The Bite Magazine - Spring 2019 - Issue 24

bite shoes overseas sales continued to grow until the adverse effect of the inflationary pressures of the 1970s, which affected Cheaney along with many other British ex- porters. At home in the UK, despite a challenging environment, Cheaney continued to prosper, assisted by the intro- duction of an in-stock system of branded footwear. It was through this that the company was able to sell to independent retailers and promoted the brand to a growing number of discerning buyers. Their export business recovered by the mid-1980s and with the approach of the new millennium, things were looking very prosperous in terms of their branded product and footwear made for other retailers. The opening of a flagship store in London in early 2002 further helped to raise awareness of the brand. Five years later, cousins Jonathan and William Church bought the company from Church & Co, who were at the time a wholly owned subsidiary of Prada. The two men’s family had been making fine shoes for five gen- erations and both were fully committed to producing the finest footwear entirely made in England. Cheaney shoes continued to be cut out and ‘closed’ in Desbor- ough as they had been since 1886. The quality of the men’s shoes at Joseph Cheaney is sophisticated with modern and classic styles. All of the shoes are fully leather lined with full leather insole and Goodyear welted leather sole with an interlock rubber top-piece. Some of the eye-catching styles include the Alfred Capped Oxford in Black and Mocha Calf Leath- er, a plain toe capped shoe in a classic style and the staple of Cheaney’s core collection, while another is the Alfred D and R Capped Oxford in Black Calf Leather with a Diamond Rubber or Dainite Rubber Sole. How about upgrading your look with Cheaney’s Welland Oxford in Black or Mocha Calf Leather, a classic plain toe shoe that would suit any style? The brand suggests teaming these shoes with a dark purple suit and a white Oxford shirt to set you apart from the crowd at formal occasions. This style was created for their 130th Anniversary Collection with special features including the green glazed leather lining, a hand-finished green leather sole and metal aglets on the laces. Possibly named after the founder’s first son, the Arthur III Oxford Brogue in Plough Suede, Mocha and Dark Leaf Calf Leather formed part of the 125th Anniversa- ry Collection. It features a wing-cap design, perforation detail and embossed leather soles, providing a timeless classic of style and sophistication. Suited for those rough surfaces, the Jarrow R Derby Boot in Chicago Tan and Chromexcel Leather from the Vintage collec- tion is an industrial-esque, rugged boot that is made to last. Another standout boot is the Brixworth Balmoral in Black and Burnished Mocha Calf Leather which can be worn to create the perfect smart-casual look. Team these ankle boots with black slim-fitting jeans and a jack overcoat to add a touch of panache. The forever classic Gatsby-inspired shoes are found in the Edwin Two Tone Oxford Brogue in Chestnut Calf/Navy Suede and Dark Leaf Calf/Sand Canvas. These were also cre- ated for the 125th Anniversary Collection in 2011. There are so many styles for men to choose at Joseph Cheaney that will suit any given occasion. The brand also designs styles for women, some of which look masculine but with feminine names such as Emily D Double Buckle Monk Shoe in Black Suede, Burgundy and Black Calf Leather. The more feminine looks are the Harriette Tassel Loafer in Fox and Oceana Suede, the Lulu Wing-Cap Derby Brogue in Metallic Purple/ Silver Calf Leather and Metallic Gold Calf Leather, and the Ella Penny Loafer in Mocha Calf Leather. Joseph Cheaney & Sons stores can be found in Jermyn Street, Covent Garden, Coal Drops Yard, Icon Outlet at the O2, Spitalfields, Bow Lane and Lime Street in Lon- don, and in Leeds, Cambridge and the Factory Shop in Northamptonshire in the UK. Other participating retailers are found throughout the UK. www.cheaney.co.uk