditional, with a touch of hidden eccentricity. Where quality speaks louder than words.
Attention to detail, rather than detail for attention.
This means that at first glance, many may not see that my work is handmade. And that is exactly the point.
Only you will know.
My construction philosophy reflect my values
01
Minimalism
Since young, I was always encouraged to avoid excess.
In my craft, I push to achieve maximum yield from a single hide of leather. As long as it doesn't impact the integrity of the build, I will use it.
This way, your commission will show all of the unique character of the hide.
It also serves to respect the living creature that it once was.
02
Longevity
I appreciate anything that is built to last.
Something to build an attachment to.
This begins with the quality of materials in your commission, the various leather types. It extends further with the construction method, the tooling undertaken.
In today's world, longevity is not easy to find, let alone achieve.
03
Authenticity
In a corporate setting, I am comfortable with my available skillset. As a craftsperson, this is no different.
Over my baseline level of craftsmanship, my strengths vary across the numerous processes a build requires.
And, I am comfortable communicating these to you.
04
Practicality
I believe everything with a function should be able to fulfil its function.
This also holds true for your build.
First and foremost, your commission is footwear, and intended to be worn as such.
I bring this practicality into all of my work.
My leather, build options and construction recommendations are based on this principle.
Being a shoemaker does not make one rich
I only accept between 12-16 commissions each year, to ensure that I have the time to achieve a standard of quality for you.
My satisfaction comes at the end of each build.
The creation of something from nothing.
Every time a unique commission is finished, I hold it in my hands and am simply amazed.
I hope you are too.
Each commission brings something new
The work that I see from renowned shoemakers is incredible.
The consistency, attention to detail, command of their tools.
Watching and learning from them has led me to find my own style and technique, weaving my own philosophies and values into my brand.
For you as a client, I ask that you find a craftsperson who resonates with you. Your philosophies and values. So that you are jointly aligned on your vision, creating a bond for the journey ahead.
With this, both of you can be proud of the outcome.
I simply ask you to search for the right craftsperson for your commission.
And if that is not me, so be it.
And the journey continues
Those boots that I was searching for. The ones that I originally decided to build, setting me on this path of craftsmanship.
I eventually found time to make them. And many more.
Watch this space.
