One shoe design can create infinite possibilities. With Stefano Bemer’s Balmoral Oxford, you can see how this realization comes to life. These images really only crack the surface of what can be achieved. But it is impressive to see how many offerings Stefano Bemer has created via ready-made footwear on their famous Balmoral oxford which was designed in 1985 as a tuxedo shoe. Imagine that. This model is almost as old as I am! And today it still lives on as one of the greatest oxford designs of all time.
The Stefano Bemer Balmoral Oxford currently holds 14 variations on its website but that is a fraction of what can be achieved when you factor in made-to-order models. I remember when I started my apprenticeship at Stefano Bemer in 2008, I used to admire this model all of the time. In fact, it was one-half of my inspiration to create my own signature oxford, utilizing the beautiful contrast between black and red. There was a white version (see below) that was also very striking. They no longer offer it but am sure it can be made via MTO.
The thing about shoe design in the welted community is that one classic pattern can create an infinite number of possibilities with relatively minor changes. The addition or subtraction of many design elements, such as brogueing, medallions, cap toes/wing caps, one row of stitching vs three rows, and the use of various materials and leathers can bring to life a collection of designs all derived from the same base pattern yet all uniquely different. And the oxford model can take you there better than any other design.
While Stefano Bemer does a good job at showing this, they do so relatively conservatively. This Stefano Bemer Balmoral Oxford can be changed in so many more ways when opting for a made-to-order variation. You could add a medallion to any of them. You could change the straight cap for a wing cap, or even a U-cap if Stefano Bemer offers that. They have also kept the base color pretty standard in black and brown. But you have a ton of colors to play with. See the beautiful burgundy version from an older offering of theirs. That was one of my favorites.
Alternatively, if you like these as is, then the majority of them are ready to purchase at the link below!
This is where playing with made-to-order shoes becomes exciting, because if you have the imagination you can create unique models from simple base patterns.
What would you create?
Learn more here: www.stefanobemer.com
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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