The same-day service is made possible by Arthur Sleep ’ s pioneering technology and manufacturing model . The company has established its new micro-factory , covering just 64 square metres , in the heart of London ’ s Mayfair on the principles of ‘ hyper-proximity ’. This not only brings the entire manufacturing process much closer to its customers , reducing delays , waste and carbon expenditure through logistics chains . It also enhances speed , efficiency and responsiveness .
While such prosaic matters may be anathema to more traditional denizens of Savile Row , they are of urgent concern to today ’ s younger luxury consumer . While eager to own bespoke with the cachet and story associated with any Savile Row product , they can be deterred by long lead times . Historically , this has affected international sales significantly , with business and leisure travellers unable to wait for their items to be made , or unwilling to make a special return trip for a second or third fitting .
Commissioning a pair of bespoke Arthur Sleep shoes , known affectionately as ‘ Sleepers ’ by its cohort of international patrons ( a reference to the eveningwear slipper silhouette that Arthur Sleep popularised on Savile Row ), solves this problem . It does so without compromising on the peerless quality of product , service and experience that its Savile Row location demands .
Scottish leathers , British velvets and even vibrant kilim tapestries , individually sourced
from around the world by the creative team at Arthur Sleep , customers are also able to take advantage of Arthur Sleep ’ s Regenerative Manufacturing service .
This process enables patrons to submit their own materials to test the cordwainers ’ skills and ingenuity : an endeavour cherished by the Arthur Sleep ’ s customers . To date , the team has produced unique bespoke shoes from customers ’ redundant yacht sails , a Royal Mint coin bag , cherished suits that have finally exceeded their capacity for economic repair , damaged ski apparel , offcuts of material used to re-trim a 1952 Jaguar XK120 and even a parachute that saw service in the Second World War .
PROCESS
Arthur Sleep , which currently employs 13 people , is the most technologically advanced maker on Savile Row . Its proprietary shoe-making process is the
product of eight collective years of intensive development .
It begins with taking measurements of the customer ’ s feet in a Lasting Trunk equipped with a modesty lid , allowing customers to avoid exposing their bare feet to the public gaze . Customers stand on a Lasting Pad to take an imprint of their feet , which is used by cordwainers ( the traditional British name for shoemakers ) to create a perfectly fitting upper . This takes no more than three minutes to complete . Customers are able to select their upper material , sole type and colour and specify personal monogram or motif . More than 140,000 colourway permutations , including a vast choice of materials for the shoe ’ s upper such as Italian suedes .
arthursleep . com
Issue 57 2023 THE ART OF LUXURY