Just came across this video and I'm glad I did. I didn't even realize there were multiple generations from this line. I have the Hopkinson in black that I bought in Feb 2016. I did pay the $495 price for them, mostly because I happened to be in NYC that day and there was no sale at the time, but 8 years later I still have them and they still look/feel great. My only slight regret is that I didn't just pay the extra money and get the shell cordovan Park Avenues. Not because I'm unhappy with the Hopkinson at all, just that Horween shell cordovan is the shoe grail for me and they were already getting pretty close in price.
I've owned a pair of the Adams for many years. They have far better detailing than any other AE loafers. They are my primary dress travel shoe - I can literally be on my feet all day and they feel great. But they are heavy. They're not the best to pack in a suitcase. And when I take them into a store to get them resoled (at least 3 or 4 times), they always comment on them
I have the original Jefferson in dark brown and the Hancock in black in 10.5D and both are very comfortable. The Hancock took longer to break in for some reason. Still on the original heels and soles.
I absolutely LOVE my Walnut Bartlett. Have had them for 4 years and not only do they look better with age, but the lamb skin lining ensures that they become more comfortable with each wear. This model, in my opinion, is by far the most handsome of AE’s Strand line. Sorry to see it and the remainder of the Independence collection go.
I also own the Jeffersons in walnut. I bought them new in 2015. They’re frankly above Alden level, and without the absurd markup seen with Alden. The finishing may be the same as Alden, but the leather is better. It’s a national tragedy that the line was discontinued. Sadly, AE shoes just can’t compete with what’s coming out of Spain and China in the ~$300 price range.
I've been looking for the past couple of months for one of those in my size but they've always been sold out. Finally I found a pair on a whim today and ordered it. It's the plain Hopkinson in black but but I'm not gonna be too picky!!
The original collection also had higher stitch density and a very clean fudging/wheeling on the welt, which made for a really elegant and beautiful look. Something nobody else in the US was doing, besides the older Johnston & Murphy, made in the US, "Crown Aristocraft" line. I still have the Williams and the Adams from the original collection. Sad to see them go, but as you illustrated, the quality just does not warrant the price tag anymore.
