A Warmer Expression of Tete
Some shoes announce themselves immediately.
Others reveal their character more slowly.
The Tete Moc Toe Derby has always belonged to the latter for me. It is a model many people already know, yet one that continues to reward a second look. Not because the design has changed, but because the way we see it does.
Over the past month, I spent time with the Gaspar Derby in suede with a Gumlite sole. A shoe designed for ease and everyday wear.
The Tete sits just a step further along that path. Slightly dressier in its presence, more architectural in its lines, yet still grounded in approachability. This balance is central to how I think about design.
At its core, the Tete is a derby. Open lacing, familiar structure, and a silhouette that feels immediately wearable. The hand stitched moc toe softens the vamp and introduces rhythm without becoming decorative.
Reno grain has long been a natural choice for this model. Its texture adds depth without shine and wears beautifully over time. It reinforces the shoe’s sense of restraint rather than competing with it.
The Butterscotch patina was developed to sit comfortably within that framework. Warm without becoming sweet, expressive without calling attention to itself. On reno grain, the color settles in gently, with subtle variations that reveal themselves as the light changes.
It is a patina that feels calm, grounded, and easy to live with.
The finishing brings everything into focus. Each pair is hand finished to ensure balance across the upper, the sole, and the last. Nothing is added without reason. Nothing is taken away unnecessarily.
The Tete has always been a family of expressions rather than a single statement. This version is simply another way of seeing a form that was designed to be worn often and noticed quietly.
I invite you to explore the Tete Moc Toe Derby and discover the variations that resonate with you.