Recap : London Trunk Show 2025

Day 1: London Super Trunk 2025

At the heart of London’s Super Trunk Show lies a timeless tradition, one that honours skill, precision, and the quiet beauty of craft. For us at Bridlen, it is always a privilege to be part of this gathering of minds and hands that shape the world of fine footwear.

Image courtesy of [Jesper Ingevaldsson] / [Shoegazing]

Over 1,300 visitors passed through the doors, many returning familiar faces, others encountering the community for the first time. And yet, whether shoemaker or enthusiast, retailer or repairman, everyone was drawn by the same thing, the enduring appeal of well-made shoes.

The day began with the much-anticipated patina final, where three master artists, Rodolphe Baudry and Toan Junie from France, and Albert Gjukaj from Switzerland, each had five hours to transform a pair of Bridlen Austere Adelaide on Chip last, crust leather shoes using Saphir Médaille d’Or products. The results, as always, were deeply expressive and technically superb. In the end, Rodolphe Baudry claimed the top honour, with Toan Junie and Albert Gjukaj taking second and third, respectively.

In the afternoon, the focus turned to the high-gloss tradition of shoe shining. The challenge is to achieve the most refined mirror shine on a pair of Bridlen Straight Tip Oxfords on the Chip last, within 20 minutes. Using only Saphir Médaille d’Or waxes, competitors Ryu Niita and Atsuhiro Yoshidomi of Japan, along with Mathew from the UK, brought intense concentration to the task. After a meticulous judging process, Ryu Niita’s shoe, marked by consistent brilliance and seamless execution, earned the gold medal. Atsuhiro took silver, with Mathew awarded bronze.

Image courtesy of [Jesper Ingevaldsson] / [Shoegazing]

Image courtesy of [Jesper Ingevaldsson] / [Shoegazing]

We’re especially proud that Bridlen shoes served as the canvas for these moments of excellence.

Image courtesy of [Jesper Ingevaldsson] / [Shoegazing]

At the entrance, visitors were greeted by the entries to the annual shoemaking contest. This year’s brief is a double monk strap in dark brown smooth leather, hand welted with a handmade sole stitch. The ten highest-ranked submissions were revealed at the event, and the podium saw a trio of remarkable talents.

Image courtesy of [Jesper Ingevaldsson] / [Shoegazing]

Third place went to Ken Hishinuma (last year’s champion), second to Ken Kataoka, and the winner, Louis Lampertsdörfer from Germany, whose entry, a masterwork crafted over 200 hours, left a lasting impression. His shoe, along with other winners, will travel globally as part of a celebratory exhibition.

Image courtesy of [Jesper Ingevaldsson] / [Shoegazing]

As always, the exhibitor floor was a gathering of familiar favourites and intriguing newcomers.We were proud to unveil the updated Founders Line in London for the first time. Rooted in traditional Goodyear welting and crafted directly onto thick vegetable-tanned leather insoles, these shoes reflect our commitment to timeless construction and quiet refinement.

Image courtesy of [Jesper Ingevaldsson] / [Shoegazing]

Image courtesy of [Jesper Ingevaldsson] / [Shoegazing]

Yet what stays with us most is not simply the craftsmanship, but the community. Beyond the shoes and shine, the Super Trunk Show is a place of meaningful connection. Retailers, customers, artisans, and enthusiasts, each brings a unique voice, yet all are bound by a shared love for detail, depth, and design.

In a world that moves fast, events like these remind us why we do what we do: to preserve something meaningful, to honour the hand behind the work, and to connect across borders through beauty and craft.

Until next year, London.

Image courtesy of [Jesper Ingevaldsson] / [Shoegazing]

This past Sunday, Bridlen held a quiet but refined trunk show at Arterton, tucked within the historic Princes Arcade in St. James’s.

Throughout the day, a steady flow of enthusiasts stopped by, some familiar with the brand, others encountering it for the first time.

Shoes were tried, fits discussed, and thoughtful conversations unfolded around lasts, leathers, and the finer points of construction. There’s a certain satisfaction in engaging with well-made shoes in person, where touch, balance, and proportion speak louder than words.

Adding to the occasion was Yuya Hasegawa, the Japanese shoeshine champion, whose quiet mastery drew admiring crowds. His mirror shines were less a service, more a subtle performance, a study in patience, precision, and reverence for craft.

It was, in every sense, a day about the details. Understated, well-paced, and deeply personal.

Thank you, London. We’ll be back.

Day2: Brand showcasing at Arterton London

The Following day, Bridlen held a quiet but refined trunk show at Arterton, tucked within the historic Princes Arcade in St. James’s. Throughout the day, a steady flow of enthusiasts stopped by, some familiar with the brand, others encountering it for the first time.

Shoes were tried, fits discussed, and thoughtful conversations unfolded around lasts, leathers, and the finer points of construction. There’s a certain satisfaction in engaging with well-made shoes in person, where touch, balance, and proportion speak louder than words.

Adding to the occasion was Yuya Hasegawa, the Japanese shoeshine champion, whose quiet mastery drew admiring crowds. His mirror shines were less a service, more a subtle performance, a study in patience, precision, and reverence for craft. It was, in every sense, a day about the details. Understated, well-paced, and deeply personal.

Thank you, London. We’ll be back.