WALK A MILE IN SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES -MICHOU BARES HIS SOLE TO SOUL FOR THE LOVE OF A SHOE

 

Welcome to our ONLINE STORE  and blog. 

As a barware, lighting and  home accessories design company, we at Thomas Fuchs Creative specialize in handmade goods. Every week we give you behind the scenes to the people, places and things that inspire us.

A hit of this weeks point of admiration is the cover photo of this blog which is none other than Lapo Elkann, grandson of Italian Impresario and style Icon Gianni Angnelli, shoe closet. 

Canali Indigo Suede Tasseled Loafers

This week we literally take it to the streets piloting you around the world in my shoes. I am so inspired by the Vlog The Sartorial Talks by The Parisian Gentleman, Hugo Jacomet (124K Subscribers) interviewing the American Southern Young Bucks Trenton & Heath (357K Subscribers) who are young cobblers schooling their American public on quality shoes from sole to SOUL.  

The age-old saying "walk a mile in my shoes" provides a lens through which we can explore the deeper significance of shoes in civilization. This concept took on new meaning for me after attending the Miami Shoe Museum show, where the evolution of footwear was presented not only as a journey through history but as a testament to human creativity, resilience, and cultural identity.

From prehistoric times, when early humans wrapped their feet to traverse rugged terrains, shoes have served as essential tools of protection and comfort. Over time, these functional necessities transformed into powerful symbols of status, artistry, and innovation—a theme vividly captured by the Miami Shoe Museum’s diverse exhibits. From ancient leather sandals to avant-garde high fashion designs, the show illuminated how shoes transcend their utilitarian origins to reflect the values, technologies, and aesthetics of their time.

The exhibition showcased the multifaceted nature of shoes: practical items like steel-toe boots for industrial work, sophisticated high heels worn during formal events, and versatile sneakers that bridge the gap between sports and everyday life. Contemporary footwear, as displayed, spans the spectrum from minimalist sandals to elaborate creations by renowned designers, underscoring the varied purposes and cultural significance of shoes across the globe.

What struck me most was the museum’s emphasis on sustainability and the environmental impact of the $200 billion global shoe industry. The show highlighted the challenges of recycling materials and reusing shoes, given that 90% of footwear ends up in landfills. This aspect made me reflect on how modern designers could draw inspiration from ancient practices—such as using biodegradable materials—to innovate more eco-friendly solutions.

The historical artifacts on display—like the 5,500-year-old leather shoe from Armenia and the sagebrush bark sandals from Oregon—served as powerful reminders of humanity’s enduring ingenuity. Each piece told a story of adaptation and survival, with designs evolving to meet the demands of varied climates, terrains, and cultural practices. The Miami Shoe Museum seamlessly bridged past and present, offering insights into the role of footwear in shaping societal norms and individual expression.

The show inspired me to look at shoes not just as objects but as narratives, each pair a chapter in humanity’s story. Whether through the delicate craftsmanship of ancient sandals or the bold experimentation of modern designers, the Miami Shoe Museum revealed how footwear continues to walk us through time, telling tales of innovation, identity, and the universal human desire to protect and adorn our feet.

 

 

 

The Dynamic Duo Brothers Trenton and Heath of Potter & Sons

 

As brothers and co-owners of 2 businesses within the shoe industry, these handsome brothers are always excited to bring us some of the best content, regarding all things shoes, on their  YouTube channel. They discuss the best shoe brands, the best shoe products, tutorials on shoe care, and take you behind the scenes as they repair shoes brought into their shop.

The brothers and business partners in two businesses (Potter & Sons Shoe Artisans) and (Southern Polished). They created the channel to share helpful and entertaining videos about one of our favorite topics...SHOES. As two guys that have been in the shoe industry for a while now, we have a lot of insight on this topic. Along with their dad, they are both shoe cobblers in our shop. They have polished and repaired THOUSANDS of shoes, and hope to use the channel to insights on which brands of shoes are best, how to polish your shoes, when to have your shoes repaired, how to repair shoes...and much, much more.

They are currently based in Nashville, Tennessee and are always down to connect and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out on social media, and if you'd like to reach out to them for business purposes, you may contact them via email trent@potterandsons.com.

 

Next up is "Parisian Gentleman" which has been created by Hugo Jacomet in 2009 as a personal diary in which he was sharing his sartorial adventures and his passion for bespoke tailoring and shoemaking.

Soon after his son Greg Jacomet, then his future wife Sonya Glyn joined him to form the historical trio behind Parisian Gentleman and the two YouTube channels : « Sartorial Talks » (in English) and « Discussions Sartoriales » (in French).

Paul Smith Tassled Brown Leather Loafers  - On The Streets Of Paris

Full disclosure I may have left comments from time to time under my pseudonym on Trenton & Heath's YOUTUBE, encouraging them to open their minds to other brands. Being the owners of a home goods design company and traveling to our various factories all over the world, I have become well versed in the power of a shoe.

Be it walking miles to the gates in airports, trekking to dusty corners of the globe or being in front of the camera for selfies or press or just a simple instagram post, I have gathered quite the shoe collection spanning brands known and unknown across the world.

Donald J. Pliner Denim Suede w/ Red Stitching in India at our Factory 

My love of shoes came from my Mother who by default schooled me in what makes a good shoe. From Charles Jourdan to Xavier Danaud, I remember my eyes fixing on the 1st pair Mom's cork shoes in the 80's with fleck shoes and I thinking how inventive it was. From being raised in Europe to the island of Jamaica I can say I have seen it all from sand to shoe.

Ungaro Knee High Riding Boots at Design Miami During Art Basel Miami 

In full transparency I do not ever look at so many photos of myself in a row, however based on the topic and gathering of all subject matter I will take the "Road Less Travelled" on the journey into footwear that has taken me down the long winding metaphorical road to where we stand physically today.

What this process has helped me most realize that I have amassed the following colours of shoes: 

Black: 5 ; Blue: 11; Brown: 27; Green: 2; Grey: 2; Red: 5; White / Taupe: 1

However two weeks ago I enlisted stylist Lauren Mrozowski @laurenmro_ from the @therealreal who I have given 14 pair of Gucci shoes to! Lauren was the perfect person to help a deep dive into my closet being brutally honest telling me what to part with and what to keep. 

The RealReal, Inc. is an online and brick-and-mortar marketplace for staff-authenticated luxury consignment.[2] Based on the circular economy, The RealReal sells consigned clothing, fine jewelry, watches, fine art and home decor. It employs an in-house staff of experts including horologists, gemologists, art curators and luxury fashion authenticators who inspect items for authenticity and value;[3][4] however, the company has received criticism for selling counterfeit merchandise, including from Forbes, which states often a single copywriter, not an authenticator, provides the only inspection for many items sold by The RealReal.[5]

[6]

 At Our Former Beach Bungalow in Red Bank NJ With Our Basset Beagle Frida in Paul Smith's Printed Canvas Trainers

My favourite brands seem to be the below list.

Tap on each name for links to the brand:

Bally
Berluti

Bottega Veneta 
Fratelli Rossetti
Gucci
Osklen
Paul Smith
Premiata
Soludos Espadrilles
Tods
Ungaro

Hermes 
 
 
 

One of the most important lessons I learned early on was, as with all things coveted, pre internet, to save up and buy quality rather than amassing quantity.
I believe if gentlemen in America really heeded this advice they would begin a collection that enables them to not only maximize a wardrobe making it more versatile but in essence they have less wear and tear on their shoe collection due to he fact that they have increased their footwear options.
  

My Todd's in Puglia of  Which I have in a Myriad of Colours All Purchased At Airports Across The World 

Reminissing back to the 1980's there was Charles Jourdan, Stephan Kelian, Joan & David whose men's line moniker was David and Joan, Jean-Baptiste Rautureau. I have also collected and repurposed my father's shoe collection luckily we are the same size now. 

 

Linen Gucci Gold Horsebit Worn in Photoshoot For The Sindhian 

The best thing about shoes is that your weight can fluctuate over the years but it's very rare that your shoe size changes. As the style changes you will find that all the shoe profiles come back into fashion. 

Me at Le Bonmarche Fratelli Rosetti Shoe Department 

My Newest Find:
NDC:  

n.d.c. made by hand was created in 2001 by two friends passionate about shoes. Unable to find the shoes they really wanted to wear, they launched the brand to fulfill their personal need.
 

 NDC Brushed Suede Loafers 

 

n.d.c. made by hand immediately opened a new dimension in men's and lady's footwear, offering luxurious materials, comfortable lasts and rejuvenated classics. The collections aimed to be appealing to a wide range of customers — trend setters, luxury lovers, quality freaks, etc — who are in pursuit of understated individualism.

 

On The Hunt:

I had purchased my favourite Berluti shoes in Italy a few years ago, however, we all know the pit falls of globe trekking is the baggage loss pre Apple Air Tags in our suitcases.

The discovery of every shoe for me has a story. When I saw these beauties on the shelf I heard iconic songstress Roberta Flak singing in my head " The First Time". I immediately tried them on for size and they became mine. 

Flash forward many years this past Friday while walking through Miami's Design District we came across the store which has had a rebrand and fresh direction under the guise of Antoine Arnault ( son of LVMH's Bernard Arnault) whose keen eye and strategy has landed them designing the uniforms for the French Teams Opening Ceremony at the Olympics in 2024.

This new direction was clearly visible in their team members working in the store. I was approached by Benjamin Mitchell whose instinct and etiquette, combined with knowledge and know how, organically got me to reveal my story of the loss of my shoes! Benjamin hopped to action and found a pair and is having them sent to the store. This is what I call true luxury service which very few "luxury" institutions retain in todays day and age.