Today, I'm introducing AFOUR.
As things stand, this blog, //subjunction, will feature AFOUR, which I'm introducing today, and then finally Araki Yuu.
Araki Yuu hasn't been delivered yet.
The planned delivery includes a 4B jerkin jacket, knickerbockers, and a scarf.
Including today, it's expected to conclude in these two installments.
By the way, although I've been receiving messages recently, I plan to be in the store until January 5th, except for Wednesday, December 25th.
Oh, and one more thing.
Some of you may have seen it, but "Yamauchi" has an official YouTube channel, and I had a dialogue with Mr. Yamauchi from "Yamauchi" there.
This YouTube channel features experts in their fields, such as Yoko Yamashita, known as the "Goddess of Sewing," Mr. Kuzuya of Kuzuri Keori, and Mr. Yamamoto of Higo Senko from Amami Oshima, who does mud dyeing.
I was honored to appear as a salesperson who has sold Yamauchi products, so if you have some free time during the New Year's holidays, please take a look.
And today, I'm introducing "AFOUR."
Currently, AFOUR is doing its best to make shoes in the midst of very significant impacts from the situation in Russia, which prevents them from producing shoes on a cycle they would like.
However, as a shoe brand, they have been working with us since their first season in Japan.
AFOUR, despite looking like "sneakers," is made in a small workshop in Russia, not using a mass-production method that allows for efficient, rapid manufacturing.
I don't know exactly how small the workshop is because I haven't seen it directly, but typically, sneakers require a certain amount of large-scale production equipment.
But AFOUR is different; they make shoes in a small workshop, cutting leather by hand, piece by piece, using a largely bench-made method.
Given the production method described above, the production volume was originally limited, as anyone can imagine.
On top of that, a war broke out amidst such production efficiency.
Therefore, as mentioned earlier, the brand is in a very difficult situation regarding shoe making, but they are doing their utmost best and pouring their efforts into the shoes.
Under such circumstances, we were able to prepare two types of AFOUR shoes this time.
One is a "special order," and the other is from the collection.
This "special order" is the last special order I will do at CASANOVA&CO.
Despite how it may seem, I'm generally "anti-special order," but I've done special orders with various brands for over 8 years. lol
Even though I say I'm "anti-special order," I've done quite a few, but there's a good reason for it in my mind. lol
Well, putting that aside, here it is.
AFOUR × CASANOVA&CO
Code Matt Burgundy
material _ Oiled Nubuck
size _ 40,41,42,43,44
This.
This time, my main objective was "to create red shoes" and "to wear red shoes."
So, this is the result of my request to AFOUR to create red shoes.
The reason is that I could never find any red-hued shoes that truly captured my heart.
Moreover, it seems that red-colored sneakers, such as burgundy, tend to be left unsold even at general sports brands.
I guess it's not a mainstream color, but I really wanted sneakers in this tone.
However, if they were made ordinarily, they would likely turn into casual sneakers, similar to those from sports brands. I didn't think it would be possible to create something that would appeal to those with a keen sense of fashion.
And I thought that "only AFOUR could realize the 'finished image' I vaguely had in my mind." I also believed that with AFOUR's proud quality, it would be possible to create shoes that possess "luxury" and "a unique mood", transcending mere casualness.
Therefore, this is what was created after many, many discussions with the brand from January to March of this year.
*This photo appears a bit brighter overall.
As I mentioned, I believe that dark, warm tones like burgundy and brown are not mainstream in the "sneaker world," so depending on how you look at it, they might have a certain癖 (peculiarity or癖).
However, this is what was created after I thought, "red shoes made with AFOUR," and considering many rounds of how to utilize the brand's know-how and how to embody my envisioned final look, and then presenting that to the brand.
For me, there are three main points to these shoes.
・The color is burgundy, but by utilizing the quality of the leather, it elevates the shoes as much as possible from the framework of "casual sneakers."
・By using "contrast stitching," which is difficult to produce in both shoes and clothing, to highlight the edges of the parts that make up the shoe and strengthen its contours.
・Even with "contrast stitching," ensuring consistency across each part of the shoe for a refined appearance.
I focused on these points and thought it through myself.
As mentioned above, the reason I only had to consider the "appearance of the shoes" was because I have absolute confidence in the quality of AFOUR shoes.
As I've written many times in past blog posts, AFOUR,
"Sneakers = meant to be worn out"
Overturns the original idea.
Even after wearing them for many years, the shoes won't break down; they will "stand on their own" as if defying gravity, and not only can the soles be repaired—which is difficult for other sneaker brands—but even an "entire sole replacement" is possible.
Furthermore, once the shoes you acquire conform to your feet, they are incredibly stress-free, and when considered as "a tool called a shoe," their performance is very refined.
For those who frequently walk, such as when commuting by train, and even for those who usually travel by car, I believe they will fully experience the "quality as a shoe" that AFOUR boasts on days when they travel or go out and walk significantly longer distances than usual.
Moreover, this quality level remains consistent not only when new, but also after several years of use.
Since I've personally experienced this for many years, all I've been thinking about is "how to finish the burgundy."
The upper, which covers the instep, largely determines the appearance due to its leather quality.
As those familiar with AFOUR from early on might know, the upper leather is "oiled nubuck."
This is a very distinctive material: nubuck leather, with a shorter nap and much finer grain than suede, is infused with oil, giving it a unique matte texture while also exhibiting a deep, deep luster from within the leather itself.
While the brand has previously featured black "Code Matt Black" in this material, this particular color scheme is, of course, a first.
I thought that by using this "oiled nubuck leather" for most of the upper and a different shade for the heel patch, a unique color variation and texture could be fully appreciated.
As mentioned earlier, I initially envisioned "red shoes," but I wasn't originally thinking of using oiled nubuck.
After seeing a wide variety of the "brand's repertoire" from AFOUR, I pursued what I considered the best, which led me to "oiled nubuck, the brand's foundation."
I had envisioned the shoe's sole from the beginning: a beige midsole with a SVIG gum sole.
The reason is that I feel AFOUR's beige sole, unlike plain white or black soles, is a timeless sole that doesn't show any signs of passing trends.
And to naturally connect the "sole color" with the "burgundy upper," I placed "natural-colored oiled nubuck" on the heel.
Furthermore, by using "beige stitching" throughout to sew the oiled nubuck leather on the heel, and by making the majority "contrast stitching," as mentioned earlier,
to highlight the edges of the parts that make up the shoe and strengthen its contours.
and
to ensure consistency across the shoe's parts.
I thought about achieving these elements.
The distinctive leather texture and natural color variations.
A burgundy that emanates from a very deep place.
And two types of shoelaces.
One is the ecru shoelace in the photo above.
The ecru creates a synergy with the shoe's lining.
The other is beige.
This is the same color as the stitching on the upper.
I don't think this beige is bad either, but I really like to include ecru shoelaces.
For those who already own AFOUR shoes, you'll understand that they feel incredibly stiff at first, unlike what you'd expect from sneakers.
The super high rebound is also a characteristic of the Code model.
This is why it can be used for long hours and long-distance walking without getting tired at all.
Well, I think a shoe with a fairly distinctive appearance has been completed, and it would be hard to find anything better if you're looking for similar burgundy or reddish sneakers.
After all, it's AFOUR quality.
I think the actual product is quite high level.
It's best for those who purchase them to wear them and combine them with pants however they like, but what I always kept in mind was:
"Not to be outdone by strong clothing."
Even when wearing nice clothes, many sneakers can end up looking "out of place" (ハズし), even if you didn't intend for them to, depending on "what shoes you wear."
That's why I've always thought about shoes that wouldn't be "out of place" in terms of both quality and appearance.
That's it.
A little while ago, I think I posted photos on this blog and the store's Instagram of me wearing Isabella Stefanelli pants with these AFOUR shoe samples, and also paired with COTTLE's LEAF VEIN pants. That's the image I have.
Also, although we're not carrying it this season, I think toogood's vibe is absolutely superb, and the higher the quality of the material, the more outstanding the shoes become.
Therefore, if you're not averse to burgundy hues, I'd be delighted if you'd take a look.
And the other one is from the collection.
AFOUR
Code DS Black
material _ Deerskin
size _ 40,41,42,43,44
This.
A new leather, previously unseen in black for the Code sneaker model, has appeared.
It's deerskin, apparently from America.
The distinctive grain of deerskin amplifies the texture's power, coupled with its overwhelming luster.
The upper gleams as if it's wet, due to the extreme luxury of the leather.
No matter who looks at it or how, it is a luxurious sneaker.
This Code DS Black has a substantial appearance, but in reality, it's amazing.
"Light," "durable," and "soft."
The upper has functions that lead to this overwhelming ease of wearing.
I think you'll be surprised by this.
Moreover, I don't think getting it wet would be a concern at all.
The "black AFOUR" shoes have made a reappearance after a long time.
They have an even greater sense of luxury and an elevated shoe level than before, so please take a look at these too.
Also, both shoes introduced today are only available in men's sizes.
We stock sizes 40 to 44.
Size 40 is approximately 25.5cm.
My actual foot length is 24.4cm, but since my feet are wide, size 40 is a perfect fit.
Since I set my size as the minimum men's size, I believe that most Japanese men will find a suitable size within the 40-44 range.
Size 41 is equivalent to 26.5cm, size 42 to 27cm, size 43 to 27.5cm, and size 44 to 28.5cm.
While wearing sneakers a little large might be good, the insole will sink and the upper will stretch, inevitably creating some extra space. Therefore, I believe it's best to choose as close to your true size as possible rather than going larger.
As a buyer, I believe there are no other sneakers besides AFOUR that have been crafted with such meticulous care and high quality, so I would be delighted if those who appreciate them would consider them.