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Behind the label: Esquivel

Marisa Pinto

Who started it? With patrons including Pearl Jam, No Doubt and the Kings of Leon, George Esquivel’s company has grown from an almost accidental start-up to a booming boutique. A fan of vintage and thrift stores, Los Angeles-based Esquivel became a cobbler’s apprentice straight out of high school. While on holiday in Mexico, he asked a shoemaker to make him a pair of black-andwhite spectator shoes. Esquivel was inspired, and returned home to start his own label, first making men’s shoes, then moving into women’s footwear.

Why we love it: although Esquivel has had creative director roles at other companies, such as Italian footwear label Fratelli Rossetti, and luggage makers Tumi, his eponymous brand has long been the heart of his working world. His shoes are exquisitely made, using leather from the same tanneries that supply Louis Vuitton and other luxury houses. Working with the tanneries, he creates custom colours that he uses to complement the detail and eccentricity in his handmade shoes.

What we’d pick: we love the crinkled canvas brogues (above right; HK$6,460), which are charming and boyish, with their white patent-leather trims and white laces. The Vanas metallic-detailed suede brogues (top right; HK$6,770) are casual evening shoes that feature grey top stitching and gold leather on black suede. We also love the understated two-tone leather brogues (left; HK$6,770), with light blue leather contrasted against a tan, textured panel.

Where can you get them: Esquivel is available at net-a-porter.com

 

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