Thursday 23 February 2012

Visvim Virgil: the penny drops

 
You've probably all worked out why Hiroki Nakamura named his boots Virgils but I can sometimes be a bit slow on the uptake and therefore I've only just worked it out.

They are named after USAAF Captain Virgil Hilts, Steve McQueen's character in The Great Escape and they are a reinterpretation of the boots he wore in the film. These were standard issue for the US military in the 1940s and were constructed from a 'reverse cowhide,' which meant that the shiny bit was on the inside.

Japanese doll maker and replica specialist Toys McCoy has created a pair which are most likely even more of a faithful reproduction than the originals they are based on. Obviously trying to find a pair is going to end up a mission in itself. Easier to source are the Buzz Ricksons version, which also look the part.

But we all know the only pair of Virgils to have are Visvim's.

Oh, and if you know of any other reason Virgils are thus named, I'd love to hear it.
Visvim

Visvim

Visvim

Buzz Ricksons

Toys McCoy

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