Question:
While in Berlin today, I visited a high-end shoe store called Budapester Schuhe hoping to see some Vass shoes.
Instead, I found two brands that I had never seen before in person: Dinkelacker and Stefano Branchini.
As far as I know, Branchini is not well distributed. Historical forum posts suggested that they're found in Bologna (where made) and Japan (where a cult item). The Budapester Schuhe sales rep said that they started carrying Branchini RTW only a few months ago. They come in three price categories:
- €300 sporty line
- €900 dressy line
- €1590 elite line
The majority of the models carried were at the €1590 price point, which contains the signature styles of Branchini. I wish that I had pictures to show, but I didn't have a camera and can't get
www.branchini.net to work in my web browser. The €1590 shoes are outrageously styled, but I must admit that I found a few of them to be stunning. My German friend said that he would never wear them, but he would get enormous amusement from seeing a friend who did. If ever there's a 70% off sale, I hope I hear of it.
The Dinkelackers look like combat boots. As my friend said of Branchini: not for me, but entertaining on others.
Answer:
Bergdorf her in NYC carried (still might) a welted Branchini shoe (2-3 models) that retailed for only $400-500. They had a pair of monks that were about $300 on sale which i was going to get but for their too pointy toe. Shoes looked well made and the leather was good quality. I'm sure not up to the high end Branchini line, but decent none the less.
Answer:
The word ‘Restraint’ is not part of Signor Branchini’s vocabulary:
Answer:
Those shoes that you are talking about $300-$500 are OK shoes. The ones that are $2000+ (more like $3000+) are a work of art. Of course you will have to deal with the unique designs, but they are the best made square toe shoes money can buy :laugh:
Answer:
Actually, I think there is a place for those type of shoes too. Imagine them with something casual, like a pair of jeans. :)
Answer:
I couldn't do it. They look like shoes the Joker should wear in the next Batman movie.
Answer:
This one is more typical Branchini style, and I imagine it would cost more than $2K. Again, I think they would look good with jeans, but not much else.
I want a pair like these for when I wear something like jeans and a t-shirt (or dress shirt), but my wife hates them.
Answer:
I like those a lot for casual wear. That would my kind of flash and decadence, if I could afford it.
At Budapester Schuhe, he had a few shoes in the €900 range that would have worked with suits. But for the most part, his designs clash with conservative attire.
