The distinguishing feature of this design, which is called Oxford, and that makes it differ from Derby, is that the quarter overlaps the vamp. The quarter, which is the back part of the upper that encloses the instep where we find the lacing system, is sewn under the vamp, which is the front part of the upper. Therefore, the shoe presents a closed lacing system as the edges of the eyelet tabs touch and the tongue appears only on the top of the shoe. The result is a classic, formal shoe, which is ideally matched with tailored clothing, like a morning dress or a pin-striped suit.
1 - LEATHER
Totally waterproof dark brown suede.
2 - BOTTOM
The bottom of the shoe is made of genuine leather.
3 - CLOSED LACING SYSTEM
The edges of the eyelet tabs touch and the tongue appears only on the top of the shoe.
4 - BLAKE CONSTRUCTION
A single seam keeps the sole, the lining, the upper and the insole sewn together. Previously these parts were temporarily assembled together by the craftsman.
This shoe design is made of dark brown suede, also called velours, which is softer and more flexible than standard full-grain leather (“pieno fiore”), and fully waterproof. The genuine leather bottom, whose material is exquisite and versatile, is renowned for having thermo-insulating properties and wearing resistance. This is why it becomes the ideal raw material to produce this handcrafted product by Mille885. The virtuosity of the craftsmanship is also perceived in the Blake construction. This shoemaking method consists in a single seam that keeps the sole, the lining, the upper and the insole sewn together - these parts were previously assembled together by the craftsman temporarily. This artisanal seam is done after removing the last and it is obtained through the sewing machine devised by the American inventor Blake.
Each creation keeps the promise our artisans made: make the company innovative fully paying its respect to the Italian shoemaking tradition. The history of Mille885 is an Italian story: it is authentic, a narrative to be told.
