AN INTRODUCTION TO THE DERBY SHOE
"Buy less, choose well".
- Vivienne Westwood -
I dedicate this blog entry of Bohemian to give you a little introduction to the Derby shoe. It is a model that is halfway between formal and "casual".
The Derby is undoubtedly one of the most widespread shoe models, precisely because it is more versatile and adaptable than the Oxford, from which it derives. By "versatile and adaptable" I mean the possibility of using it both in formal occasions and in others where a more casual style is required.
The fundamental difference between the Oxford and the Derby is that, in the case of the latter, the eyelets are not made directly on the body of the shoe, but on the leather pieces that are added to it. This means that the Derby, unlike the Oxford, is characterised by an open lacing system.
There are several theories about the origin of this shoe. The most widespread one places it in the mid-19th century in the county of Derby (England). We owe it to the 14th Earl of Derby, Edward Smith-Stanley, who was also three times Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Lord Stanley had an Oxford shoe modified to fit his generously sized feet. The result was the comfortable and versatile shoe that, with few variations, has survived to the present day.
Lord Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby
What to wear with a pair of Derbies
When it comes to combinations, Derby and versatility are the same thing. For a long time we have considered the Derby a "casual" shoe, but nowadays there are a multitude of models on the market that we can wear with formal clothes. This is possible thanks to designs that dispense with ornamentation, achieving a sober, refined and sophisticated shoe. These models combine perfectly with a suit or dress trousers, while the more "casual" models find their perfect complement in jeans.
To finish this post, thanks to the Derby's characteristic open lacing system, this shoe is chic for those who may find the Oxford shoe a bit narrow because they have wide feet or a pronounced arch.
Bohemian does not currently have Derbies in its catalogue, but your increasingly frequent demand means that we do not rule out manufacturing them in the near future. Like all our models, you will love them for sure.
Haven't you ever looked at a Derby with the eyes you do now?
See you next time.
Eva Veiga - Bohemian Shoes
Comments (1)