Shoes for the very well-heeled
THEY are the ultimate plush puppies and the perfect footwear for men who want to walk with diamonds in the sole of their shoes.
But be warned. If you’re considering these brogues – encrusted in gems and gold – as a Christmas gift, they’ll set you back a cool £10,000.
The Empire Diamond Brogues are the latest line from House of Borgezie, a Birmingham Jewellery Quarter business that specialises in bling for the super-wealthy. In the past, boss Chris Shellis has made headlines by offering diamond-studded, platinum stilettos for the wellheeled. They cost a staggering £200,000 – making the brogues a real bargain.
But users are warned to tread carefully. One scuff could cost you a lot of money.
They have taken Mr Shellis almost a year to create and represent the elite company’s first foray into the male market.
In black, Royal blue, and Shamrock racing Ferrari green, red the shoes are guaranteed to get tongues wagging. They can last a lifetime, the boss believes.
“We are looking at the VIP market,” said Mr Shellis, “the super-car drivers, footballers, showbiz names and business executives.”
The master craftsman has worked on the luxury footwear with one of the country’s longest established cobblers. Each pair bristles with precious metal and stones. The features include: A staggering 68 diamonds on the side of the leather soles
18ct gold encrusted tubes on the tip of the laces. Each tube is studded with a diamond
The Birmingham hallmark – naturally in gold – on the heel. Even the insoles are 18ct gold. “That enables the owner the true luxury of always walking on solid gold,” said Mr Shellis. “The metal also has antibacterial properties and, possibly, anti-rheumatic benefits.”
The brogues also feature very ancient technology dating back 2,000 years. Roman soldiers strengthened their sandals by inserting bronze supports in the base. Mr Shellis has done the same – in gold.
He has also devised a way of extending the shoe’s lifespan. If the leather becomes worn, the bling can be removed and transferred to a new pair, provided by House of Borgezie.
“The longevity is incredible,” said Mr Shellis. “All the diamonds and gold fitting can be easily transferred to a new pair of brogues, enabling the owner a lifetime of pure luxury.”
Mr Shellis admits it’s a high price to pay for shoes, but argued: “These are truly for a man who requires the very best in life.
“Remember – a man is judged by the shoes he wears.” always