Alte Artwork is comparatively unknown, though one founder is among the pioneers of the thriving Japanese bespoke shoe scene, and the model has been round for nearly twenty years. And even supposing they create very well-made bespoke sneakers, and likewise among the most inspiring and engaging artwork sneakers I’ve ever seen.
Within the bespoke shoe world, there are a number of actors who should not solely attracted by the craftsmanship, the problem of match and basic shoe design, however who’re additionally attracted by taking the latter to new ranges. Individuals who have sneakers as a artistic channel. Noriyuki Misawa who I’ve written about earlier is an effective instance, Christophe Corthay one other, Clematis Ginza a 3rd. Alte Artwork is one other such instance.
Osamu Egawa and Mami Tsurukasi.
Saxophone sneakers, which as all instrument sneakers are totally playable.
A type of mixture of double sneakers and ghillies lace-up, in deep darkish inexperienced shade. As is commonly the case with Alte Artwork’s bespoke sneakers, they’ve a barely totally different design, however are nonetheless very wearable.
Behind the model are the married couple Osamu Egawa and Mami Tsurukasi. Close to the vacationer attraction Tokyo Skytree, virtually within the shadow of the 634 meter excessive TV tower on a small road with residential buildings, there’s an insignificant small place behind glass doorways, the place the least insignificant sneakers you possibly can think about are discovered. Right here you may have sneakers that comprise a miniature LP participant in a single toe and a speaker within the different, sneakers with functioning violins inbuilt, sneakers with self-playing small pianos within the toe, boots crossed with a harp, actual boats (which may float), and so forth. The creativity is large, and a whole lot of it’s clearly about music, since each Osamu and Mami are nice music lovers, not least of American and British 60-70s rock.
– We have now provide you with so many alternative concepts through the years, and realised a lot of them. However recently it has been extra calm, the concepts have slowed down a bit, says Osamu Egawa.
The improbable boots with built-in LP recorder is turned on underneath one of many heels.
Inside you discover the battery bundle.
You join the 2 boots with the lacing, because the LP participant is in a single shoe, the speaker and the battery within the different.
The miniature LP participant, which works simply as a daily participant.
See a movie exhibiting how the sneakers work under:
As a result of they’ve been round for a very long time. Osamu was co-founding the model Guild of Crafts in 1996 with Chihiro Yamaguchi, and was one of many pioneers of the brand new wave of bespoke shoemakers in Japan. He left 18 years in the past, and along with Mami Tsurukasi he began Alte Artwork. The artwork sneakers are only a interest, the on a regular basis work is as conventional bespoke shoemakers. Though the creativity shines by right here as nicely, trying on the samples that stand on the cabinets there are some conventional fashions, however many are their very own kinds of fashions and beautiful, totally different designs.
– Most of our clients like one of these sneakers, barely particular however nonetheless wearable. That’s why they discovered us, says Mami Tsurukasi.
A kind of oxford with hidden lacing.
Good contrasting sole stitching.
A standard mannequin.
The sneakers are very well made, each closing and making are on a excessive stage, usually with good particulars corresponding to contrasting sole stitching. You’ll be able to see some similarities with Guild of Crafts, even when Alte Artwork have a method of its personal.
Manufacturing is small. The couple makes between 40-50 pairs a 12 months, all are full bespoke. The worth stage is impressively low, hand-stitched full bespoke with machine-sewn sole sew and sq. waist begins at solely about €1,150 (140,000 yen), totally handmade with a bevelled waist beginning at €1,800 (220,000 yen). A really fascinating maker in different phrases, which deserves extra consideration than they’ve obtained to date.
Comparability of the fully handmade bespoke sneakers on the left, and the marginally cheaper model with machine-made sole sew and sq. waist on the proper.
Right here a single monkstrap has been mixed with ghillies lacing.
Good sole.
Grand piano sneakers.
The piano in one of many toes is taking part in by itself.
Movie exhibiting the piano taking part in:
Shoe and harp in a single.
Actually beautiful crafted bottom, impressed by how actual harps are designed.
Boat sneakers, which may float and be worn (not on the identical time although, sadly).
Sole…
…and higher, which could look a bit tough at first sight.
It’s just because it’s miniature sneakers. Right here small variations along with their extraordinary sized siblings.
Extra minature fashions, additionally each sneakers and norvegese stitched.
Measurements taken for a consumer.
Check sneakers, made to assist simply discovering match.
Plastic lasts (the type that may be rasped down) with leather-based attachments for modifying match.
Three tone boots.
Particular patina on this shoe.
A number of of Alte Artwork’s clients are ladies, they usually make many various kinds of ladies’s sneakers..
Beautiful derby.
Extra artwork sneakers, right here a drum package.
One in every of my favourites, these violin sneakers.
In fact totally working.
The heel may be eliminated…
…and turn into a bow.
