Yuki Matsuda, a fashion designer, established the Yuketen brand in 1985. The firm has honoured American artisan footwear and luggage making traditions ever since it was founded. In his attempt to find these American treasures, Matsuda traversed isolated regions and encountered numerous leather, blanket, and footwear artists. As a result of the knowledge and years of tradition that Matsuda absorbed from these craftspeople, Yuketen was born. The careful quality and artistic aesthetic of each piece of Yuketen speak volumes about the producers' dedication and expertise.
Every component and raw material used in the creation of a Yuketen product is chosen with care. Their handcrafted goods are manufactured from buttery oiled leathers from America, silky and smooth suedes from Toscana, Italy, and vegetable leathers from Mexico that are tanned using only renewable energy. With folds, creases, scuffs, scratches, and the trace of their footprint that all appear over time with wear serving as visual mementos of their lifetime, Yuketen believes that each of their items should be finished by the lifework of the wearer.
Yukuten's leather of choice derives from the Horween Leather Company, the world's famous legendary tannery in the U.S & one of the oldest continuously running tanneries since 1905 that is still standing. This leather is featured this season on a mainstay of Yukuten's collections - the Frentally Loafer. Boasting characteristics of a conventional penny loafer, they also have a lovely pebble grain leather and a hefty vibram sole that give them a little more rough appearance.
The lace-up moccasin, more generally known today as a boat shoe, was standardised and made popular as the blucher moccasin in the 1950s and 1960s. The blucher offered a more elegant, elongated form that was reminiscent of the dress shoe style with which it was named. The lace-in kiltie tucked under the blucher pieces, Yuketen's iconic baseball stitch overcast, and embellishment on the heel seam cover are significant design elements that add a touch of elegance to this modernised moccasin form.
With the Sal 1 with Crepe Sole, Yuketen has stripped down the classic clog design to its most basic elements and most appealing features. Yuketen's Sal 1 with Crepe Sole is a straightforward piece of craftsmanship with finer details appropriate for a handcrafted leather sandal.
Shop our full Yukuten collection below, available online & in-store now at Stuarts London.
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