Saphir Médaille d’Or at the Second New York Super Trunk Show

The New York Super Trunk Show returned for its second edition on the 5th of October, organised by Jesper Ingevaldsson of Shoegazing Blog and Justin FitzPatrick, known as the shoe snob, Saphir Medaille d’Or was proud to take centre stage as the event’s platinum sponsor. Held at the elegant Kosciuszko Foundation on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the event brought together 1,200 passionate shoe enthusiasts, all eager to immerse themselves in the world of fine footwear and craftsmanship.

CELEBRATING CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH THE U.S. SHOE SHINING CHAMPIONSHIPS

At the heart of the event was the highly anticipated U.S. Championships of Shoe Shining, organised in collaboration with Saphir Medaille d’Or and Bridlen. This year’s finalists—Ray Chen (New York), Hang Li (California), and Caleb Malinowski (Texas)—competed in a thrilling display of skill and artistry. Using only Saphir Médaille d’Or shoe care products, each contestant had 20 minutes to transform a brand-new Bridlen Oxford into a gleaming masterpiece.

The competition captivated a large audience, and the judges had a difficult task choosing the winner. Ultimately, Hang Li was crowned champion, showcasing a beautifully polished shoe.

TRANSFORMING SHOES INTO ART: THE PATINA SHOWCASE
Saphir products also took center stage during the live patina exhibition, where three exceptional artists— Alberto Suastez (Patina Works Arizona), Greg Park (Han Core Patina), and Chris Dillon (American Patina)— demonstrated their expertise. Working throughout the day, they transformed Bridlen crust leather shoes into stunning, colorful designs. Visitors marveled at their work, which highlighted the great possibilities that can be created with our Teinture Française.

SAPHIR: SUPPORTING EXCELLENCE IN SHOE CARE
Saphir’s booth was a focal point for attendees, offering a curated selection of our Medaille d’Or line and a first glimpse at the new Médaille d’Or sneaker care line. Visitors had the opportunity to stock up on premium care essentials, from our renowned Pâte de Luxe polish to our nourishing Renovateur cream. Complementing the product display, we offered a free shoe shining service, where artisans like Levi Elliot (last year’s U.S. Shoe Shine Champion) and Preston Soto (The Elegant Oxford) showcased the transformative power of Saphir products in real-time.

LOOKING AHEAD
The New York Super Trunk Show was a celebration of craftsmanship and community, and we at Saphir Medaille d’Or were honoured to be a part of it. As we continue to support and elevate the art of shoe care, we look forward to future events, including the London Super Trunk Show on May 10, 2025, and a planned expansion to Singapore in 2026.

For those unable to attend in person, highlights of the event, including the U.S. Shoe Shining Championships, will be featured on Kirby Allison’s YouTube channel later this winter. Stay tuned as we continue our journey to champion excellence in shoe care worldwide.