Albam Design day out

In amongst the preparations for the forthcoming busy months, I had the chance to get away midweek with LA and RW to go through where we want to be with our range for the next 12 months. We headed up to the Peak District for a spot of climbing and some inspiration at the focal point for David Mellor's design empire, a spot of lunch and then some drinks to make our plans for raising our game again. 2011 should be a good year.

Red Wings in stores this weekend

There've been a few downpours recently, and just in time our Red Wing delivery's arrived. The boys at Spitalfields are excitedly unpacking it as I type, so they'll be in all three stores by this weekend (online to follow next week).

We're stocking three Red Wing styles (from top): the Round Toe boot, the classic Moc Toe boot and the leather Chukka Boot.

Albam Commercial Street

Andy and his team have been hard at work with their Commercial Street store (known to Albam as Spitz). Winter is gathering pace and the store is cosying up. If you are in the area drop by for a peruse and chat.

Albam out in the Peak District

Having our studio up North has good and less good sides. One of the great things is how close we are to getting outdoors. The weather is turning and on a Sunday getting out into the hills and to a real country pub takes some beating. Steak and ale pie and a Guinness by the fire. It takes some beating!

Studio pics - things to come.

Canvas totes: new colours

Here's a few snaps from our Nottingham studio of some new Canvas Tote colours due in-store and online soon.

FACTORIES - Official evening photos

We have just had these images sent through from the launch evening for FACTORIES last week (7th October). Some recognisable and unforgettable faces!

New Brogue delivery

We have just received our new formal brogue in from our ongoing work with Grenson.

These are a move on from our City Brogue which has proved popular with our customers. This season we wanted a more elegant last to complement our suiting which is due to arrive at the end of October. The "broguing" (technically the "Rose") has been updated with a larger punch.

A beautiful elegant shoe for those who have our heavier Gibson shape, various heavy brogues and just want to take the next step with a brogue.

Available in burnished tan, and on the shelves at each of our stores. They will be going online next week.

Price: £225 (full and half sizes available)

FACTORIES - Thankyou to all that came!

FACTORIES by John Spinks launched at our Beak Street store last night. Thanks to everyone that came down, there will be more pics of the night and book to follow as I got sidetracked for taking pictures. Thanks again to all that came down and if you couldn't make it the book is now in store and looks great so thankyou John, Pat and Robel.