I am a big fan of tassel loafers, but I know that they are not for everyone. Some people think that they look too ornate which directly conflicts with the Trad ethos of utilitarian simplicity much like the always controversial horse bit loafer(Just read through the commments). However, to me the Alden or Allen Edmonds (AE) tassel is a shoe that says you have arrived. Unfortunately, I have yet to arrive and these sleek tassels are still out of my price range, but I did find an affordable alternative that I think is a good fit for me. This tassel is the Bass Eddington.
The more sophisticated and sleek AE Grayson Tassel Moc for comparison.
The Bass Eddington has a different shape than the Alden or AE tassel. It is much more of a casual loafer. They feature contrast stitching and are only available in a rich brown color. They wouldn’t look appropriate with grey flannel trousers and a blazer like the other two, but they look right at home with a tweed sport coat, cords, or even chinos and a sweater which is exactly where my wardrobe lives.
Bass is not known for producing high quality footwear, but I really like these tassels. The leather is supple and they are comfortable right out of the box. I think that the fact that Bass uses a Blake welt stitching construction is a big part of why they are so comfortable. To top it off, I picked them at the Bass outlet for around $75. If you are in need of an introductory tassel the Bass Eddington may be worth checking out.
Thanks again for nice pictures. I too had chance stopping by Bass outlet. The designs are almost perfect and simple. I wish they could add more craftsmanship and qualities, which would definitely restore the old Bass reputation.
Nice find. I think those would qualify more as “tassel mocs” than the sleeker, welted “tassel loafer” like the Grayson pictured above. The loafers have a line of decorative stitching at the toe, whereas the mocs have functional stitching and a blunter, more penny-like profile as a result. I like the absence of a kiltie on these. Thanks for sharing.
Levis501 – I agree, but their new quality line comes $300 pricing. This wish may be a doubledged sword. I have also heard that Bass was never known for their quality, but always had a killer a very desirable shape. Who knows, I wasn’t around back then 😉
Hardline – I agree with you on all accounts. I can do a tassel, but I cannot do a kiltie and certainly not a kiltie/tassel combo.
For some reason tassels illicit a subjective response in certain people, but I don’t think functionality or utilitarianism comes into play. Is a tassel any more or less functional than a penny strap, or a wingtip perforation, or even a cap toe? Not unless you REALLY need that penny. These things may have had their origin in utility (the kiltie and wingtip perforations were designed so that Irish and Scottish peat farmers could air out their shoes more easily, for example) but they’ve long since become ornament. The tassel is pure ornament, and If trad were about the absence of ornament, we’d all be losing the functionless top buttons on 3/2 jackets, the straps on our Alden LHS, and the box pleats on our oxfords. The least ornamental shoe in existence is the black plain toe wholecut, but it is also arguably the most formal, which makes it antithetical to the casual air of American style. Sometimes a little ornament is needed to create informality.
I was around during the 60’s part of Weejun’s heyday and wore out about 5 pairs during high school. You’re right, they weren’t really a high quality shoe back then but they were much better than the present offering. Mainly they were part of a “dress code” embedded in American teen culture. I do think ultimately it was their shape that made them. I still have a pair in my closet. In reflection it’s amazing to me how ubiquitous this dress code was (especially in the south) with so little hype, advertising and no computers. Also, there was a mystique and passion associated with Weejuns (no beefrolls), London Fog jackets and especially Gant shirts back then that’s really hard to explain. On any given day during high school the halls were full of light blue ocbd’s, military surplus khakis (high waters-no cuff), alligator belts, burgundy Weejuns ( no socks) and English Leather. I feel fortunate to have lived during that period …..and by the way… nobody really said “groovy”!
I have a pair of Mansfield kiltie tassel loafers, vintage AE. They are advanced loafers, in Merlot. I wear them a lot and get compliments, they go with everything. I had doubts until my mom who is in her 60’s and has excellent real JFK taste, complimented me on them. They are different because they are not the shiny Bass , and shout quality. They are actually becoming a go- to as I have worn them with everything from jeans and no socks, to my suits in court. I think kilties are way underestimated..