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Artisan Spotlight
A Collection by Koji Suzuki | 10 for 10

We asked our friend Mr. M to take us through his shoe commissioning journey over the past decade with Koji Suzuki.

10 STORIES FOR OUR 10TH YEAR IN NEW YORK
A Shoe Collecting Journey

"I think Koji is one the most talented artisans in the world. His eye for proportions is unmatched, and he always balances his shoes just the way I like--not too much, not too little. This is quite extraordinary because in shoes, millimeters matter.

Ready-to-wear shoes never fit me well, and my feet always hurt at the end of the day. Like many, one of my feet is about half a size bigger than the other. Custom Koji's were a real revelation for me. I ended up with some of the best looking shoes I'd ever seen, and they were as comfortable as tennis shoes. My demeanor at the end of a long work day seemed to brighten overnight, and I think that may very well have been grounded in my new shoes.

Ever since, I've ordered about a pair of custom Koji's every year. Just don't tell my wife how much they really cost..."

A Snuff Suede Loafer

"I always recommend suede for a person's first pair of custom shoes, In shoes, millimeters matter in ways that would never be noticed in a suit. Customer feedback is also more important because a shoemaker can't feel out fit through the leather in the way a tailor can pinch through fabric. Suede has a little more give and lets you communicate any feedback to improve the next pair, while still letting you live through any minor fit imperfections that might come with a first custom pair."

SHOP SPIGOLA LOAFERS
Buy Fewer, Buy Better

"I wear a lot more suits than sport coats, so captoes suit my style very well. I have them in several shades of leather and suede. These days, a lot of people dress more casually for work, but want to really dress up for the occasional wedding or night out. It's hard to go wrong with a pair of black captoes and dark suit.

If someone didn't dress up often but wanted to look good when they did, I'd recommend some advice from Cary Grant: "It's better to buy one good pair of shoes than four cheap ones. One pair made of fine leather could outlast four inferior pairs, and, if well cared for, would continue to proclaim your good judgment and taste no matter how old they become.""

Pounce on the Unexpected

"My newest pair are captoes in a lighter shade of llama leather. I wasn't planning on ordering a new pair at this particular trunk show, but Koji showed me this unique swatch and I pounced on this llama like an Andean mountain lion.

They're here just in time for warmer weather, and I can't wait to wear them with lighter suits and summer sport coats."

A Safer Cigar

"I had always wanted a good pair of Cordovan shoes, but Cordovan is so stiff and unforgiving that I ended up getting rid of the few pairs of ready-to-wear I bought. Once I was very confident in my fit with Koji, I ordered my first pair of custom Cordovan shoes. These are in Horween's rare cigar color, but Koji always seems to be able to obtain this unique leather. I finally have my perfect pair of Cordovan shoes in a cigar my doctor is ok with."

Koji Suzuki Commissions Over the Years
10 for 10

As we enter our 10th year in New York, we wanted to celebrate this season with a look back at some of our favorite stories and memories. Over the next few months, we'll be focusing on 10 stories that highlight some of our favorite products, new and old.

Please consider joining our mailing list to stay up-to-date on "10 for 10" content and more.

Hong
Kong
Hong
Kong
Pedder Arcade

501 Pedder Building
12 Pedder Street
Central, Hong Kong

Mon to Sat: 11am - 7:30pm
Sun: 12pm - 6pm

Carlyle Club

Rosewood Hotel, Flr 55
18 Salisbury Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Open by Appointment

New
York
New
York
Tribeca

168 Duane Street
New York, NY 10013
United States

Mon to Sat: 11am - 7pm
Sun: 12pm - 6pm

Upper East Side

13 East 69th Street
New York, NY 10021
United States

Mon to Sat: 10am - 6pm
Sun: 12pm - 6pm