ACL dispatched Mister Mort to Paris to report on Anatomica, one of the city’s best men’s shops. Actually Mort was not dispatched, he went under the guise of a holiday, but we all know he just went to hit the flea markets and take street style photos. Anatomica is nestled on a quiet street right off of the famed Rue de Rivoli and sells an eclectic selection of French, Japanese and American goods, including goods under its own label.
Says Mort:
I spent the better part of my recent trip to Europe searching for the last of the world’s great men’s shops. While not ancient in time or history, Anatomica takes you to another era. The shop carries Alden shoes and also make its own collection of shoes. While there, I got fitted for a pair of navy blue German shoes and I can’t stop thinking about those Anatomica buckle back trousers!
Anatomica is also know for its love of the Alden modified last (which are also loved by the Japanese; in NYC check out Moulded Shoe on 39th Street) and are probably one of the few stores in Europe (correct me if I am wrong) to stock the modified last.
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ok. let’s see. i love alden shoes, have worn them since college. i will be in paris in early Nov. this post = heavenly. thanks!
Very interesting, I’ll take a look at this shop asap ! Thanks.
Wow, I mistakenly thought they carried mostly shoes like Alden Mod Last but the clothes are fantastic! Going back to shoes, I want those olive canvas/leather wingtips. Are these Aldens?
Alright, since my google skills have failed me, what is a modified last?
Modified Last is a more anatomically correct shaped shoe (hence the name of the shop). It is the way shoes used to be, but now are more considered orthopedic. You can notice the difference in shape if you look at the curve in the outside of the shoe. Most other Alden lasts are straight where as the modified last has more of a pronounced curve. Look at the Moulded shoe website — those shoes look much curvier than normal Aldens…
I have one pair of Modified Lasts, Alden Brown Suede Cap-Toe boots from Moulded Shoes and i can affirm that are the real-deal. I love them and want all of my shoes to have modifed lasts. The guy at Moulded Shoes apparently educated the guy from Anatomica about the moulded last back in the day. That’s what he told me at least. Moulded Shoes is one of those antiquated NYC stores that you didnt know still existed but hope never goes away.
I used to blow out the sides of my football cleats every year because of my wide feet. A modified last might be exactly what I need.
Michael,
What’s the relationship between Mister Mort and ACL? Both great blogs, but are you guys related in some sort of ‘professional’ sense?
Best,
WB
Paris is where it’s at. It’s always been the case, and it will always be. Suck on that NYC/L.A./London/Tokyo/Poconos
Jean –
Paris is nothing more than just a part of France. If it were not for NYC, LA and London, you’d still be speaking German.
Maybe so Greg D
But Paris would still be Paris even if the ugly German language had prevailed.
However, a big yip yip hooray for our brothers the Americans and the British for liberating us.
PS. Strength (USA & UK) and awesomeness/joie de vivre (France) do not go hand in hand (if you know what I mean).
It sure is nice when strength and joie de vivre can get together long enough for a little bit of cuddle time. And maybe coffee afterward.
not a fan of how big the toebox is on these shoes, but i love the blue suede ones. they look sturdy!
NYC needs some Japanese retailers: Camoshita; United Arrows, Tomorrowland. I am tired of reading about them. I want to SHOP!!!!!