There are places that have a flair that defies words – a subtle blend of past and present, history and progress. Münster, my hometown, is just such a place. With its architecturally distinctive old town, historic gabled houses, and winding cobblestone streets, the city exudes a distinctive character that's almost reminiscent of a miniature London. But Münster is more than just history – it's a city with a modern spirit that disrupts and reinterprets the traditional. It's precisely this interplay that inspires RŌSHI's designs and philosophy.
Münster: A city that tells stories
Münster's atmosphere is incomparable. The old town, with its historic facades, feels like a living monument, telling of another era. Yet, you can sense how this history is enlivened by modern influences – young people, innovative ideas, and an urban lifestyle. The cycling culture, the small boutiques, the hidden cafés: Münster has a spirit that respects tradition but doesn't stand still.
This feeling of Münster can be wonderfully compared to the essence of British style. Think of a district like Marylebone in London: cobblestone streets, elegant architecture, small shops that combine modern design with classic craftsmanship. Just as London is constantly reinventing itself without forgetting its roots, Münster creates a bridge between old and new – a place where tradition and modernity meet and inspire each other.
The combination of Münster and British style
It's this connection that's also reflected in RŌSHI's designs. Our shoes are like the architecture of Münster or the wardrobe of a British gentleman: classic in their foundation, yet open to contemporary influences. When we design Goodyear-welted brogues with Scottish tweed inserts or combine Chelsea boots with loden and modern box calf, it's a tribute to precisely this symbiosis.
Munster's quiet elegance and London's cosmopolitan vibe share the same DNA: a love of substance paired with a flair for innovation. Our shoes capture this feeling by using classic materials like tweed and flannel, bringing them into the here and now with modern accents and premium leather patterns.
Stylistic influences and inspiration
The British style that significantly shapes RŌSHI represents more than clothing. It is an expression of a way of life, a consciousness of quality and detail. This aesthetic permeates various cultural influences, from the music of the Beatles and Rolling Stones to the Bond films and the coolness of Steve McQueen.
But Münster also has a cultural dynamic that influences me. The city's vibrant arts and culture scene, the blend of historical flair and modern creativity – all of this flows into the designs. Like a good movie or a great song, our shoes tell stories inspired by different places and times.
A style that connects
What fascinates me about the connection between Münster and London is its apparent contradiction: the old and the new, the calm and the energy. It is precisely this contrast that makes our shoes unique. When you wear a pair of RŌSHI shoes, you carry a piece of this inspiration with you—the elegance of the British wardrobe, the substance of Münster's atmosphere, and the freshness of modern, global influences.
RŌSHI: Where tradition and innovation meet
Our shoes aren't passing trends, but timeless companions. They're like Münster: deeply rooted in history, but with a forward-looking attitude. They combine the traditions of British clothing culture with the modern, urban soul of a city like Münster. And they're made for men who are looking for exactly that: substance, individuality, and a feel that's both retro and progressive.
Because just like Münster, just like London, our shoes are a place where past and future come together – and something completely unique is created.
