2023 World Championship in Patina Contest | Kirby Allison

The World Championship of Patina is one of the three contests held annually as part of the London Super Trunk Show, an extravaganza for aficionados and fanatics of leather dress shoes. This prestigious competition showcases the creative side of shoemaking called "patina," where skilled artists who specialize in creating unique shoe finishes using only leather dyes, creams, and waxes compete with one another to transform an undyed pair of shoes into extraordinary, one-of-a-kind works of art. Each of the three finalists are given just five hours for the task. They explore a range of techniques, from blending colors to layering shades, all while creatively pushing the boundaries of their craft. Following the completion of their work, a panel of judges carefully evaluates each pair of shoes, assessing both the visual beauty and technical execution of the finish, before, ultimately, selecting one winner to be crowned the World Champion of Patina. The World Championship of Patina brings together the finest patina artists from around the world, challenging them to showcase their skills and push their creative boundaries as they transform a pair of ordinary shoes into a truly remarkable masterpieces. It is an event that celebrates the art form, elevates the craft, and honors the ingenuity and passion of these talented artisans. This year's finalists in the 2023 World Championship of Patina were Alberto Suastez from the United States and Rod Baudry and Philippe Yang from France.