JOSHUA LEONG
Founder and Head Bespoke Shoemaker of Josh Leong; Co-Founder and Head Shoemaker of Palola; Founder of Heirloom by Josh Leong
When one thinks of a shoemaker, one would hardly picture a young, fresh-faced Singaporean like 34-year-old Joshua Leong. But to eliminate any doubt, just take a look at his hands. They are the blistered, and often glue- and dye-covered hands of a craftsman; one who has worked relentlessly over the last five years to launch three artisanal footwear brands that specialise in handcrafted and bespoke leather shoes.
His eponymous brand, Josh Leong, offers made-to-order and bespoke leather dress shoes for men that are not just entirely handcrafted, but also made using what is often considered the Rolls-Royce of all shoe construction – the hand-welted construction. This is a laborious method of hand-stitching the outsoles to the rest of the shoe that significantly contributes to the average 70 to 90 hours it takes Joshua to complete a pair of shoes. Unsurprisingly, he is the only shoemaker in Singapore that makes hand-welted made-to-order and bespoke footwear.
SAVOIR FAIRE
Such commitment to the craft stems from a long-time love for leather, which began with leather-crafting. As a hobby, Joshua would make small accessories from scrap leather he sourced from furniture upholsterers and by learning from books and information online.
This story is from the November 2020 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2020 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Power To The People
Boucheron creative director Claire Choisne's latest high-jewellery creations are stylish statements of authority and achievement.
Walking into the Blue
Dive into luxury at Depth of Blue, Johnnie Walker Blue Label's first flagship bar in Southeast Asia. Dive into luxury at Depth of Blue, Johnnie Walker Blue Label's first flagship bar in Southeast Asia.
IN THE FLOW
For ANDRÉ FU, travel isn't so much a means of inspiration as it is a way to detach from everyday life to approach his work from fresh perspectives.
CHIC VOLUMES
Impractically oversized but utterly beautiful tomes featuring an eclectic subject, coffee table books serve to kick-start conversations in addition to being subtle avenues of sophisticated self-expression. Here are six titles to consider having on your living room table.
VICTOR OVER TIME
35 years after they broke convention as renegade art students, Phillip Lim catches up with eminent artist SUZANN VICTOR to reminisce about past escapades and how far the artist has come.
Circle of Friends
A Singapore family that has set up a second home in remote Kenya shares their connection with the local communities with guests of their lodge.
VIVE LA WEAVE
Chanel's latest high jewellery collection celebrates the innovation that put her squarely in the pantheon of legendary fashion designers.
VIEW BEYOND THE RACES
For Richard Mille, life in the fast lane is more than just performance-driven machines, it's a profound appreciation for excellence in various forms.
OFF TO THE FAIR
Watch clients are increasingly dropping into Watches and Wonders, a trade fair meant for retailers and media personnel. Here's why.
STEP LIVELY
In the original design of Hermès' Mon Premier Galop shawl by Chinese artist Tong Ren, a horse with an awkward yet happy gait is depicted in simple lines, colour blocks, and decorative-trimming inspired by traditional basketry.