##Handmade in Italy The first craftsman we have partnered with for our Redemption Handwelted collection operates a small shoemaking atelier in the Montegranaro region of Italy. Montegranaro is a fairly industrial part of Italy, known for shoemaking. The advantage of this placement meant smaller artisans who were not fully vertically integrated and preferred to focus on the highest end and most traditional forms of handmade shoes could work together in a guild like system that is very similar to the one that operates in Sabae, Japan and creates our Japanese eyewear. As with Japan, the selection of which artisans are chosen to take care of each process on a given product is made by the lead craftsmen, in this case, an individual we are very proud and fortunate to partner with. One could say this seems like deja vu, for it is once again a father and son team of craftsman leading the project, however this time something is different. Not only do they rarely engage in making footwear with alternative constructions, each detail is openly and widely discussed and are eager to add to their vast knowledge to improve the end product. It is that dedication to continuous improvement, over 80 years of combined experience spanning two generations, as well as the openness to discourse and opinions with the person who we were very fortunate to join us in the execution of this endeavour that grew our confidence that this was the right fit. They understand Archibald, understand what we are trying to do and our incredibly proud about each product they deliver and representing true artistry.

##Stead calf suede, oak-bark tanned soles, all in the hands of a master to create a beautiful daily-use classic suede Chukka. Sourced from a traditional family business, passionate about making fine suede leathers. C.F Stead was founded in considering suede production to be a craft, and they have remained faithful to the artisanal skills, techniques, and know-how that others have forgotten, taking the time to work their suede in the traditional way. These skills continue to live on in harmony with modern production technologies. Stead appreciates that quality leather can never be a commoditized product, with each hide having its own characteristics, and they treat it accordingly. The Janus calf is a production of selected young calf skins with a luxurious silky suede side and a natural full grain, aniline reverse, which yields a handle that is a touch firmer than soft, making it the ideal skin for this pair.

Archibald London is the New Age Luxury Brand that Should Be On Everyone’s Radar by B. Oliver (29/02/2018), The Robb Report.

##Hand-welting is a process that the luxury stalwarts often reserve for bespoke shoe-making, and if done correctly with the right attention it leads to a different footwear experience. To be able to hand-welt a shoe, only the highest quality materials must be used, and the process has to be handled by someone highly skilled, experienced, and, as we have learned in the past, honorable. It is extremely labor, and time-intensive, and only high-grade materials can withstand channels being cut into them for the holdfast, where the stitches are driven through by hand. Put simply, hand-welting is a return to old-world craftsmanship by true artisans.