Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
At Ludwig Reiter, anticipation for the season’s vibrant arrival compelled us to procure exquisite, vivid leathers, now deftly crafted in the workshops of Süßenbrunn, heralding the imminent warmth of summer. Among our offerings are models adorned in resplendent sky blue, fiery chilli red, rich cognac.
With our small creative team we proudly present this collection featuring timeless shoe models, thoughtfully selected and interpreted in new photographs to complement the evolving season.
From vibrant novelties to timeless classics, our collection celebrates diversity in style and craftsmanship, bringing us immense pleasure.
Indulge in the pleasure of exploration as you peruse our new collection.
LAST OF THEIR KIND
What do our Norweger, Double Monk, and Budapester – classic Viennese shoes – all have in common? They are all crafted from the exquisite Patina Calf leather sourced from the renowned Tannerie DuPuy. This distinguished leather undergoes meticulous hand-polishing directly on the shoe, resulting in each pair being truly one of a kind. Regrettably, this noble calf leather will no longer be available in the future due to new regulations. Nevertheless, for this season, we have secured a substantial quantity for your benefit, allowing us to craft exquisite collector’s items.
one step ahead
Marlene Dietrich would have loved these shoes. The actress is known for pioneering the wearing of men’s clothing in the 1930s, skilfully combining and appropriating the insignia of masculinity. She was renowned for her uncompromising pursuit of impeccable fit and exceptional quality, entrusting her attire to distinguished men’s tailors like the venerable Viennese bespoke tailoring house, Knize.
SOVEREIGNTY AND WISDOM
On men, Goodyear-welted shoes are considered a hallmark, “which distinguishes the men from the boys.” But what does one recognise in a woman who wears Goodyear-welted shoes?
That she is confident in her decisions, not dependent on the opinions of others, and possesses the wisdom to prioritise true values. Goodyear- welted shoes remain unparalleled in their durability and enduring quality, making them the preferred choice for individuals who navigate life with steadfast resolve and discerning priorities. While the timeless elegance of Goodyear-welted shoes may not be immediately evident to all, it serves as a distinguishing hallmark for those with an appreciation for enduring craftsmanship and timeless style.
tempora mutantur,...
Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa already knew in his novel “Il Gattopardo” that “If we want everything to stay as it is, everything must change.” The same ethos extends to our elegant loafers; while unthinkable to overhaul such a classic model, we’ve adeptly adapted it to meet contemporary demands.
With the new College Last, we’ve preserved its timeless slim appearance while enhancing comfort with increased width in the ball area. As we echo the Latin proverb, ‘Tempora mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis’ – times change, and so do we.
ARCHETYPE
Transitioning from loafers to docksiders marks the path to a thoroughly deserved respite. Few shoes embody the quintessence of leisure as archetypally as these.
One might jest that the utilitarian design of these shoes, inspired by Native American moccassins, rose to prominence on the glamorous runways of Italy. In these docksiders, Ludwig Reiter pays homage to the enduring legacy of tried and tested quality. Embracing the typical construction of moccasins – the forebears of all footwear – the commitment to excellence shines through.
suola da barca
Completing the triumvirate of casual shoes are the Palermo sneakers. In shape, they resemble a loafer, but with the sole of a sneaker – that’s leisure.
Did you know why this so-called boat sole only has very small grooves? No dirt or stones should be able to get caught in them and scratch the polished mahogany wood deck.
hydrophobia love
Light blue suede leather? Fear and concern about the durability of its pretty appearance are our first thoughts. That’s why the Oehler tannery has developed hydrophobic leather. Hydrophobic leather is breathable like normal leather and additionally possesses other good properties.
Due to the hydrophobic treatment, it dries faster, thus providing better heat regulation and maintaining its shape longer. No water marks or stains form on the surface. The leather is overall easy to care for, as dirt does not penetrate the material. Since hydrophobic leather does not dry out as quickly, it is better protected against leather breakage and premature aging. Even with abrasion or damage to the surface, the leather remains water and dirt repellent, unlike surface treatment with an impregnating agent, which is only applied to the surface and wears off over time.
From now on, this leather will gradually be used in all suede leather models by Ludwig Reiter.
Oehler tannery since 1823
The Oehler tannery has existed since 1823 and stands for durability and quality. For six generations, the Oehler family has been developing and tanning high-quality leather in Marbach am Neckar, Germany.
sky blue
No water clouds the light blue of this spring-summer collection; rather, it lets the mind wander into the distance and think of Ella Fitzgerald, who sang in her 1958 song “Blue Skies”: Blue skies - Smiling at me - Nothing but blue skies - Do I see. ... Never saw the sun shining so bright - Never saw things going so right.
No Brown in town
So goes the old British men’s shoe etiquette, but red on shoes is regal. Judy Garland had magical red shoes in “The Wizard of Oz”, the Pope wears red shoes, and now you can find red shoes at Ludwig Reiter. The season highlights are made from soft, lightly embossed chevreaux leather, in the fiery colour chili.
Dignified red
„The effect of this colour is as unique as its nature. It gives an impression of both seriousness and dignity as well as grace and charm. It achieves the former in its dark, concentrated state, and the latter in its light, diluted state. Thus, the dignity of age and the loveliness of youth can clothe themselves in one colour.” J. W. Goethe, Theory of Colour, 1808 – 1810
A Masterpiece is created
Many steps are required to craft the high-quality handbag Theresia at Ludwig Reiter. From the cutting of the leather to the final stitch, everything is meticulously done by hand in over 400 steps, a few of which are shown here:
The fine leather is hand-cut with a feather knife.
The edges of the individual parts of the bag are folded in using a folding bone.
The individual parts of the bag are sewn together on a time-honoured free-arm sewing machine
The handle and the side pleats are handstitched on the so-called “horse.”