Spotted: Barkers Sale
Barkers shoes at very low prices
As regular readers will know, I recently blogged about English benchmade shoes. It was big piece of work and I tried to define the top English shoemakers selling hand-finished ready-to-wear shoes. One of the brands I wrote about was Barkers, one of the older English companies.
So I was pleased when I spotted this sign in Leonard Jay’s window as I was passing. By the looks of things Leonard Jay mostly sells bargain-price suits. However Barkers at this price are not to be missed.
I took a minute to browse the shop and they also had some (only a few) Chester Barrie suits at £395.00. Like the Barkers, this is a great price for a Chester Barrie suit.
There is something very satisfying about getting style at knock-down prices. Being clued-up and the thrill of the hunt may account for it.
Details
Leonard Jay,
120-121 Newgate Street,
London,
EC1A 7AE
Tel: 44 (0) 20 7796 4880
Website: http://www.leonardjay.co.uk/
Copyright © 2008 What Makes a Man. All Rights Reserved
The problem with these trad Brit’ shoes is they’re all just so unattractive. They’re like traffic wardens shoes or some fusty old teachers selection, dont ya think? they’ve not addressed their last shapes. They’re ok if you’re a dead straight runner I suppose but not if you’re into looking actually good. I’ve just looked at all the ones in this article, and only a couple are acceptable.
nice idea though.
like the site.
Tom
Comment by Tom Stubbs — November 15, 2008 @ 4:54 pm
Hi Tom,
Thanks for your comment, appreciate your thoughts on Barkers using “older” style lasts.
Barkers are a pretty traditional kind of shoe, but they are trying to do something more modern with their Barker Black range. In an earlier article I wrote about two modern shoe makers, Oliver Sweeny and Jeffery West, who produce some very good-looking shoes. The article is here http://www.whatmakesaman.net/wordpress/2008/09/22/10-classic-english-shoemakers-part-3-new-and-revived-brands/
Have a look and see what you think of them. I have been wearing the West’s long brogue Derby for a while now and have received some great compliments from some stylish ladies. They might be more your style.
Regards
John
Comment by John Van Rijn — November 16, 2008 @ 6:34 pm