Hello.
I'm Noguchi from CASANOVA&CO.
As February reaches its midpoint, the pace of deliveries has picked up considerably.
Today marks the launch of the new brand ERL, and we're also receiving a continuous stream of items like Olde H & Daughter's silk basques and SARTO's ultra-powerful pieces. But today, we'll take a break from clothing and focus on shoes.
Something I was personally really looking forward to has arrived from PETROSOLAUM.
PETROSOLAUM
stone derby
last _ 02
color _ ai mud dye washed deer suede
size _ 39,40,41
As the title and color name suggest, it's "indigo mud."
In other words, it's a layered dyeing process of indigo dyeing and mud dyeing.
As you know, indigo dyeing results in an indigo color, and mud dyeing, with repeated applications, results in a brownish-black color.
When these two traditional Japanese dyeing methods are layered, they create a complex black that is difficult to describe, with both blue and reddish tones coexisting.
It's difficult to convey the nuances in a photo, but I think you can feel that it's not a flat, one-dimensional black.
Looking at it with the naked eye, you can see reddish tones from the fine nap of the deer suede, and a hint of blue seems to be hidden beneath the base blackish color.
I had seen "indigo mud fabric" before, but this is my first time seeing "indigo mud leather."
It has a wild appearance, yet it also possesses a great deal of dignity.
The power emanating from this "living expression" was something I had difficulty feeling with "indigo mud fabric."
Although it's easy to focus on the information and value standards associated with the dyeing process, the unique atmosphere it exudes truly feels exceptional.
I felt that this indigo mud deer suede was an excellent match for the 02 last shoes.
Compared to the 01 and 03 lasts, the 02 last has a square toe, which provides a comfortable fit with ample room for the toes, making it quite comfortable.
Furthermore, the upper leather is naturally dyed, and the entire shoe undergoes product washing, making it incredibly soft from the first wear. I think it would be quite easy for even those unfamiliar with leather shoes to wear.
For me, someone who "never wears sneakers unless I consciously choose to," PETROSOLAUM's 03 last and O-last shoes already fill the "sneaker position," and I've never encountered leather shoes that are more comfortable and reassuring for everyday wear.
Within that context, seeing this 02 last stone derby again made me think more deeply about PETROSOLAUM.
I first saw the stone derby at PETROSOLAUM's 25AW season exhibition.
At that time, it was a type with different traditional Japanese dyeing, but I was simply shocked by its softness and lightness.
Until then, for me, PETROSOLAUM at CASANOVA&CO was seen as:
"The overwhelmingly top-class 03 last" and "The unique and charming O-last, a curveball of sorts."
I felt that this opposing structure created a balance.
However, the stone derby, in a good way, disrupted that structure.
The 02 last stone derby is more casual than the 03 last, but it retains more of a leather shoe feel than the O-last.
Furthermore, I felt that it had a boldness that allowed it to incorporate classical Japanese techniques, which the 03 and O-last lacked, and from that, a "unique style" emerged.
It transcends the origins typical of the leather shoe industry, such as Italian, British, or French influences.
It's not about "what it's like," but rather it has a distinct "PETROSOLAUM-ness."
And it also possesses a personality that sits in between the 03 last and the O-last.
Then, this time, when the indigo mud lineup appeared, I was astonished.
Previously, the 02 last offered product-dyed and product-washed shoes, which already had an extraordinary aura, but now the depth of the dyeing process has been added.
Moreover, the elegant color resulting from that dyeing.
When the attire becomes lighter and paired with shorts, it would be absolutely perfect.
When I wear shorts, I often wear O-last croco Tyroleans, but I've always felt that the 03 last was too heavy for when I wanted a slightly more leather-shoe-like look. With these, it's perfect.
It's perfection among perfections.
The shape, as the name "derby" suggests, is an open-laced style.
The edges of the quarters are rounded, and it has a slight V-front, designed to be not too stiff, matching the mood of the 02 last.
The outsole is natural-colored leather, deliberately left unpolished, in a rough, napped state.
The stacked leather of the heel clearly shows its layers.
I believe this color and expression create a balance that is lighthearted yet not merely rough and casual.
The wooden pegs, the McKay stitching, and the color variations, which I assume are from the product washing, are all incredibly cool.
While the craftsmanship of the 03 last's fiddled back and hidden channels is, of course, wonderful, I also love items like these where the human touch is vividly visible.
What kind of shoes do you wear in your most relaxed "daily life"?
I believe that shows your style.
And since it represents your style, trust in what you put on your feet is absolutely essential.
My immense trust in PETROSOLAUM allows me to confidently recommend it to all of you, and I believe the brand's appeal also lies in its diverse range of models as a leather shoe collection brand.
Many of you may already own several pairs, but that's precisely why the 02 last will greatly expand your possibilities.
I hope the stone derby will blend seamlessly into your style.
Oh, and important sizing.
I wear size 40 in the 03 last (probably 40H is my exact fit) and 41 in the O-last. For this stone derby's 02 last, which doesn't come in half sizes, I think the sizing standard will be similar to the O-last.
Due to the product washing, they feel quite snug when you first put them on. However, don't let that sensation lead you to choose too large a size, as the leather will stretch considerably with continued wear. Please keep that in mind.
Well, we will fully support you with sizing, so if you are interested, I would be happy if you could take a look.