Style Guide
Style Guide
Footwear Style Guide
An insight from behind the scenes of Lignarolo collection of styles
oxford
The most easily recognizable of all classic styles, is the elegant Oxford. A formal style that dates back over two hundred years, it is thought to have been named by the students at Oxford University, although it is almost certain that the style predates this 'naming' further still. The sequence of operations for constructing an Oxford differs to a Derby.
- Inside and outside Quarters are stitched underneath the Vamp
- The tongue is stitched separately underneath the Quarters/Vamp/Facing
- Often referred to as 'Closed Lacing'
- Suited to lower instep
- Variations: Whole Cut, Toe Cap, Full Brogue, Semi Brogue, Quarter Brogue, Balmoral or Bals, Adelaide, Spectator, Dress
Monk Strap
Said to have been developed by an alpine monk in the 15th century, and worn throughout European monasteries, this style was popularized in the 1920s. Unbeknown to many, a Monk strap style hosts similar fitting qualities and construction to a Derby. You could think of a Monk style as a 'modern day' Derby, of sorts. With open quarters, and a whole cut vamp and tongue, Monk straps (single and double buckle) are remarkably comfortable on the foot. However, they will not offer the same level of adjustment, due to the absence of laces. The sequence of operations for constructing a Monk is similar to that of a Derby.
- Inside and outside Quarters are stitched to a tab point either side of the vamp
- The tongue is cut as part of the vamp and is not a separate component
- Suited to higher insteps, but can lack adjustment
- Suited to lower instep
- Variations: Double Buckle, Single Buckle, Wing cap, Toe Cap, Plain Front, Country, Spectator
Derby
Derby shoes are possibly the most versatile of all shoe styles, bridging the gap between smart and smart casual wear with ease. A Brogue Derby is easily the most recognizable variation, made popular with the introduction of the full country Brogue which was developed for practical uses in the fields. The sequence of operations for constructing a Derby, differs to an Oxford.
- Inside and outside Quarters are stitched to a tab point either side of the vamp
- Often referred to as 'Open Lacing'
- The tongue is cut as part of the vamp and is not a separate component
- Suited to wider feet with higher insteps
Chelsea Boot
An illustrious past has portrayed the Chelsea boot in various lights along the way. The origin of the name is a matter of debate, but these elastic sided boots date back to the mid-1800s. With strong last development, Lignarolo is able to produce a selection of Chelsea boots ranging from smart and elegant to casual country styling. Expert pattern cutting, and shoemaking of the highest order, means Lignarolo makes some of the finest Chelsea boots on offer today.
- Blocking, a trade term, ensures the leather remains on the last perfectly and forms to the customer's foot
- Elasticated sides for comfort and ease
- Versatile collection from smart to smart-casual with varying fitting options
Derby Boot
It is believed that a Derby boot has both a sporting and a military heritage. Derby boot is a fully lined, high leg and all together, more substantial boot with variations similar to a Derby shoe.
- Often regarded as the most comfortable of all styles – An unlined suede Derby
- The tongue is cut as part of the vamp and is not a separate component
- High leg Derby boots are sturdy and often the hardest wearing fully lined Boots
- Variations: Chukka, Toe Cap, Apron, Full Brogue, Plain Front
Sneakers
Sneakers with a minimalist silhouette are handmade from Italian leather, with a rubber cup-sole, and waxed cotton laces. Made exclusively “skin to box” in our factory in Bogota, this is a truly artisanal shoe and unique to Lignarolo