Style -- 2 days ago
Fairfax & Favor: a far cry from tradition
Words: Patrick Tillard
When it comes to shoemaking, Britain has an enviable wealth of illustrious names with decades of expertise that have honed the true skill that makes the manufacture of fine shoes an art form – the likes of Herring and Crockett & Jones.
And while their place within the market as distinguished makers is as solid as oak, fresh shoots still break onto the scene, fuelled by an enthusiasm and vigour to meet the grade, despite trialling in dated provenance.
One such company is Fairfax & Favor, founded in 2013 by childhood friends Marcus Fairfax Fountaine and Felix Favor Parker. Aged just 24 at the time, their goal was ambitious, yet “simple”: to make their brand of affordable luxury footwear fun to experience in every way.
While respecting the companies of old who have set the bar and paved the way, the pair are not shy to go against the grain, using the various country shows around the UK to share their products, youthful gusto and objectives to as wide an audience as possible. They are very much ‘people people’.
“We are a far cry from the ‘traditional luxury brands’ that many find unapproachable and aloof” reads their website, which goes on to say that they weren’t afraid to “offer an alternative to, dare I say, the same old boring companies.” A bold statement, perhaps, yet they continue to merit their word and test new waters… They recently took customer interaction to a whole new level by choosing models for their photo shoot from their Facebook fans.
With their shoes and boots, they set out to create footwear of classic British style and contemporary elegance, made with the highest quality materials, that could be worn anywhere, at anytime – be it in the town or country, with smart or casual attire.
Here are 3 of our favourites:
THE CHELSEA
A personal highlight from the brand, the Chelsea –seen here in brown supple suede – is a Fairfax and Favor classic. Featuring their signature navy blue side panels and elegant chiseled toe, the Chelsea is the perfect boot to wear to work or any social occasion.
THE BEDINGFELD
The Bedingfeld is hand stitched and crafted in three colourways. The refined and elegant profile is complimented by the inclusion of a leather sole for the practicalities of British weather. The Bedingfeld is the perfect all season shoe.
THE DRIVER
Available in 6 colourways the Driver is their take on a classic driving shoe. Featuring a signature tassel, the range is handmade in Portugal using the finest, supple suede and has a full rubber studded sole.
For more information, visit www.fairfaxandfavor.com
