Patrick Frei, for me, is creating some of the most exciting, mind-bending and inspirational footwear of today’s offering in the industry.
I have been meaning to write about Patrick’s back story for about 3 years now and have been failing him for not doing so. It’s just that it is a history that could be written as a short novel and rarely do I have 4 spare hours to write blog posts these days.
I will eventually get around to it but in the meanwhile, please see one of his latest creations that is simply mind-blowing in every aspect of shoemaking.
Pattern – This is essentially a wholecut adelaide with intricate shaft work. I cannot even describe it. That’s how unique it is. It defies categorization. And that is next level shoemaking right there. But for me, it is beautiful. Amazing even.
Shape – Patrick loves asymmetrical looks which he has done with this last, quite heavily as you can see in the picture from the top down. But what I love about his work is the very very Victorian style that it has. The shape is highly of the Victorian era from the heel to ball ratio, and ball to toe ratio, as well as the shallowness of the last. Very Victorian indeed.
Making – Well as Patrick won the very first Bespoke Shoemaking Championship, it goes without saying that his making is out-of-this-world good. It’s perfect actually.
Mixing all three of the above just goes to prove his excellence as a shoemaker. I always look forward to seeing what he comes up with next. And you should too!
