STORE LOCATOR: VMC ORIGINAL - ZURICH

The shop was opened in 1986 by Markus Cadruvi and after a few years Roger Hatt, who owns together with his wife the shop today, joined the team. Roger began his career as a mechanic, but it was in the world of denim he found his passion. Back then, VMC used to have a small second hand area with vintage Big E’s and, as the first Japanese denim brand in the shop, Roger (who’s featured on the cover of the latest edition of The Heritage Post) introduced Evisu to the Zurichers 15 years ago. Today 40% of denim sales in the shop are based on Japanese jeans from brands like Iron Heart, Flat Head and Warehouse. VMC is divided into three sections, the latest being a women’s department. From cash register and the men’s shoe department you enter the sportswear department. The basement is dedicated to denim with an entire wall of indigo with all kinds of shades, washes, shapes and sizes. The basement is also where you find the extensive boot selection. Everthing is piled up and neatly folded. The shop the packed with vintage props like orignal Buddy Lee dolls. (for more pics and full story check Denimhunters) Whenever you are in Zurich check VMC @ Rindermarkt 8

STORE LOCATOR: VATER&SOHN, HAMBURG

The three founders Stefan Kudla (left), Sascha Kampmeyer (middle) and Tobias Pflug (right) aren’t father and sons.

The Founding Fathers of Vater&Sohn opened their store on March 1st in Hamburg, Germany with a great selection of brands like Tricker's, Rising Sun & Co., Levi's Vintage, Red Wing Shoes, and Filson. Vater&Sohn consider their customers not just as someone who loves boots or denims; he’s also into everything from knives to soaps, coffee to schnaps, and he likes to take care of himself while looking sharp. He’s a family man who brings flowers for his beautiful wife, and why not get the flowers from Vater&Sohn while you’re picking up a new pair of jeans – maybe then she won’t complain so much about all the money you spent. Visit Denimhunter for the full story about Vater&Sohn

COUNTRY HOUSE, ROTTERDAM FALL 2012

I love to show you these pics of Country House, Rotterdam filled with the Fall/Winter 2012.

My first visit was in March this year and I was happy to see that the store still looks like a million dollar.

The collection is hand picked by Harry Polderman, like there are some beautiful pieces from Nigel Cabourn, woolen shirts from Pendleton, 30th anniversary jackets from Stone Island a range of Buttero shoes and much much more. If you tell the team, Chad sended you......., you will get a great cup of coffee.

RED WING SHOE CO.

Fall/Winter 2012 on display

Shoe sewing machine

9158 Handsewn Oxford

8105 Moc toe Oxford

Where it all happens...

Last week I had a meeting with Mr. Red Wing, in their recently opened showroom in Amsterdam. Enjoying a cup of coffee with Dutch apple pie Matthijs told me everything about the brand and the collection. The company was founded by Mr. Beckman a German immigrant, who owned a shoe store in the city of Red Wing, the city was named after a local indian chief. In his advertising he promoted himself as Beckman, The Shoe Man. As a prosperous Main Street merchant, he saw the need for durable and comfortable boots. In 1905 when he couldn't find boots to meet his needs, he started his own shoe company. And the rest is history. The fact that Red Wing doesn't only make work boots is something you see in the 8105 Moc toe Oxford, this shoe was built to meet the demands of the factory managers who needed a sturdy work shoe as they moved from their office to the factory floor. My personal favorite for this summer is the 9158 Hand sewn Oxford, this shoe combines classic oxford styling with premium Red Wing Camel Muleskinner leather and an "American Made" plantation crepe sole. Hand sewn with contrast "baseball stitching" and rawhide laces. These shoes are made in Maine - the traditional home of moccasin style shoes and is one of the oldest and most traditional methods of constructing a shoe.