Nocturne Vol.1 — “Lucien”
The last light of the day sometimes reflects something. Objectively, it’s the moment where the tempo, atmosphere, and energy of the city have shifted. For our hometown, the city so-called Bangkok has its own character when the evening comes. What used to buzz during daylight will gradually become calmer, and what was silent for a whole sunray period will begin to awake.
When one is thinking about a Bangkok evening, nightlife, the activities of dusk — visuals that usually come together are neon lights, Chinatown, so-called ‘Yaowarat’, with its famous street food and drinks… lots of drinks; either cocktails at a skyscraper rooftop bar with groovy house music or beer at local pubs along Sukhumvit Road.
However, there’s a hidden tempo within the nocturnal tune. One that gets quieter, calmer, but gives no less character… topped with the flair of unexpectedness in what you would find during the night.
What is famous around the old town roads of Bangkok such as Bang Rak, Charoenkrung, or the currently famous ‘Songwat’; apart from temples and the charming lifestyle that has existed there for almost a century, is the experience of observing them during the night.
Considering the fact that these old town roads still have real people, real routines of the locals living there — just like any other place, it becomes quieter than during daylight hours. Yet what emerges are the nocturnal people, those who live and choose to move through the city during the evening differently. The area will not offer the typical flash and neon, energy and vibrancy like other parts of Bangkok… instead, it gives a different tune — contemplative.
One venue you can certainly expect is a cocktail bar in a unique setting. It may be hidden inside a townhouse in a dark alley or a heritage building with great curation; from drinks to tunes; one that surely leaves a unique impression every time.
Then there are people… the uncontrollable factor in the formula. You will see them come and go. Lone figures, lovebird couples, or groups of companions; each has their own story. You will never know their background, what they had faced during the day before being seen by you in front of your own eyes — until you randomly or intentionally have a conversation. Some might end with just three exchanged sentences, others might be three drinks, or perhaps occasionally three hours.
And even with just an exchange of silent acknowledgement, with observation alone — that is likely enough to know that there are still those who appreciate the slow evening, the different tempo of the nocturne; timeframe where the city reveals itself differently after dark.
Details become clearer. A melody drifting from an open window. A conversation overheard from the next table. The warm reflection of street lamps against an old façade. Things that might have gone unnoticed during the day somehow leave a stronger impression at night.
Style often works in the same way.
Bangkok has never been a city that follows strict rules of dress. Tailoring and t-shirts, vintage watches and silver jewelry, leather shoes and worn denim — everything can coexist. What matters is not what one wears, but how naturally it becomes a part of who they are.
Among those details, there is one object that quietly carries its own character.
A pair of white leather shoes.
While once associated with summer escapes and leisurely days away from the city, the image evolved long ago. Monsieur Serge Gainsbourg perhaps left the most enduring reminder that white lace-up shoes could belong anywhere; with tailoring, with casual clothes, during the day or long after sunset.
And that is perhaps where Lucien finds its place.
At first glance, it appears familiar. A classic lace-up oxford with a clean silhouette and little desire to draw attention to itself. Yet much like the city after dusk, its character reveals itself gradually.
Crafted entirely from soft lambskin — from upper to lining, from insole to heel — Lucien was designed around a singular idea: uncompromised comfort through uncompromised material. Finished in stark white (or black), every step feels effortless yet distinct.
Wear it with tailoring and it avoids the rigidity often associated with formal dress. Pair it with denim and a t-shirt and it offers something sneakers rarely can — quiet presence.
Call it a poet’s shoe, an artist’s step, or simply a companion for the evening.
But one thing cannot be denied.
Lucien, the newest creation of London Brown, is our love letter to Bangkok at dusk.
A city that continues to surprise.
An unexpected encounter that leaves an impression.
One that keeps drawing you back, again and again.
Lucien is now available online, and we highly recommend experiencing it at our flagship store.
