It was a pleasure to see so many of you at Pitti and share a fresh presentation of the range. We introduced our first new antique calf for many years, a handsome dark brown – Espresso Antique, alongside a new Commando sole and new plain-toed derby.
 
Our antiqued calf is a key Edward Green signature with that extra handwork creating a rich and distinctive patina. Espresso Antique is a new option, that bit darker than our traditional Dark Oak; we believe it will be particularly appealing for classic dress shoes and have introduced it on samples including the Berkeley, Piccadilly, Belgravia and Dover.
 
Our new Commando sole is made from a natural rubber compound which is that bit softer and more comfortable than our traditional rubber options. It also has a more chunky profile which responds to shifts in the market.
 
With loafers more popular than ever, we’ve introduced the recent Pimlico in a lined variant on the new 125 last. The 125 last has itself come through extensive testing and we confidently believe will prove to be our best fitting loafer last. The new lined variant has a lighter structure with skived baby-calf suede interlining.
 
The Whitfield is a new plain-toed derby on the round-toed 303 last and we see as filling a gap for a simple yet elegant derby. We’ve introduced it in mink – a suede for which we’re seeing ever greater demand – and black delapre.
 
And, finally, we have made up samples of the Dover Unlined on the round-toed 303 last. This seemed like a natural development which gives our favourite unlined derby a slightly more relaxed character.