07/10/2025
Let me tell you why I’ve never been more nervous and excited making a pair of shoes.
It’s because meeting changed my life.
A little over a year ago, we connected on instagram and I took a chance and met up with him at the Philz in our neighborhood. We hit it off over coffee and snacks and a mutual love of footwear - specifically Dunks and Birks.
The next time I showed up to his studio, it was with a a decently sewn edit on a Birkenstock Tokio and no idea of how to put it together.
George was so generous with his time and knowledge and before I knew it, my upper evolved into a finished shoe. Decent at best.
George pushed me to do it better. He helped me refine my concept, sharpening the details with some great criticism.
With Version 2 of my pattern, I worked out a lot of the kinks. This time around I had a much clearer vision of where I knew where I wanted to take it. Along with much deeper understanding of the technical know-how of how to complete a project like this.
- you make classic look easy. It most certainly is NOT.
Over the next couple months, I would build 2 more iterations on this pattern, with V4 resulting in the ESPACIO pattern you’ve seen brought to life now FOUR times in four very different ways.
Here’s the thing: George believed in my pattern so much TWO versions ago, he asked me to build him a pair once I got it right. I promised him I would.
George also did me the massive favor of grading my pattern and through his guidance, made all the ESPACIOs possible.
- this is me keeping my promise.
You picked out the leather. I put in the time.
George - ESPACIO 004 - ‘UCH’ was made just for you. A true 1 of 1. And it may be one of the best things I’ve ever made.
From Tokio to ESPACIO - I couldn’t have bridged this gap without you.
I’m so proud to have you as a friend.
Thank you forever.
