Looking in from the shop window, there are several wooden shoe racks next to the entrance. The upper floor is a seating area for customers to try on their choices of French handmade leather shoes. There is an additional staircase in the new store, a fantastic way to utilise the high-ceiling architecture. Founded by Edouard Blanchard in Limoges (France) in 1891, who later sent his son Eugene to study the classic Goodyear technique at Weston in Massachusetts (U.S.) in 1904. Eugene took over the business in 1919, and started a production of American leather shoes. The label’s Paris flagship store, J.M. Weston, was opened in 1927. The business was bought by Jean-Louis Descours in 1976. The company continues to specialise in handcrafted leather shoes, and has ownership of leather sole studio and manufacturer. Stitch by stitch, each creation is made with tradition and excellent skills.

According to the directeur général Eric Vallat, in town specially to supervise on the new store, a home-like cosiness is the main focus on the shift from IFC to The Galleria. The interior is designed with exactly that in mind. The wallpaper was tailor-made; vintage wooden cabinet (which leather sample book rests on) is handpicked in France; three bird taxidermy art pieces accentuate the window display. The luxurious aesthetic is now blended with a more personal tone.

J.M. Weston productions are set up in France and Italy. The models made in France are complete with the label’s unique leather sole – with twelve months production time. Top three per cent of leather produced by the label’s studio is saved for making the shoes. The Goodyear technique involves up to two hundred steps. A leather sample book is available for tailor-made orders, includes crocs, python and another one hundred and fifty varieties. Following the opening, the brand new Claridge collection, with sculptural pattern, is now launched; the Oxford collection is now with stitching extended to the leather sole; loafers as well as calfskin ankle boots (using up a whole piece of leather) are excellent for casual outfits.

Text: iemi | Translation: dilettante
Edit: Carmen Lee
Photo: Chan Man Ching
Update: 11 Feb 2011

J.M. WESTON
Shop 02, Ground Floor, The Galleria, 9 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong
+852 2234 7288
jmweston.com