125 YEARS OF COBBLING

BRITISH shoemaker, Cheaney, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. As one of the few remaining quality names in an industry decimated by cheaper imports, this is indeed cause for celebration and the company has launched a new '125 Collection' to mark its anniversary.

The collection is based upon a new last and features several width fittings, with a variety of styles but all with the hallmark of classic British quality.

Based in the Northamptonshire heartland of shoemaking, the compay is in the same factory as where it was started all those years ago by Joseph Cheaney. William and Jonathan Church are the owners now, who moved over from their own family shoe company of Church that had been been bought by Prada, to take up the Cheaney reins some three years ago.

It has proved to be a good move, with Cheaney shoes opening up new shops and adding rather more stylish numbers to its classic selection.

Though not providing a fully bespoke service, all shoes are handmade, entailing 200 operations by skilled craftsmen, and at the one factory.

Out-of-stock designs may be ordered, taking up to 8 weeks to be made, and a refurbishment service is offered, so that a pair of Cheaney shoes may be reconstructed to their original finish.

They are the sort of shoe that goes nicely at the bottom of a Savile Row suit.

At top, style Pitlochry, with a tartan wool inset.
Above, left, classic lace-up brogue, style Arthur, and right, a buckled design, Humphrey.
Formal lace up, on the left, is style Sandringham.
Prices start from around £200.

FLASHING ANKLES

SOCKS can add that flash of interest at the ankle, giving sombrely dressed businessmen a largely hidden touch of exuberance. More and more colourful designs are being produced by the quality sock names and though plain black and grey and navy remain the usual choice for Savile Row dressers, these versions provide a bright alternative for those who dare.

Top sock name Pantherella has added a range of zinging colours and patterns to its latest collection, as in these brightly striped versions, price from £9.

Scott Nichol has taken inspiration from the rugby field and Six Nations fever to produce their electrifying hose, right. A glimpse of these in the boardroom might shock but could also suggest that the wearer is capable of a good tackle.

In a range of colourways, with some chequered designs also available, in cotton, price from £9.50,available through http://www.woodsofshropshire.co.uk