The classic monk strap shoe has something of the Art Deco style of the 1930s about it (although its traditions go into the much older Scottish folk dress worn with a kilt), in its pared down purity of line, cleanness of design, and its restraint accented by an unadorned side buckle. This is of course all in keeping with the spareness of the sandals worn by monks on which this shoe was modeled. Today, aficionados aren’t limited to the plain model; split-toed and brogued models are available for a more broth-of-the-heather approach found in the original Scottish versions. Interestingly and inexplicably, the monk strap is perhaps the most versatile of shoes. Its complete unfussiness makes it completely adaptable for dress or casual wear, done in classic black box calf, shell cordovan, pebble grained leather, or suede. And, oddly enough, the monk strap was the most sought after shoe with World War II American airmen in their off-duty dress. —G. Bruce Boyer noted fashion writer and editor The Monk Strap 1-800-221-4671 | 29 9290: Lawrence Opposite page: The monk strap shoe, with its buckle, earns its sobriquet from the buckle on a monk's sandals. Extraordinary monk shoe with split toe seams and aprons stitched entirely by hand! All monk shoes on this and the following pages are available in sizes 8.5–12. The Lawrence Monk, 9290…$995. Above: An example of our finest Italian knit socks in pure cotton, in a birdseye pattern, and in colors well suited to the season, shown from left to right: 274-royal; 281-periwinkle; 279-khaki; 275-coral; 280-sage; 283-sky; 284-pink; 282-purple. Above the calf, in sock sizes 11–13. For the sock sizing chart see page 26. One pair cotton birdseye socks, CBS…$38. THE LAWRENCE MONK 28 | www.bensilver.com Extraordinary Monk Shoe …with handsewn split seams & aprons COTTON BIRDSEYE SOCKS CBS
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