Mark Jeffery and Guy West. Two childhood friends with a vision of creating astoundingly unique footwear. With an upbringing enshrouded in the shoe-making history of Northampton, these guys went from re-purposing end-of- line shoes to developing a brand that has now gone state-side.
After years of not being taken seriously, Jeffery-West was established and founded in 1987, and encapsulates both the antiquity of the Northampton shoe and leather industries, and their unrelenting innovation and creativity.
At first, one may only see the brightly coloured leather, the boldy-shaped diamond punching…
The skull-wielding women on the lining and the last shapes so long and pointy they could take your eye out. Look harder. These shoes have not forgotten their history. The lines are sleek and classic, the quality of production is second to none, and the attention to detail is impeccable.
Don’t mistake the flamboyance for ignorance; these boys know their stuff, and their passion is woven into every single stitch; elegance meets cutting edge design. Time old craftsmanship shakes hands with innovation.
You only have to take a peek at their website to understand what Jeffery-West are about. Black and white images of soirees and stocking adorned women are matched with red, gothic text, and we haven’t even mentioned the canes or spankers…oops. Too late…They do offer other extras (easy now) such as wallets, umbrellas, gloves, belts, socks and coloured laces, each depicting that signature Jeffey-West style and attitude.
Talking of style and attitude, I was lucky enough to have a chat with Sharon, from the men’s department. I’m sure she was thrilled to have me chasing her around the shop with a notebook on a busy Saturday morning…(sorry!) but she knows all there is to know about these shoes and her customers. The moment you step into the menswear shop, the neo-gothic display can’t help but catch your eye. It’s intriguing, fascinating.
It lures you in with a perfectly manicured ‘come hither’ hand gesture. I mean, these shoes. They’re sexy!
Something Sharon has picked up on is how a pair of these shoes can change a man. She compares it to how some women feel when they put on a brand new pair of killer heels.
These guys stand up, check themselves out in the mirror and the shoulders go back, the chest puffs out a little, chin is raised, and the next thing they know they’re striding out of the shop into the high street beyond with a Golden Boot bag in hand and a few extra stamps on their loyalty card.
Sharon explained that Jeffery-West is about more than the shoes themselves. This is a lifestyle. Various last shapes have been named after famous influencers. Keith Richards, Steve Marriot, Terence Stamp, Oliver Reed, Peter O-Toole, Brian Jones, Jarvis Cocker, Bryan Ferry, Roger Moore…the list goes on! The design inspiration is derived from Victorian and Gothic architecture, biker gangs and flamboyant, verging on bizzare rogues throughout history.
I imagine many of the customers to be the same. Not that any of you are bizzare, but I wonder whether there is a certain characteristic that creates a desire to purchase a pair I imagine many of the customers to be the same.
An eye and appreciation for detail is a must. The tiny skull head zippers, and intricate diamond punching cannot go unseen. From the heel shape to the sole engraving, everything has been exquisitely considered.
A certain poise is necessary, and a nod to their historical context is of most importance. They’re obviously a talking point so one must be prepared to answer questions…especially if you’re carrying a cane…
A story to be continued but if you can’t wait visit Jeffery West at Golden Boot and choose your favourite design from our complete selection of Jeffery West boots, shoes and belts all with FREE UK next day delivery*
