Time spent in the company of Roland Mouret is a very happy thing. Time spent with him unveiling the new shoes he’s designed is almost even better – especially when those shoes are for Clergerie. A big name in the 1980′s, Robert Clergerie shoes were known for their architectural lines – fierce before we even knew what that meant. Having been founded in 1885, it’s also a brand with a proper sense of history. Turns out, it’s part of my own fashion history, too. My first ever investment piece, bought in the late 1980′s back when I was still a student was a pair Clergerie flats. I had absolutely no right to buy such an expensive pair of shoes, but I was totally in love with them. Black, menswear inspired with low sides and a very high vamp, I had them resoled more times than I can remember.

Now, Clergerie is back is the limelight, with Mouret at the helm as Creative Director. In Hong Kong to showcase the collection at Lane Crawford, he talked me through some of the new styles. Turns out, they’re just as appealing to me now as they were the first time round. So much so I have some on order. A pair of silver caged sandals, and a snakeskin detailed T bar pair will be winging their way to me soon. Merci Monsiuer Mouret, and welcome back to my closet, Clergerie!