Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2009

Courtesy of Chausser

Japanese footwear brand Chausser captures the spirit of a time before sweeping trends gave us ballet flats one year and platforms another. While this could be viewed as fantastical or just plain old-fashioned, we recommend withholding judgment until examining this season’s collection for yourself—one that includes boots so classically lovely you might be tempted to wax Shakespearean.

Since its 2000 debut, the brand has grown to include everything from staples like leather converse-style sneakers and short lace-up boots for men, to more high-impact styles like knee-grazing boots and high heel oxfords for women. Upon closer inspection, each pair reveals subtle, sophisticated details (think side cut-outs, whisker-thin laces and a subtly uneven color finish) that lend both an edge and an ambient antique quality.

Designer Yoichi Maeda has a knack for selecting high-quality leathers from around the world that perfectly complement his designs. Countless varieties appear in any given collection (or any given shoe), from rugged, chocolate-brown Swiss cow leather to smooth, buttery Japanese horse butt. A bit graphic, perhaps, but if you’re going to wear leather, why not learn to appreciate its rich varieties?

Despite projecting an image that’s more likely to attract customers who appreciate such finer things as fountain pens, Chausser has made a play for fashion credibility with an Ebisu flagship boutique just down the road from Maison Martin Margiela. With boot season just around the corner, Maeda is now launching Mukava, a lower-priced alternative to Chausser—and just one more reason to get excited about dressing for fall.

1F Tachimura Bldg, 1-16-5 Ebisu-Minami, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3716-2983. Open Mon-Sat 12pm-8pm, closed Sun. Nearest stn: Ebisu. www.chausser.net