The shoe industry has seen a surge in trends in recent years. Amid the ever-changing fashion scene, women's attitudes toward shoes are also undergoing a wave of change. We spoke with Tomohiro Kamiya and Yutaka Matsuno, women's shoe buyers in the Women's Accessories Department at Isetan Mitsukoshi, about the appeal and trends of shoes. Kamiya and Matsuno are responsible for buying women's shoes at Isetan Mitsukoshi's Shinjuku and Nihonbashi stores, respectively. From their perspective as buyers who accurately forecast market trends, they believe women now value shoes that combine beauty and fashion with functionality and can be worn for a long time. "We're seeing an increasing number of customers, especially women in their 30s and older who seek authenticity, who are interested in the history and background of brands. I feel that many are looking for a pair of shoes that are uniquely theirs, regardless of price," says Kamiya. Meanwhile, Matsuno commented, "A recent trend in the women's shoe market is an increasing number of female customers purchasing traditional leather shoes, which until now have been a staple for men. For example, British-made brands like Church's and Tricker's, which were previously only popular among a select few women, are gaining attention as men's-style shoes."

The two buyers are particularly interested in Regal's new, much-anticipated "Premium Line" collection, which will be released this season. Regal is a rare factory manufacturer with sophisticated shoemaking know-how, capable of viewing shoes from various perspectives and realizing their ideals. Regal has attracted attention for the first time by incorporating the manufacturing methods it has developed for men's shoes into women's shoes. "Regal is a brand with craftsmanship built up over more than 50 years of history and a stubborn commitment to manufacturing. It embodies a truly Japanese 'hospitality.' Western women's shoes often have designs that emphasize fashion and elegance, which can be stressful for Japanese feet. I believe Regal has overcome this. This season's Regal shoes beautifully combine beauty, functionality, and trends," says Matsuno.

Regal undergoes dozens of quality tests, and only those that pass its strict standards are released to market. This reflects the brand's sincere attitude, which spares no effort to realize its ideals and pursues customer benefits to the fullest extent.

"I think Regal is a brand that marks a turning point for fashion-conscious women in their 30s and 40s who are well-versed in items from overseas fashion houses, and who, after trying out a variety of shoes, take another look at the world around them. Until now, there have been few domestic shoe brands that offer traditional techniques and fashion on a daily basis. I think you could say that the Premium Line is a collection that satisfies the desires of such women," says Kamiya.

So, what are the points to keep in mind to wear leather shoes for a long time? We asked these two shoe professionals for their perspectives. "First of all, it's important to try on shoes before you buy them. Then, make sure the heel and instep fit well. If these two points aren't right, your feet will tire easily. The Premium Line is made from lasts that make use of Regal's many years of experience in shoemaking, so it fits perfectly. We also offer repairs using genuine parts, mainly for shoes made with the Goodyear welted method, so you can continue to use your favorite shoes for a long time by repairing them, which is another attractive feature."

In addition, the new collection of the existing "Regular Line" will also feature products that, like the Premium Line, bring together Regal's technical expertise. A diverse lineup of pumps and flats that exude feminine delicacy will be introduced.

As the times change, more and more women are placing importance on "value" that cannot be determined by appearance alone. Anyone who sees Regal shoes this season will notice this new "value."