To make a well-executed contrasting sole stitch is an artform. Normally, you either darken the entire sole edge and seam, or you leave all natural coloured. When one do it the middle way and darken the edge and part of the welt but leave the stitching light coloured, it’s tricky to make it neat looking – which makes it all the more lovely when achieved well.
The legendary Japanese bespoke shoemaker Eiji Murata, aka Main d’Or, of course do it very beautifully, as displayed here. One can do it in a few different ways. He manage to colour both the outside and inside of the stitching but leave the seam row perfectly clean, and the sharp line between these makes it impactful.
Is this a half finished article?
Ross: No, like all my “The picture” articles it’s short and sweet 🙂