The Store: Diamond Walker Shoes

Things have been pretty quiet around these parts for some months now, partly because of burnout and partly because I haven't come across something that is really worth coming out of my blogging batcave for. Well, that ended last Saturday when I visited this amazing bespoke shoe shop in the heart of the CBD called Diamond Walker Shoes.

Originally from Seoul, South Korea, they have now set-up shop in Singapore, bringing with them the quality craftsmanship and unmatched customization that has made them a household name in K-Pop's capital. Be it brogues, double monks, penny loafers, oxfords, or (my-current-top-of-the-want-list) slippers, they got you covered with all the tasty options you can think of! You want crepe soles? Check. You prefer blue suede uppers? Damn right. You demand a contrast toecap on your oxfords? You bet. It's totally that kid-in-a-candy-store feeling. 

After your fitting's done and design finalized, it would take 4-6 weeks for the skilled cobblers to do their thing. Trust me, for shoes that are truly one-of-a-kind (you did design them yourself) and of this caliber, they're definitely worth the wait and investment. I actually already have a shoe in mind for the next time I drop by. And by all intents and purposes, that's only the first of many. 

Diamond Walker folk discussing the craft of the bespoke shoe.

Great display. You can just hear the cobbler crafting your classic kicks.

Now for some samples of their work: The WIngtip Boot. 

Duck Boots for all those rainy Singapore days.

Oh yes. The blue suede slippers I wanted to take home as is!

White bucks. A great casual alternative to my worn-in sneakers!

Diamond Walker Shoes

China Square Central #01-06

18 Cross Street, Singapore

E: boss@diamond-walker.com

The Store: Glenmore Bespoke Shoes

The most awesome discoveries in life are those you don't expect. That's exactly what went down in Metrowalk today when I went to search for some new DVDs, but instead found this amazing shoe store hidden among all the pirated goods. In contrast to everything around it, boy, was this stuff legit. It was a custom shoe shop where you could design your dream shoes and have it hand-made and turned over to you in a week. So utterly awesome.

I've been looking for a store like this for the longest time!

A taste of what this wonderful discovery can do

The store's called Glenmore Shoes and if you ask your dad or lolo, they'd probably know about it. The store's been around since the 60s, but the the family that owns it only revived it a year and a half ago. Better late than never I'd say, because based on the samples I saw, these guys know what they're doing. They know classic shapes, they know fine craftsmanship, and they know quality materials. Always a stellar combination.

For only P4,300, you could already have some self-designed brogues, oxfords, and loafers! If you think that's pricey, how about I tell you that you can pit their products against the high-end pairs you can find in Rustan's? You know, the Marc Jacobs and the John Varvatoses of the world? An effing bargain if you ask me, son. As for their moccasins, they go for P1,850 and they make some fine ass desert boots too.

These brogues are perfect, just like they made them in decades past!

Goodbye Topman Mocs! These mocs are just as good if not better!

Some lovely loafers for your consideration

Tasty Clarks-ish desert boots for a lot less!

Clearly, this opens up a whole lot of options for my shoe closet and yours. It's like being a kid in the candy store. Matter of fact, I already have some ideas of what shoes I want made. How about some blue brogues like this? Or some tasseled loafers like this? Or some wonderful desert boots like this? Sky's the limit, you guys, and I think I'm not exagerrating when I say that this is quite possibly the most wonderful discovery I've had this year!

Glenmore Shoes
Unit 19-G, 2nd Floor, Metrowalk Complex
Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines
Landline: 409.8960
Mobile: 0908.491.8790
http://glenmoreshoes.com

The Item: Create Your Own Cons!

With only one company owning the Swoosh and the Star, it was only a matter of time before something very Nike-iD-ish came Converse's way. And yes, just in case you're still having many sleepless nights in anticipation of the big day, I'm here to tell you that it is here, it is now. (Wow!)

Converse has made a name for itself in the shoe game for their classics, but with their "Converse One" online customization program, continuing their legacy is now in your hands. Okay, okay, maybe nothing that epic. But for the first time, you do have the freedom to customize your Chucks and Purcells the way you've always envisioned them!

With virtually the whole lineup to choose from, getting your dream pair is but a click (or ten) away from being a reality. Intrigued? Have plenty of time to burn? Feeling just a lil' creative? Then check out the site here!

A good first try for customized Cons, but it could be better
I've always wanted all white chucks with neon green lining!

Photos courtesy of Converse

The Guide: Bespoke Clothing from Kamuning

Before we begin, a simple definition of terms is in order. What do I mean exactly when I say bespoke?

Bespoke means an item custom-made to the buyer's specification. The distinguishing points of bespoke tailoring are the buyer's total control over the fabric used, the features and fit, and the way the garment should be made. More generally, bespoke describes a high degree of customization, and involvement of the end-user, in the production of the good.

With that clarified, let's get to the good part.

I've been trying to get bespoke clothes done for quite some time now, and finally, last Labor Day Friday, the heavens opened up and the opportunity was there. My destination? A small compound near the Kamuning market which houses fabric suppliers and old school tailors all in one place. A popular destination for daddies who want to get slacks and barongs made for years now, its potential for stylish pieces has yet to be tapped. Until now.

I wanted to get a great pair of shorts made first, a sort of dipping to test the waters kind of thing I suppose. When I got there, the first thing I did when I got there was to look for the perfect fabric, which led me to Rosditt Merchandise. An iffy name for sure, but get beyond that fact and you'll see that they have the most complete collection of fabrics out of all the stores in Kamuning.

You gotta love the fact that they have materials for upholstering too

Some beautiful check patterns for polos

Various color combos of houndstooth patterns

My favorite: Gingham, gingham, gingham!

Fabrics for Slacks: The blue one with the denim shade caught my eye

Well looky here, they even have denim!

I should get jeans made next, the color of this washed piece is nice!

After browsing through everything in the store, in the end, cotton twill became my fabric of choice. They had it in the colors I wanted and it had that wonderful combination of being lightweight but not too flimsy, solid yet still very breathable. The pricing's a winner too at P100 per yard, and you only need 1 for a pair of shorts.

Cotton twill colors. So hard to choose!

Forced to make a decision, I picked the sky blue version

The guy cutting my order knows every single fabric, so when in doubt, ask him!

After the fabric was cut and paid for, I went across the street to get it sewn. I chose Janiffery Tailoring as my dad got some of his slacks made there. Must be the familiarity that drew me to it more than anything. Either way, I talked to the tailor and specified what kind of fit and cut I wanted along with some other design details. Be sure to be very specific in describing what you want here. Bring pictures if you can so they know what you're aiming for.

As for me, I told her that I wanted my shorts to be no nonsense: Slim but not fitted, a bit shorter, with slant pockets and no buttoning at the back. She then proceeded to take my measurements, ask for the downpayment, and told me that she'll have it ready in 5 days. All in all, the sewing cost P380 only!

Don't be fooled by the items hanging outside, these people got skills

After 5 long days, the shorts arrived. I was so excited to see if this whole bespoke clothing experience was worth my holiday afternoon. Boy, was it ever. For a grand total of P480, I got the shorts you see below, an absolute steal in my estimation compared to what I would buy at mall stores! Plus, it was mine, all mine. I was the only one who had this pair in the world. Ahh, the benefits of custom clothing are addicting. So much that I might get some more items done soon!

The finished product, all P480 worth of it

Shorts I Love!

The Item: Timberland Custom Boat Shoes

Today in boat shoes news, Timberland, the brand that made this famous, has launched a very Nike iD inspired program on their official site, only better, way way better. The flash application allows you to actually design your own Timberland boat shoe (a boat shoe!) down to the very littlest of details.

Featuring a wide selection of materials and colors for every part of the shoe, and I mean every part (even the eyelets), this offering is sure to make the boat shoes of your dreams a reality. Sadly, you'll have to live in England to be able to get that reality though. But fret not, the application is still tons of fun and will keep your stylish imagination busy for hours on end.

Sounds intriguing? Click here to design your own!

The online design studio. So many choices!

You can customize things you didn't even think of customizing

Black, white, and gray together is always a winner

Put your initials on the tongue or even some ungodly 2 letter acronym!

Photos courtesy of Timberland