Benjamins Shoes
Benjamins Shoes
instagram @benjaminsshoes
benjamins-shoes.com
'Benjamins Shoes launched online this past September. We are based in California and all of our manufacturing is done here. All of our shoes are made by us with the highest quality luxury fabrics.
Our current release is made from Loro Piana storm system cashmere. We have selected aspects from different styles of shoe-making (hand-lasted toes with toe boxes, stitched on moc soles) to create the best shoe we possibly can.'
'We're getting ready to move into our brick and mortar in California, which will be shared workshop and retail space. People coming into the shop will be able to watch the shoes being made there on site.
For now everything is made to order, and sold exclusively through our website and soon from our shop. We are also excited to announce that we will be featured in the upcoming Dec/Jan issue of Monocle magazine.
The opportunity we had at this building was too good to pass up. It's an historic brick building that is being turned into artist lofts with commercial space below. We will be surrounded by other shops and restaurants; a poke bowl spot, a bar and barbershop concept, all local businesses and really great people.
The neighborhood where the shop is located was an industrial district, and much of the design within the space is staying true to that aesthetic. We would like to carry some of that into our space (there are two large metal roll-up doors in our 900 sq. ft. that are original to the building), but we are also planning to pay homage to old school menswear shops with details like gold leaf painted signage, black wood and glass shop front, etc.
I will also be bringing in many pieces that are personal to me and my family, as an example I have a mini liquor bottle collection that became mine when my grandfather passed away that is more that 800 bottles that I am creating a display for.
The space will be workshop, retail, lounge, and showroom in one. We would like to draw people into the space even if they may not be there to buy shoes. Whether it's to watch the shoes being made, or to sit and read (I am putting in a library of menswear related books that is not for sale but for people to use for reference/pleasure) and we will also be selling menswear related magazines.
Customers can come in and sit, place a custom shoe order if they like, and the developer of the building is working to get the entire floor permitted for alcohol, so if someone purchases a beer in the cafe at the front of the floor, they can take it with them to the other shops without any problems.
We're also planning to host events in our space, film screenings etc. We recently held one at another location in town and screened 'i Colori di Antonio' which was great.'
Benjamins Shoes is a payed feature illustration for the Daily Fashion Project.
Daily Fashion 182
What You Wear Is Not Just To Impress Those Around You
Daily Fashion Illustration 182. Wednesday, May 14. 2014
Story submitted by Juan Cortez. -instagram @jcore89, twitter @jcore89_
'Vintage, that word and everything about it is making a huge impact in our generation today. Fashion started somewhere and to really understand and appreciate clothing you must start from the roots. My friends are raving about the vintage and classy look now a days and it's something that I have always loved. What you wear is not just to impress those around you, it's meant to inspire life to create an atmosphere of good and hope in the world and to keep dreaming! My style is vintage because it reminds me of how far mankind has come. Thrift stores are a great place to find hidden gems, it's like you give clothing a second chance to live and that is the art of love.'
Daily Fashion 181
Daily Fashion Illustration 181. Tuesday, May 13. 2014
Story submitted by Erik Mannby. -instagram @erikmannby, tumblr sowhatelseisnew
'I'm a menswear designer. It wasn't what I studied to be or what I ever expected to become, but chance, an intense interest in classic menswear and supportive friends and family has given me the opportunity to follow this dream. I'm wearing one of the suits me and my friend and business partner Lars designed.
Since I was a kid I've loved clothes, and the many ways in which you can project different images of your personality by variation in clothing and style. My journey towards my current state of dress took the route via 60's mod style. I loved the music, attitude and style of the mods. It opened my eyes to sharp dressing, i.e. coat and tie. I started rummaging through my fathers old clothes and found a treasure of tweed jackets.
This was something like 10 years ago or so. Since then I have acquired vast amounts of knowledge about classic menswear. I have also started a vintage web shop and a clothing brand with a friend. The great thing is you never stop learning new things about classic style. I come across pictures of my grandfather wearing something nice, or see pictures from
the latest Pitti Uomo, and get new ideas as to how you can combine garments and keep on developing. It's an ongoing journey.'
