Roberto Ugolini - Oxford
Oxfords – timeless noblesse
Hardly any other men’s shoe model is as popular as the Oxford, especially for festive occasions and grand entrances. It is a genuinely classic shoe, traditional, some would even say a little conservative. Especially in black, it is the perfect shoe to wear with a suit. It got its name from the students at Oxford University, who are said to have popularised this model in the middle of the 19th century; at a time when people generally wore boots, they defied convention by favouring this low shoe. This rebellious spirit has long since disappeared – on the contrary, like no other shoe, Oxfords represent timeless and traditional elegance.
Oxford – the scent
Like a reflection of light on a black polished shoe, the citrus notes of tart grapefruit and sweet orange shimmer above “Oxford’s” pepper heart. Aromatic, tingly, spicy-hot pepper merges with pink pepper, which gives the scent a very distinct character. It is dry, yet warm, and displays light and fruity notes. These may, at times, be reminiscent of roses, underlined by the green and rose-like nuances of geranium. The base notes are delicately woody cedar and sandalwood, accentuated by vetiver, a touch of patchouli and styrax resin.
“Oxford” by Roberto Ugolini stands for muted and natural class, for elegance without a lot of fuss. Pure understatement.
Roberto Ugolini
Connoisseurs from all around the world, eager to get their hands on a pair of premium bespoke shoes, flock to Florence to the Via dei Michelozzi close to Piazza Santo Spirito. The inconspicuous entrance to the little shop lies between an osteria and a street café, and the unobservant passer-by could easily miss it. But the humble exterior houses a spectacular workshop, in which Roberto Ugolini has manufactured his meanwhile world-famous shoes for more than 20 years.
The moment you step into Ugolini’s studio, you are met with a universe of images and smells: beautiful shoes are lined up on shelves, and supple leather exudes its scent, just like the turned and carved wood of the lasts along the walls and the countless leather oils, waxes and polishes.
© First in Fragrance (p)
