Brand Spotlight: Jeffery-West

Born and bred in Northampton, childhood friends Mark Jeffery and Guy West were surrounded by shoe making traditions and history from the word go – more so Mark whose father ran the family shoe factory in the town.

The two began their first business at just sixteen years old, selling reject and end of line shoes at local markets offering customisation – but, because of their age they were never taken seriously.

Eventually designing their own pair of shoes, the duo approached a friend who was a leather buyer to source materials, and they installed a clicking bench in a shed at the hotel West’s parents ran. They then paid someone to finish the work in a shoe factory and he would cut the patterns and do the clicking on an evening at the boys’ shed. The patterns would then be taken to a closing room in Northampton, before taking the uppers to a factory to be made up into finished shoes, which they would then take back to West’s parent’s hotel to pack into boxes and cartons. 

Already set far for a career in footwear, the sudden death of Mark's father and subsequent loss of the factory, sadly ruled out Mark being able to take over the family firm. This motivated the two friends to take their fledgling business to another level in 1987 with the founding of Jeffery-West.

The brands main influence comes from gothic culture. From architecture to the realms of music, film, literature, and popular culture, rapscallion idols and scoundrels are paid homage in all of the decadent details found in Jeffery-West designs.

See some of our favourites from the collection below. 

Dark Brown Red Stitch Dexter 'Bay' Gibson Brogues

With a last named after the fictional serial killer, Dexter Morgan, the Jeffery-West Dexter 'Bay' are polished brown leather Gibson’s with red cut through punching and contrasting red welt stitching. With diamond brogue punching and a cross punch on the toe, you can see the Gothic characteristics from the get go. Pair these shoes with the tightest skinny jeans you can find, and you’ve grasped the rock and roll look.

Antique Black Hunger 'Blood' Double Monk Strap Shoes

The Jeffery-West Hunger 'Blood' are black double monk strap shoes. With buckles replacing the laces, this style is known as the ‘most advanced’ dress shoe of them all. Featuring flag punching on the toe this adds the Victorian, steampunk vibe Jeffrey-West likes to attain. The contrasting red interior which matches the signature red sole offers a sense of luxury and importance to the shoe, and also to the gentleman who chooses to wear it. Add some chains to your outfit to complement the double buckle and you’re sure to achieve the smart, gothic style. 

Navy Suede Dexter 'Masuka' Chukka Boots

Another crafted from the Dexter last, the Jeffery-West 'Masuka' Chukka boots are a smart casual combination. More suitable for weekend antics, this suede boot features simple diamond punched detail on the quarter and contrasting red welt stitching and laces. With a rear pull tab and a three-eyelet lacing system, these boots can be secured to your liking. Style your Chukkas with a pair of turn up trousers and let your inner rogue run riot.

Shade Fume Marl Moon 'Poison' Gibson Shoes

Rock the boat with these rebellious Gibson’s – featured on a Moon last named after The Who drummer Keith Moon, the Jeffery-West 'Poison' are so rock and roll. With barbed laser cut mutation of poison ivy, thorns and roses in marbled burgundy fume leather, these handsome shoes are the statement of any wardrobe. Adding the Gothic realness, Victorian-esque diamond punching can be seen along the side of the shoe with a black sole edge. Great for the alternative gent, the poison really are the rose between two thorns.

Suitable for rebellious rogues alike, the Jeffery-West collection is our most popular to date.

Shop the full range online today at Quarter & Last.