Friday 16 November 2012

Singapore's Ed et Al: Bespoke men’s shoes at its best

Warning: This is a post coveting some of the most beautiful and original handcrafted shoes you will find anywhere in Singapore.

So why the warning? Well the items catching my attention are…wait for it….MEN’S SHOES.

Ed et Al is the brainchild of Singaporean Edwin Neo who has recently launched his third collection of beautifully crafted leather shoes.

It’s fair to say the man is a genius. A rare thing in Singapore. A genuine craftsman who has learned his trade the hard way and genuinely puts 100 per cent into his creations!

Self-taught Edwin studied his trade in Singapore (for 4 years!) and then undertook an apprenticeship in Budapest, Hungary, before deciding to set up shop on his own in June last year. He hasn’t looked back since.



The Ed et Al showroom is in the Dover area and a bit of a schlep to get to, but once you set foot inside you will appreciate everything I am saying.

The new collection is fairly classical in style – with beautiful Oxfords and brogues and muted brown shades - but is immaculately stitched and made from the highest quality materials. Seriously the smell of genuine leather is intoxication as you enter.

But stray away from the main collection and into the bespoke, specially tailored shoes and one-offs and you start to see the real genius shine through!

From the incredible Singapore National Day shoe – a sumptuous feast of deep red leather with stars and crescents hand carved into the leather, to a stunning pair of mohair loafers that are so comfortable you feel like you’re walking on pillows when you put them on (just ask my hubby!)






And yes, of course I did ask Edwin if there are any plans in starting a women’s line. The answer was probably yes but it will be more like men’s style shoes for women and not heels.

I honestly don’t think I need to talk any more about the shoes – other than to say that the main collection starts at S$300 per pair for the Ready-to-Wear line, S$500 for Made-to-Order, S$800 for custom-made and S$2,500 for a Full Bespoke shoes that can last you decades.

It would be a complete waste of time to keep trying to explain the workmanship that goes into these shoes when pictures do a much better job.

Ed et Al showroom  is located on No.5B, Jalan Kilang, The Mill, Singapore 159405
Like them on Facebook page for latest updates or visit their website.