Refining the Oxford
When I design an Oxford for the 1202 Heritage Collection, I am not trying to reinterpret formality. I am trying to refine it.
Rafael was created as a modern alternative to the classic black Oxford, for clients who want the same authority but with more character and depth.
Rafael is made on our soft square chiseled toe last, a shape that balances structure with subtle softness. It gives the shoe presence without exaggeration and allows the pattern to feel architectural rather than rigid.
The asymmetric construction and the absence of a center back seam let the leather flow naturally around the foot, uninterrupted from heel to toe.
The shoe is cut from French box calf leather from Tanneries du Puy and finished in a handmade Gunmetal patina. This color sits in the charcoal family, with brownish brass undertones that emerge gradually in the light. It is intentionally restrained.
From a distance it reads dark and composed, but up close it reveals warmth and complexity that a standard black shoe cannot offer.
Brogue detailing follows the seams with precision, reinforcing the lines of the Adelaide construction rather than decorating them. Every detail has a purpose. Nothing is added simply to be noticed.
Each pair is fully handmade by our team in Barcelona and Japan. The shoes are hand lasted, hand welted, stitched by hand through the outsole, and finished entirely by hand.
These steps allow us to control proportion, tension, and balance in ways that industrial production cannot replicate.
Rafael pairs naturally with dark tailoring and evening wear, but it is equally at home with dark denim on the weekend, where it becomes a conversation starter rather than a uniform choice. This versatility is intentional. A well designed shoe should adapt to its owner, not dictate how it must be worn.
As with all shoes in the 1202 Heritage Collection, production is limited by the number of hands involved. Delivery is approximately six months, reflecting the time required to make each pair without shortcuts.
If this handmade oxford speaks to you, the pair below is available to order directly from this page. Each pair is hand-made after the order is placed.
If you’re unsure about sizing or leather, feel free to contact us before ordering.
US customs duties paid
- Hand-lasted and hand-welted with a hand stitched out sole
- Stunning curves and seamlines adorned with brogues
- French box calf leather from Tanneries du Puy
- Asymmetric pattern without a center-back seam
- Pitched heel
- Double beveled waist
- Handmade patina in gunmetal
Craft & Patina
Every patina we create is applied by hand, pair by pair, using traditional finishing techniques developed in our Barcelona workshop.
Rather than a uniform, pre set color, each shoe develops depth, transparency, and character through multiple layers of dye and careful hand polishing.
Leather is a natural material, and it responds uniquely to hand applied finishes. The final tone is built gradually through layering and polishing, allowing the surface to develop movement and nuance rather than a flat, static appearance.
Because each patina is finished by hand and because digital screens interpret color differently, the final tone may differ slightly from what you see online. This subtle individuality is an essential part of the character of a handmade shoe.
We work carefully to represent each patina as accurately as possible through photography, but the full depth and richness of a hand finished surface is best experienced in person.
What remains consistent in every pair:
- The intended color family, such as brown, black, or bordeaux
- The design, proportions, and silhouette of the shoe
- The level of finish and craftsmanship
- The original intent and character of the patina
If you have a specific color preference or are choosing between two patinas, our team is always happy to guide you before placing an order.
Delivery Timing
Each pair is made by our team of artisans after your order is placed and finished by hand. Current lead time is approximately 6 months.
Ordering & Payment Options
For clients who prefer to split their payment, we offer a 50 percent deposit option on made-to-order shoes, with the balance due prior to delivery. Use code MTODEPOSIT at checkout.