brogues | Aphrodite

 

brogues

How to Style Brogues

History of the Brogue

Brogues are one of the most recognizable styles of shoes, dating way back to the early 1800’s when they were worn for a completely different purpose. Originating in Scotland and Ireland they were traditionally used by farmers they were specifically made for outdoor and country wear. The word ‘Brogue’ was initially used to describe a form of outdoor, country walking shoe which comes from the Gaelic and Scottish word ‘bróg’. They were made from a sturdy leather upper with decretive perforations also known as ‘brogueing’. The perforations were designed to drain water from the shoes when the wearer was walking through boggy and wet terrain. They were certainly not used for any other occasions and were worn by the majority of the working class. So how did the brogue evolve to be a timeless fashion icon? It was only when the young men from Oxford University began wearing the shoes that they became so popular for all occasions. This is why the Brogue became such an iconic style was because it was so versatile suiting both casual and smarter wear.

Brogues

Different Brogues

Brogues can be spotted by the perforated patterns that run all over the leather. The eye-catching detail adds luxury and style to any outfit. Today there are three main styles of Brogues;

  • The Full Brogue is the most iconic style with perforated and serrated edges and seams with patterned toe cap, this is often called the “wingtip”. When viewed from above the toe cap will look as though it has a ‘W’ shape. This style is great for a more informal look perfect with jeans.
  • The Half Brogue/Semi Brogue has the same perforated detailing around the toe cap and seams but has a straight toe cap and not in a W shape and has less detailing overall. Fitting well with workwear.
  • The Quarter Brogue is defined by the straight toe cap with detailing along the caps edge, but not pattern in the middle of the toe cap. As well as the half brogue it is suited with suits and workwear.

Coming in three different main styles there is plenty to choose from and the majority will be leather in either black, dark brown or tan. However there has been a big change in fabrics and an increase of in suede brogues. However there has been a big increase on a new fabric, which is the suede brogue. It takes things into a whole new level, making them a more informal style footwear. Being more casual they come in a range of colours from navy to cream or khaki the list goes on. This makes them the perfect transitional brogue great for Spring/ Summer 2017.

How to Wear Brogues

Buying into a good quality brogue is something you will not regret, if looked after properly they can last you decades. A good brogue will endow poise, reliability and coolness. Mixing jeans with brogues is a great natural pairing and if done correctly can make for a great versatile smart/casual outfit.

  • Skinny/Slim Fit Jeans: For a clean, sophisticated look, team your slim jeans with a pair of classic brogues either style would suit well, mix it up with a brogue boot to make it that little bit edgier. If you want a real casual outfit, add a suede brogue into the mix, a great match with black skinny jeans.
  • Straight Leg Jean: For a casual cool look that’s easy to throw on try a straight cut jean, roll up the bottoms which makes for a nice contrasting hem and pair up with a full tan brogue, this outfit will suit a range of sizes.

Brogues

To keep your outfit classic and cool, wear a black or tan brogue and wear with a slim or straight cut jean, t shirt and add a structured blazer or camel coat for an easy, sophisticated look. Or add a crisp white shirt and jumper for a more casual feel. For a street style look add a skinny jean with a t shirt and bomber jacket and if you want to wear your brogues for work, a semi or quarter brogue is the perfect fit as it’s not so much in your face but still you don’t have to rule out the full brogue if it fits in well with your chosen suit, then why not. Remember to always match up the colour of your belt and brogues so they complement each other.

Here at Aphrodite we have

Trickers Bourton Brogues

Trickers Bourton Brogues

With a history that pins them amongst the very backbone of one of the UK’s most cherished and recognized footwear production regions, Trickers are a true institution that upholds Northampton’s infamy for being home to luxurious British made shoes. With over 180 years of experience in hand crafting elegant and traditional footwear, Trickers remains a family owned business – just as it was when the first pair of its sought after shoes left the factory doors.

With a weekly output of just 1400 pairs of shoes a week, the Trickers factory remains a unique place of production, creating niche products that have an undeniable air of exclusivity. Operating as the perfect representation of the Northampton based label’s recipe for British luxury and classic styling, Trickers Bourton brogues pay homage to the quintessential styling that surrounds all Trickers designs.

Constructed by hand, the Trickers Bourton brogues features an upper made of supreme quality calf leather, as well as a soft leather lining. This combination results in a shoe that is ultra durable and incredibly comfortable- as well as built to stand the test of time thanks to a material selection that ages with pure elegance.

Goodyear welting on a double leather sole completes the Trickers Bourton brogues, sealing a shoe that is all about class and heritage. Their heavy duty appeal that comes thanks to their classic Derby shoe design makes these shoes perfect for dressing up or down- whilst their serrated detailing from their brogue patterning makes for an attention grabbing that oozes traditional credentials.

Shop full collection of Trickers

Grenson Triple Welt

Grenson

Legendary British shoemaker Grenson have took to their Instagram account to re-gram another of our photos to their 43,000 followers. This time they have chosen to highlight the new arrival of the Grenson Triple Welt that we took delivery of in the last few weeks. Finished in a full grain leather upper, the Triple welt is a masterclass in craftsmanship resulting in a watertight, chunkier sole unit.

Now weighing in with almost 1,000 likes on Instagram, the Triple Welt is certainly proving popular with the brand’s followers.

For more information about the Grenson Triple Welt, please email our customer service team on [email protected].

Style Session 4 – 20th Anniversary Collaborations

Style Session 4 – 20th Anniversary Collaboration

1. Barbour Ashby Waxed Jacket – £199.00

2. Oliver Spencer Eton Collar Shirt – £98.00

3. Paul Smith Tapered Fit Jeans – £175.00

4. Grenson Fred Boots – £325.00

5. Grenson Archie Brogues – £325.00

This year celebrates Aphrodite’s 20th Birthday and we can proudly announce that we have had the privilege to work with a number of iconic British brands to produce a number of specially commissioned pieces for the AW14 season. These brands include Barbour, Grenson, Paul Smith and Oliver Spencer. Each item are limited editions with only a small number available, and once they are gone they are gone.

First of all we are going to have a look
at the Barbour Ashby Jacket. This waxed jacket is a contemporary re-work of the classic Bedale jacket, making this a perfect jacket that will see you through
all seasons. Crafted from Barbour’s signature 6oz Sylkoil waxed cotton and finished with a weatherproof matte coating that will age beautifully, this will become a firm favourite. The inner boasts the classic Barbour tartan lining finished with a large embroidered Barbour and Aphrodite 20th Anniversary logo, making this a one off piece for any Aphrodite or Barbour fans.

Next we have an Oliver Spencer Eton Collar Shirt. A modern stylish shirt that will add sophistication and a hint of formality to your outfit. The all over pattern and rounded Eton Collar mixed with the navy colour gives a statement finish that will compliment your outfit perfectly. An 20th Anniversary Aphrodite swing tag can be seen to the garment, giving a subtle nod to the collaboration.

Paul Smith have cemented themselves as one of Britain’s most iconic brands over the years and the Jeans collection have become a sought after item in the fashion scene. Commissioned to help celebrate our 20th Anniversary, these Paul Smith tapered fit jeans have been crafted from premium quality cotton for ultimate fit and comfort. A hand drawn naked lady which has appeared on selected Paul Smith products can be seen to the inner pocket lining along with a specially printed swing tag.

Moving onto footwear, we can proudly announce we have 2 items from the Great British footwear brand, Grenson. Firstly for the brogue lovers we have a pair of G-Lab Archie Brogues.

A classic brogue crafted from high quality suede with contrasting detailed leather overlays, the Archie is an iconic silhouette. Offering a full lace fastening with a wooden sole to add durability and signature British style. This is the perfect shoe for a formal occasion to wear with a tailored suit, or to dress up a casual outfit of jeans and a shirt.

The gorgeous Grenson G-Lab Fred boot has also been re-worked for our 20th Anniversary. Utilising the same materials and colourway as it’s brogue counterpart, the Fred boot is again Goodyear Welted triple sole and finished to the same impeccable standard.

Custom Barbour Ashby Jacket

oliver spencer eton collar shirt

Paul Smith jeans Detailing

Anniversary Grenson Archie Brogues