Article: The Ivy Penny Loafer moccasin
Iconic moccasin that has stood the test of time, discover the new model resulting from the collaboration between Septième Largeur and Swann.
THE STORY
At the origin of the penny loafer, there is an Indian skin moccasin whose typical shape and assembly are taken up using water-resistant leather. This “loafer” was immediately adopted by the nautical circles of Maine, in the northeast of the United States, who appreciated its relaxed elegance.
But its hour of glory came in the 50's and 60's when students on American campuses (Ivy League) took it over and wore it as shorts or canvas pants with a blazer. They slip a penny into the tongue of their shoe to give a reflection to their shoe and to always be able to reach each other by telephone using the campus telephone booths (especially lovers).
The penny loafer was born (and its legend with it).
James Dean, JFK, or more recently Michael Jackson, will largely contribute to the success of this iconic model.
ANATOMY OF AN IVY
The leatherwork
This is a so-called “Bookbindé” leather which has the advantage of being waterproof. In fact, the water beads off the skin while allowing the foot to breathe. It comes from a small tannery in Galicia, the Picusa tannery. Obviously this moccasin is unlined for even more lightness.
The tray
The top is made up of two joined leather panels hand-sewn with double needles. A technical gesture still exclusively performed using arm strength. This method, which is becoming less and less widespread, is the result of the know-how of our craftsmen. It gives character, a certain irregularity and therefore a personality to each shoe.
Mounting
It's a Blake-stitched full tubular moccasin construction. A somewhat technical term but which in reality emphasizes that the two inserts go around the shoe in a tubular fashion. Aesthetic detail, the roulette passage on the outsole “dresses up” the model a little more.
The sole
A 100% leather sole which gives the moccasins greater longevity and better hold. It is a vegetable-tanned oily leather. The heel is made of natural rubber for more cushioning and grip. Once worn, it is completely replaceable at a shoemaker or in a 7L store.
The style
Jfk gold
The penny loafer is originally a sporty shoe, rustic one might say: a foolproof shoe with its waterproof leather. It is in this spirit that American students wear them like boat shoes with shorts and t-shirts.
But already it is its versatile and comfortable side that has seduced this generation: during the day with chinos and a t-shirt, to go out with a blazer and a club tie.
Today of course, a leather moccasin is nevertheless perceived as a dress shoe, elegant in any case.
While it is always a good idea to pair it with jeans or canvas pants, it can easily be combined with flannel pants and even a suit.
“7L FOR SWANN” COLLABORATION
Swann & Oscar is a men's wardrobe, from shirts cut in France, to pants and sweaters made in Italy. Quality clothing that spans the ages and occasions of life. Inspired by charismatic icons of the 60s or 70s, from Jean D'Ormesson to Jack Nicholson, including Yves Montand and Lino Ventura. An elegance which does not take itself seriously, but which is achieved according to the rules of the art, each piece is cut to order, to measure or to size in Italian or English fabrics.
A return to reasoned consumption, no overproduction, no unsold goods, no sales, but a fair price throughout the seasons.
Swann and 7L are cousin brands: we launched at the same time, we have bonds of friendship and common trajectories. The same concern for quality at a fair price, service, a strong relationship with European workshops (French for shirts, Spanish for moccasins).
It was quite natural that we turned to each other when we had this slightly crazy idea of creating the moccasin of our dreams; the right leather, the right colors, the right workshop, and the right proportions.
