The world's greatest public event in classic men's shoes takes place in Stockholm, Sweden, and is organized annually by the talented team behind Shoegazing.se. We went to cover this year's September 10 edition, and it was a true shoe lover's feast.
Visitors examine the offerings of popular Hungarian maker Vass
Inspection of a Vass double monk strap shoe
The Shoegazing Super Trunk Show has evolved into something of a mini trade fair, featuring not only traditional trunk shows where makers meet clients to take orders and measurements, but also competitions, refreshments and champagne mingle, panel discussions and lectures – attracting enthusiasts and exhibitors from all over Europe, and from as far away as USA and Japan.
Andreas Weinås of Manolo.se in discussion with Hiro Yanagimachi, one of Japan's foremost bespoke makers
Hiro Yanagimachi in the process of fitting a pair of bespoke shoes
At Hiro Yanagimachi's table
This year’s event was the third edition this far, and was successfully held at the Scandic Anglais hotel, located in central Stockholm. It was visited by approximately 900 people, who purchased or placed orders for 170 pairs of shoes for a total worth of €63.000.
Mr. Shoegazing himself: Jesper Ingevaldsson
Jesper Ingevaldsson and co-arranger Roland Olsson
Brands, makers, personalities and organizations present were Roberto Ugolini (Italy), Hiro Yanagimachi (Japan), Daniel Wegan of Gaziano & Girling (UK), Italigente (Sweden/Italy), Vass (Hungary), Meermin (Spain), Yanko (Spain) represented by Skolyx, Janne Melkersson of Melker Shoes (Sweden), Skomakeri Framåt (Sweden), Frank Clegg (USA), Oppermann (UK), Patrik Löf of Skoaktiebolaget (Sweden), Magic Mike Patina (Sweden), Brunngård (Sweden) and the Swedish Master Cobblers’ Association.
Roberto Ugolini bespoke samples
Superb Gaziano & Girling shoes and boots
Patina creation in progress: MIchael Håkansson of Magic Mike Patina working his magic
The event also hosted the 2016 Swedish Shoe Shine Championships, sponsored by Brunngård and Loake’s Swedish distributor, where four finalists were each given 20 minutes of time and a tan calf Loake Aldwych shoe to polish, using Collonil 1909 wax polish and their own method of choice.
Competitors from left to right: Tor Jonsson, Jacob Mattson, Anders Ericson and Michael Håkansson
Working up a great shine in only 20 minutes requires flawless technique and a lot of elbow grease
The competition drew a big audience
Happy winner Anders Ericson with his prize: the winner got to keep his entry shoes
Aleks Jovanovic of aleksjj.com with Eva Vass and Rezső Kuti of Vass Shoes, Budapest
Daniel Wegan of Gaziano & Girling (to the right) was present and also took part in the panel discussions
Mallorcan maker Yanko, represented by Swedish distributor Skolyx
Ian Clegg of Frank Clegg Leatherworks and Olof Nithenius
Briefcases and leather goods by Frank Clegg, USA
