TO LOAFER, OR NOT TO LOAFER, THAT IS THE QUESTION
And there it is…That touch of cold breeze greeting you in the morning, the sun still warming you during the day but shining back on the leaves that are slowly but steadily, turning into bold colours, undoubtedly; it’s autumn again. Time for shoes, but the imperishable question: what shoes?
Loafers can be paired to any outfit and even add some polish to an otherwise relaxed outfit.
The French call it la rentrée, which refers to returning home and getting back to real life. For some, that means the kids go back to school, get those uniforms and lunchboxes out, for others it's back to the office, undust your briefcase and retrouve that life saving umbrella (for those living in London). For me, it's all about squeezing my oh so happy and free feet back into shoes. Gone are the days of running free and careless in the grass, barefoot. Time for shoes, but back to the imperishable question: what shoes? It's that unquestionable in between time - too early for those proper autumn boots, but sadly too late for those summary slingbacks.
A shoe that is embraced in the Autumn/Winter 2023 shows as pictured in the Gucci and Tod’s catwalk above, is the forever timeless and elegant; loafer. These shoes can be paired to any outfit and even add some polish to an otherwise relaxed outfit, like my oversized shirt dress above. The origin of the loafer turns out to be a bit disputed, one theory claiming it came from Norwegian fishermen who wore this comfortable shoe in the 1920s and got ‘discovered’ by travelers that then took it west. However, the similarity to those worn by the Native Americans much earlier is hard to ignore. Another proposition, is that the it was made by the London shoemaker Wildsmith who is credited with creating the first modern loafer in 1926 for its client King George VI.
Norwegian fishermen wearing loafers, the original ones according to some.
Whatever you choose to believe, this shoe actually represents a much larger statement as according to the Oxford English Dictionary a Loafer, is a person who avoids work and spends their time idly or a flat heeled leather shoe shaped like a moccasin. The choice in a shakespearean voice is yours - to loafer or not to loafer, that is the question.
Penny loafers crafted from leather that has undergone a chrome-free tanning process.
£169
Gucci's iconic 'Jordaan' loafers will work with just about anything in your wardrobe. A little pricey but investment for life.
£655
Happier for your budget but not the most sustainable ones as its made with synthetic fibre made from crude oil.
£24.99
Loafer made with recouro-regenerated leather welt, recycled sbr and natural rubber blend outsole, and sustainable blend eva sock padding.
£269
Featuring chunky tonal chain embellishments and are made from faux leather set on platform soles.
These beautiful loafers are crafted from smooth 'Cognac' leather and topped with gold-tone buckles.
£650
Minimalist loafers are made in our Portuguese atelier.
£175
This round toe loafer has extra glam with its shiny patent-finish. Raised vamp with penny strap.
£35.99
These handmade in Italy, loafers are in fine leather with a timeless T logo accessory and leather outsole.
£630
These classic loafers are vegan as they are made in cactus leather!
£205
My choice? The Gucci Jordaan, a leather loafer that is designed with an elongated toe and finished by the House's signature Horsebit detail—an homage to Gucci's (and mine) equestrian roots. Why? I believe in this perfect marriage of classic design and exquisite materials and craftsmanship, that they will remain with me for life.