The Paramount Pattern
Our latest group-made-to-order features three shoes that exemplify Norman Vilalta's use of creative pattern making to breath new life into classic shoes.
Our first shoe is our Miquel Decon Double Monk. This shoe was a member of Norman Vilalta´s debut ready-to-wear collection in 2014 that gave many shoe aficionados their first glimpse into Norman's creative and unique designs.
Miquel was one of three shoes of the collection that introduced Norman’s "decon" designs which applied creative pattern making and leather combinations to classic shoes (along with the Decon Derby and Decon Chukka).
Miquel is a unique alternative to the classic double monk and is an exceptional shoe for those who appreciate a tasteful combination of leathers.
Miquel features French box calf leather from Tanneries du Puy, a unique throat and tongue in suede from Charles Stead that peeks out from below the monk strap, and a Vibram Gumlite Commando Sole which delivers lightweight cushioning, and grip for the city streets.
The distinct design is uniquely bold yet elegant and can easily be worn with either business or casual attire.
Since the shoe's introduction in 2014, the Miquel Decon Double Monk has made cameo appearances on shoe blogs, trunk shoes, and social media, but this is the first time that we are making this unique design available online.
Our Domingo Balmoral Oxford is our second featured shoe that plays an important role in the Norman Vilalta brand history.
Many of our shoes feature an asymmetric pattern, but our Domingo Balmoral is the first design in the world of shoes that includes this unique detail. In Norman's quest to contribute to the art of shoemaking, he created this pattern making method in 2005 while working on the first Domingo Balmoral design for a bespoke client.
The goal of the asymmetric pattern was to create a cleaner silhouette without disrupting the harmony of classic shoe designs. The method is more complicated to last but removes the need of a center back seam, creating a streamlined finish around the entire shoe.
For this fall version of our Domingo Balmoral, we selected Vegano Inca and a handmade midnight blue patina, a deep navy and black. The result is a smart take on a classic oxford, with a design and upper combination that makes a powerful statement without being flamboyant.
The final shoe is for those who enjoy the ease of slip-on shoes all year long. Pepe is our autumn appropriate Penny Loafer whose pattern deconstructs a common feature of this style shoe -- the apron.
Norman originally removed the apron on a sample to create a larger canvas for his two tones patinas but found that the clean design was pleasing in solid colors too because it let the shape do the talking.
The seamless vamp combined with the chiseled toe box accentuates the elongated silhouette and creates a beautifully elegant profile.
We selected a Vegano Inca upper and a Marron Mediterraneo patina, a wonderful blend of texture and brown and burgundy color that will complement any autumn wardrobe.
The sleek upper design of Pepe combined with a Vibram Rubber Button Sole offers discreet cushioning and additional grip. The slightly thicker sole also balances out the design so that the shape isn´t overly sharp and is flattering regardless of the form and structure of your foot.
Our Miquel Decon Double Monk, Domingo Balmoral Oxford and Pepe Penny Loafer are now available in our Group-Made-to-Order through the end-of-day Tuesday, June 1st.
We accept a 50% deposit to place the order using the code GMTODEPOSIT during checkout. The balance will be collected before the final shipment of your shoes.
All shoes are bench made, Goodyear-welted, and hand finished by our artisan team in Spain before shipment. This process includes the use of glass, sandpaper, inks, creams, waxes, fire and multiple iron tools to achieve a bespoke quality finishing that the Norman Vilalta brand has become known for.
Changes to the upper, lining, last, width, sole, and patina of the shoes are available with a 200 euro change fee. Please email sales@normanvilalta.com for any questions or change requests.
