Gaziano&Girling's Gable
(and the infamous inverted captoe)
(and the infamous inverted captoe)
Recently, there has been some speculation as to whether Barneys New York will continue to carry select models from Gaziano & Girling. Initially, certain models were offered at a 40% discount. Shortly thereafter, it seemed that all of the G&G inventory was being offered at a significant discount (up to 60% off), with the sale price going as low as $459 for certain models.
Only time will tell whether Barneys/G&G relationship has actually been severed for good, but the situation raises an interesting (if touchy) question: how much is a high end men's shoe actually worth? The answer to that question is usually, "Whatever someone is willing to pay for it." In the case of the Barneys G&Gs, it seems fair to say that not too many people were willing to pay the manufacturer's suggested retail price (roughly $1200-1400). Discerning customers were more interested in actually purchasing the available models at the $450-650 price range - which is when the feeding frenzy really took hold.
Gaziano&Girling's Savoy
(another example of the polarizing inverted captoe)
If this is actually true, then the next question then becomes: was it just the models that Barneys was offering that were unsellable at the $1200-1400 price range, or does this speak to the value of the entire Gaziano & Girling catalog?
Personally, I would think the problem has more to do with the models that Barneys was selling. Relying on a totally unscientific survey based upon my own (admittedly limited) conversations with other shoe fanatics, I would say that G&Gs inverted captoe is not a universally loved feature. Barneys had several of these models for sale, including the Gable and Savoy (pictured above). Then, there were two-tone (seasonal?) offerings like the Walkton and St. Ives.
Gaziano&Girling's St. Ives
In my opinion, I think smaller internet sellers like Nick Anderson's Bespoke England (full disclosure - I am a satisfied customer) have better offerings - the styles are much more dynamic and interesting. Nick's monthly MTO picks take already popular styles and infuse a breath of fresh air by providing a unique twist.
All of this being said, I am by no means a G&G hater. Although I'm not in love with the elongated lasts from an aesthetic standpoint, I think my G&G Rothchilds might be the most well-made pair of shoes that I own. The vintage chestnut leather color and its accompanying patina has to be seen in person to be believed - I don't think describing these shoes as "exquisite" is overdoing it. At the full manufacturer's suggested retail price, I think the Rothschild is worth every penny.
Hopefully, if Barneys is in fact discontinuing its relationship with G&G, this is hopefully just a temporary state of affairs. However, if the two companies do work together in the future, let's hope that the next selection of models is a more accurate reflection of what we know Gaziano and Girling are capable of.
It seems G&G and Barney's have parted ways and the brand is better off for it. Not a match made in heaven.
ReplyDelete