In today’s ever evolving world of men’s style, the array of trending luxury treatments
for men are becoming vaster and increasingly more stylish. Shoes are a key
accessory in regards to men’s style and having a strong, finished sophisticated
look. There are many high quality shoe shiners around, however the one that has in
a sense revolutionised the approach and general vibe, is Tokyo born man, Yuya
Hasegawa.
The Japanese have progressed well in creating the first Gentleman’s Shoe Shine
Club/Lounge. Yuya Hasegawa, a once poor man living and working on the streets of
Japan as a shoe shiner, has opened his own shoe shine lounge, Brift H.
The shiners are situated behind the bar standing, while the customers sit opposite
on stools and sip on champagne flutes filled with green tea or apple juice. The
elevation of the shoe shiners is the main game changer in this “shoe lounge”, this
enables them to have them seen as not only professionals but as artists within their
own craft.
The focus of this club is to create a fresh spin on an old tradition, which is
predominantly done by not having the customer propped up on a fancy chair and
the shiner on a tiny stool on the ground. Instead the men take their shoes off, sit at
the bar and relax with a drink whilst watching the shiners work on restoring their
shoes.
The 19th century atmosphere of the lounge is enhanced with the shiners dressed
immaculately, the use of wooden antique furniture and the leather bar counter.
There are three courses to choose from, The Silver, The Gold and The Platinum and
the time span of treatments varies from half an hour to 2 days. Brift H offers not only
a true shoe shine experience but tailored treatment to each customers needs.
For shoe fanatics this is an outlet where the customers can really enjoy the
experience. They are able to take a short break from their hectic lives whilst waiting
for their shoes to have a quick buff, or receive a lengthy full treatment and extensive
repair if need be. Brift H can really rejuvenate and restore any pair of leather shoes
to what they once used to be and beyond.
Additionally, once a month usually on a Thursday, Brift H turns into a makeshift
cocktail bar.
Brift H can be found at Room 2046
-3-11 Minami AoyamaM
inato-ku, Tokyo1
07-0062, and is open 12-9pm, closed Tuesdays. For the latest schedule,
head to their website.
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