Last week, a client messaged me, asking if I actually buy most of the products I recommend and if I buy for the indicated price on the open market. The answer is easy: I never ever do that. She asked me for my strategy to shop high quality products for less and I’m happy to share in my journal.

Local Shopping

I love strolling through the old town of Baden-Baden, where I live. There is a second hand store called Laufsteg. You can always find some outstanding pieces by classic luxury brands for a beneficial price. I never miss to have a look at the ‘by Lola Concept Store’ not far from the Main Street. It’s a cool young addition to Baden-Baden shops and the cover brands like Selected Femme or Moss Copenhagen. Also, the ladies who own the store, are nice and friendly, too. If you’re looking the perfect hat, make sure to stop by Olivier Maugé. It’s one of the oldest workshops in Europe and the quality of their products is outstanding. The best store for lingerie and swimwear is Schaible’s. They cover brands like Eres, which I’m a big fan of.

I also make sure to go to Paris and Strasbourg for ‘les soldes’ twice per year. My personal treat as I miss living in Paris all year long. Can’t wait to go back as soon as COVID-19 ends.

Online Shopping

I love net-a-porter’s bi-annual sale. If I’m really in need for something, I buy as soon as it’s on sale, if not, I wait until the last weeks of sale. The Outnet (which is part of the net-a-porter Group) has several sales on sale without the year, so I make sure I always check those. But my favorite sale is by the Hamburg Boutique Anita Hass. It’s smaller, less confusing with a selection of pieces which match 100% my personal taste.

Second Hand Shopping

Wherever I sell my clothes I buy there as well. Vinted is perfect for a real bargain. I buy Allude and Eric Bompard Cashmere sweaters, un- or very rarely used, straw bags or summer dresses. Yesterday Domani is really fashionable à point. It comes at a higher price but everything has been carefully inspected and selected in advance, for 1/4 to 1/2 of the original price. Perfect for bags, coats or dresses.

Some of my spring favourites available at ByLola Baden-Baden (also online shopping), vinted, Yesterday Domani and net-a-porter.

As stated in my value proposition, sustainability plays a great role in my styling process. Professionals who preserve the expertise and craftsmanship in order to manufacture a high quality product, are rare. Years ago our society made a big step towards massive quick and cheap consumption. Personally, I see COVID-19 as a chance for change.

In Baden-Baden we’re lucky to have an excellent bespoke shoe maker who has the knowledge to create not only a picture perfect high quality product, but offers services like shoe repairs, maintenance and reconditioning of your favorite bag, as well as distributing high quality care products in order extend the life cycle of your favorite shoe. Vickermann & Stoya now added “Shoe Doc” to their list of services. Shoe Doc is an online shoe repair, accessible to clients who are not based in Baden-Baden. I decided to ask Matthias Vickermann (co-owner) 5 questions about his products, sustainability and how to care for your shoes.

How long does it take to manufacture a bespoke shoe for a client? Which steps are included in this process?

It takes 4 months from initial order until pick up. First the feet of our customer has to be carefully measured. After approximately 4 days the raw mouldings arrive in our work shop. Those are the basis for the final shoe. The end consumer starts testing his own individual sample and according to his feedback, the real manufacturing process starts. As all work steps are being performed with a wet shoe, it has to rest until it dried out completely. Once this is done, the floor is being built. From below, cork lining and joint springs are applied to the insole with adhesive. Afterwards, leather and midsole are sewn into the frame. As a final step, floor construction is being sanded, polished and finished As a final step, foot beds are being covered with leather. With every bespoke order comes a custom-made sedan wood shoe tree, in order to store shoes in the recommended way.

Do you think COVID-19 has changed the attitude towards quality products? So you see a change of mindset from the consumption of cheap mass quantity products towards buying ‚less but better‘

Clearly yes! Of course, there is still massive consumption out there, but I can see many people rethinking buying habits in order to approach a more sustainable lifestyle.

3 pair of shoes which shouldn't be missing in any women’s and men’s wardrobe
Definitely a pair of classic black Heels for women, followed by a pair of Ballet Flats and high knee boots. For men, I recommend a black pair of Oxford’s for official occasions, a pair of dark brown Derbies for casual look and a Penny Loafer as chic summer shoe.

Which shoe care products do you recommend for every house hold in order to extend the life cycle of our shoes?

For smooth leather, you need various shoe creams in matching color. We produce our own, but for people outside Baden-Baden, Saphir shoe care is a trusted brand. You also need one brush to apply and distribute your shoe product. A polishing brush is mandatory and for suede leather I recommend a special cleaning brush as well as velour spray to protect the leather from dirt and wetness.

Why is it worth investing in some bespoke shoes?

Bespoke shoes are made to measure your own individual feet. Per consequence, shoes are anatomically correct. I call it a slice of health, wellness and luxury! Durability obviously plays a major role. Bespoke shoes, considering you take care of them properly, (storage, cleaning etc), will last forever. They’ll make you happy every day, especially if you consider you were part fo the designer process! These shoes only exist once.

Vickermann & Stoya also offer shoe care courses. These course take place in small groups, accompanied by food, drinks and chatting. Individual present, voucher or company event, always an experience. Learn more…

Vickermann & Stoya Bespoke Shoes
Merkurstraße 3-5
76530 Baden-Baden

Tel: +49 7221 392401
E-Mail: info@vickermannundstoya.de