Reina de las Fabricas: OXFORD DIVERSITY-THE MODERN CLASSICS

Making its first debut in Scotland and Ireland, Oxford shoes or Blamorals (so named after the Blamoral Castle) earned it name from the famous Oxford university and is by far a classy and timeless fashion ornament that can be dressed up or down to suite whatever occasion due to its minimalist appeal and ability to go with just about everything. Whether it is the wig-tip Oxford, whole cut-one piece Oxford, Cap toe Oxford or the Plain toe Oxford, the resonating beauty and elegance of each piece stands out in the history of classic footwear. Oxfords are a newer version of the popular Oxonians that were popular at the Oxford University in 1800. The half-boot style became outdated and students looked for an alternative style that was more current, thus the oxford shoe was born.

Oxford shoes have run through years of reinvention having designers like Prada, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton interpret it while maintaining its signature qualities. My fascination with these classic shoes is the stress-less elegance and definition it gives when worn. And the best thing about it, they have been made to accommodate both genders.

Care to explore?

Wig tip Oxford (Left) and A Whole Cut-One piece Oxford

The One piece oxford is a variation on the classic oxford constructed with a single piece of leather rather than various pieces sewn together. This style has only one seam connecting the piece of leather together in the back of the shoe while maintaining the original Oxford shape and signature “closed lacing.” The minimal stitching gives a sleek and sophisticated look that adds to the shoe’s unique and simplistic style. Though this style is unassuming, it is a uncommon variation on the typical oxford shoe and is seen quite rarely.

Derby Oxford(Left)

The Monk strap is versatile shoe style that serves as the intermediate between the oxford and the derby in terms of formality, featuring a similar shape sans the laces. In place of an eyelet closure, the monk strap has a wide strap that is fastened across the front of the shoe with either a single or double buckle closure. The monk strap takes its name from the monks who originally donned them. The closed toe design was a much more protective alternative to wear while working than the sandals they usually wore. This alternative is very attractive and give an extra edge to an assemblage. The Monk straps are often crafted out of leather or suede and can be found with and without decorative broguing.

Dress Boot Oxford.

The Dress Boot Oxford is a lace-up boot often featuring a wingtip broguing on the toe and along its seams and rises over the ankle. It finds its roots in the Victorian era when the choices in men’s shoes were very limited. During this time, men could only wear boots with day wear or pumps for evening wear. Because of the limitation of styles available to men, the Dress Boot became an intermediately formal dress shoe option that was worn to formal day occasions like tea or a formal lunch. Now, the dress boot’s place in menswear has remained quite similar as a great alternative to your typical dress shoe that’s perfect for formal day wear.

Cap Toe Oxford

“Cinderella was made for more than sweeping the floor.”

― Beth Moore Jones, The Cinderella Story: The Power of Shoes

“...Because the human history is the history of shoes. The history of places where we ever tread and stand.”
― Stebby Julionatan

“God hasn't called you to walk in someone else's shoes (purpose). He wants you to walk in the shoes that fit you, for which He made you. You aren't going to succeed walking in another woman's shoes.”

― Beth Moore Jones