Dimitri Gomez
Bespoke men's shoes, entirely handmade, custom cedar lasts
Philosophy
Beauty comes from what you can't see. Inner stitching, leather tension, custom lasts. No artificial patina, no showmanship. 80 pairs a year, not one more.
History
Dimitri Gomez came to shoemaking through orthopaedics. Medical training, then a year-end internship that changed everything: instead of landing at a sole company, he ended up with Guy Moreau, bootmaker. The passion took hold and never let go.
After Moreau, he joined Capobianco, former president of the bootmakers' guild, whose clients came from the Opéra Garnier. Twelve years there. Twelve years forging his craft, understanding the foot, absorbing French, Italian and English school techniques. Also stints at Di Mauro and the Vaneau cobbler.
In 1998, Crockett & Jones offered him a space inside their Paris store at 14, rue Chauveau-Lagarde, 8th arrondissement. He's still there. His workshop is visible from the shop floor. Gomez designed the C&J 337 handgrade last, one of their most popular. He is their principal last-maker.
His output doesn't exceed 80 pairs a year. Each order takes about six months: creation of a custom cedar last, test pair cut up for fitting, then the final pair. Starting at 3000 euros. His style is conservative in the best sense. No artificial patina, no showmanship. Beauty comes from the cut, the leather tension, the invisible inner stitching.
Iconic Products
Oxford Bespoke
Classic Oxford, custom cedar last, entirely hand-constructed. Six months of work, 70 hours minimum. Leather from Crockett & Jones stock, offering a range few independent bootmakers can match. No artificial patina, the shoe takes its color over time.
Derby Bespoke
Bespoke Derby, more casual than the Oxford but with the same construction standards. Gomez masters French, Italian and English schools and adapts the build to the client's requested style.
Forme 337 (Crockett & Jones)
Not strictly a Dimitri Gomez product, but his creation. The Crockett & Jones 337 handgrade last, one of the maker's most popular, was designed by Gomez. Proof that his expertise extends beyond bespoke: he also influences the ready-to-wear of one of England's greatest manufacturers.