Shoes.
Decided to visit the parents in San Diego this weekend. Hopped on the 10 to the 405 South… Everything was good until I hit Orange County and the traffic seemed to really pick up. South Coast Plaza was right there, so I decided to drop in, since I’ve never been. Other than your usually department stores, the place was pretty chill. The best part about South Coast? Brunello Cucinelli and John Lobb stores. I didn’t go into the Brunello shop, but I did stop into the John Lobb store. First off, I had no idea that John Lobb had a shop on the west coast, let alone Southern California. I walked in and there was very kind English Gentlemen sitting in the office behind the front desk. He welcomed me and asked if I needed help with anything. I told him straight off the bat that John Lobbs were way out of my price range right now (I just got an entry-level job and I need to save up for law school/LSAT classes). He was cool about it and we got to talking about Alden, John Lobbs (of course), Gaziano&Girling, St. Crispin, welts, lasts, etc. As you would expect, he knew his shit (John Lobb wouldn’t have some skinny-jeaned hipster running their only west coast shop) and gave really great insight into John Lobb’s direction as a brand in the last decade. He was super enthusiastic about JL’s and insisted that I try some on. He brought out the usual: City II’s, William doublemonks, Lopez loafers and a few of their boots. Before I left, he gave me a catalogue…
Apparently, John Lobb only publishes one every two years, so he told me to hang onto it just in case I decide I can’t go another day without some JL’s. For most of those in the #menswear world, this seems like no big deal, especially those in New York, or some of the larger markets where great brands like John Lobb are so accessible. But for me, somebody who really just likes quality made goods, it was a pretty cool that he took some time out to talk shop. It is definitely something you won’t find in today’s fast-fashion retail world. I’m not sure if I’ll get City II’s anytime soon, but you know where I’m gonna go when I do.
