It’s not everyday the prestigious Edward Green visits Amsterdam. So, to say that we’re excited to host the English shoemaker, which Dennis regards as being “an internationally recognised beacon of high-quality footwear”, in our hometown on April 8th and 9th for a very special and exclusive GMTO (group made-to-order) experience would be an understatement!
Founded in 1890 in Northampton, England, which has been the proud home of English shoemaking for centuries, Edward Green is the shoemaker of choice for the connoisseur that appreciates exceptional quality and understated elegance. The level of attention to detail is quite remarkable, as are the number of steps that are carried out by hand – from clicking the European calf leathers and suedes to hand-sewing the aprons. Whilst many shoemakers have over the years ramped up their production output, Edward Green produces a humble 350 pairs a week – perfection takes time and the process should never be rushed.
Edward Green is renowned for its many iconic marques, which made the selection process for this GMTO rather difficult. So much so that we couldn’t settle on one style, so we’ve chosen three! These are; the Dover, a split-toe Derby; the Piccadilly, a penny loafer; and the Belgravia, a tassel loafer. What’s more, with your order, which will take three months to be made, you’ll also receive complimentary Edward Green shoe trees and a Turms suede brush to help you look after them.
With the warmer months ahead, each model is unlined for comfort, features a Goodyear welt and rendered in a striking oyster suede which is exclusive to The Hand. We can’t take all the credit for this choice of suede, as we were inspired by one of our VIP customers who boldly commissioned a made-to-order Dover using it. It was a profoundly refreshing idea, and we just think that it’s wonderfully playful, exudes confidence and perfectly lends classic footwear a contemporary feel. It will look fantastic with casual tailoring cut from non-corporate tones, vintage denim – just look at Alessandro Squarzi, a style inspiration of ours – and your holiday attire.
The Dover is arguably Edward Green’s most iconic creation thanks to its split-toe that’s achieved by sewing together two parts using a boar’s bristle needle. It’s highly skilled work, and Edward Green has just two craftspeople (a father-and-son team!) who oversee this process which takes roughly two hours to complete. We’ve opted for the shoemaker’s 202 last, which is distinctly British in style with its versatile and softly rounded toe, and a thin rubber sole, which doesn’t add any bulk and provides all-day comfort.
Thanks to the pandemic and how it recalibrated the notion of the modern male wardrobe, the loafer’s popularity has grown significantly as it’s the perfect shoe to dress down formal attire and subtly elevate casual clothing. It’s the all-time great all-rounder, and for us it doesn’t get much better than Edward Green’s Piccadilly. Sculpted on the 184 last, which again is unmistakably English thanks to its slender profile and easy-going almond shape, this exclusive Piccadilly has a leather sole with a close-channel – a mark of true artisanship.
We can’t help but think that the tassel loafer will thrive in these years to come – it has a certain flair whilst also being thoroughly classic. Edward Green offers two types of tassel loafer, but the Belgravia is the most charming thanks to the braided side plaiting which gives it texture and character. Like the Piccadilly, it’s formed on the 184 last, and features a leather sole with an artfully bevelled waist.
If you’re interested in this special GMTO, you will need to book an appointment ahead of the event. You’ll also be pleased to know that if you’re unable to attend, you can schedule a video appointment.
If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing hello@meetthehand.com.