It started with a Ralph Lauren ‘Fall – Holidays’ advert a few years ago.
This was when I first noticed a pair of velvet slippers being shown worn with formal wear – I saw it, took it in, and thought no more of it. It was, after all, ‘just a fashion campaign’.
The slippers in question were black velvet with Mr. Lauren’s initials meticulously embroidered onto the front of the shoe; ‘R. L’.
Then, this year, I saw Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Mr. Lauren’s collection of über-luxurious gentleman’s clothing inspired by ‘fine English haberdashery’, was actually selling them.
Then, later again this year, Jimmy Choo launched their first men’s shoe collection, which featured a range of embroidered velvet slippers and, presumably for the Italians only, said slippers were also available in pony-skin and tiger-skin. At around £500 a pair, I have to assume these are not simply meant to be worn as indoor slippers. Needless to say, my curiosity about the matter was further piqued. Next, Arfango, the 100 year Italian shoe brand recently relaunched, with a collection, you guessed it, consisting of mainly velvet shoes.
Arfango - also available at MilanStyle.co.uk
Most importantly, a few weeks ago, I noticed Lord Grantham of Downton Abbey – was wearing velvet slippers and a smoking jacket after a dinner party.
Lord Grantham of Downton Abbey - (Not wearing Ralph Lauren)
Ralph Lauren at Downton Abbey?
At this point, I saw myself wearing a pair with my new Derek Rose Smoking Jacket – indeed how can a gentleman of fine taste have never have thought to order a pair of these before? Or at least to have had one’s butler look into the task. Even if only to be worn around the house, aren’t we as Englishmen all ‘kings of our own castle’ as the old saying goes?
