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Delving Into the History and Legacy of G.H. BASS: The Loafers Michael Jackson Adored
In 1936, G.H. BASS drew inspiration from the moccasin-style shoes worn by Norwegian farmers to create their iconic Weejuns loafers. As the brand that introduced the world's first-ever loafer, what's their story, and what principles have they upheld? And what's the secret to their enduring popularity with today's youth? We sat down with Yuki Miura from GMT Inc.'s press team to find out.
The Brand That Created the World's First "Loafers"
G.H. BASS was established in 1876 in Wilton, Maine, by George Henry Bass. Miura sheds light on the brand's origins."While G.H. BASS is now synonymous with loafers, the brand's first products were actually boots designed for farm and forestry workers," Miura explains. "Through continuous refinement, they crafted footwear that met the rigorous demands of these laborers, quickly earning widespread acclaim."
"The business eventually expanded to include outdoor shoes and even aviation boots for pilots during wartime. This period gave rise to their core philosophy: ‘to make the best possible shoe for the purpose it’s intended for.’ That philosophy is still at the heart of the brand today."
While there are several theories about the origins of the loafer, the most prominent one traces back to a shoe crafted by Norwegian artisans. Miura elaborates on this connection.
"At G.H. BASS, we refer to our loafers as 'WEEJUNS®.' The name is a playful nod to the word 'Norwegian,' paying homage to their origin."
"The original penny loafer was introduced in 1936. It was inspired by the moccasin-style shoes worn by Norwegians, and the name 'WEEJUNS®' was coined as a playful tribute."
As the creator of the world's first loafer, G.H. BASS continues to honor this heritage by stamping 'WEEJUNS®' on the insoles of their shoes today.
Worn for the "Moonwalk" and in the "Thriller" Music Video
It's well-known that G.H. BASS loafers were favorites among influential figures, including legendary Hollywood actor James Dean and, in the political sphere, the 35th U.S. President, John F. Kennedy.
Then, in the 1950s, the penny loafer's refined look made it wildly popular on the campuses of America's prestigious Ivy League universities. It became a staple of Ivy and Preppy styles, sparking the first major G.H. BASS craze.
However, it was arguably Michael Jackson who cemented G.H. BASS's place in cultural history. Miura shares an anecdote about the pop icon:
"There's a story that after Michael Jackson first performed the moonwalk on the 'Motown 25' stage, a reporter asked him in an interview, \"How are you able to move like that?\" He reportedly replied, \"It's because I'm wearing G.H. BASS.\""
Furthermore, in the groundbreaking short-film-style music video for 'Thriller,' he sported the 'Logan' model from G.H. BASS. His styling choice—pairing the loafers with white socks—created a sensation and became a new fashion statement. This ignited a second wave of popularity for the brand, making the shoes a massive hit all over again.
But it's not just about looks; a major hallmark of G.H. BASS is its exceptional comfort. Miura also touched upon the construction method.
"G.H. BASS loafers are crafted using a technique similar to McKay stitching. This method, also known as moccasin construction, creates a shoe that envelops the foot like a pouch. The result is a lightweight feel that's perfectly suited for the everyday wear of a loafer."
Thanks to their straightforward construction, the outsoles offer excellent flexibility, allowing the shoes to mold to your feet instantly, even when they're brand new. I take great pride in the fact that G.H. BASS loafers have been crafted using virtually the same methods for nearly a century, preserving the tradition from the very beginning."
The Third Boom: Now Reaching the Younger Generation
Within the G.H. BASS collection, the "Larson" and "Logan" are the quintessential classics. Miura elaborates on these two staple models."The 'Larson' is distinctive for its beef-roll saddle. In this design, the ends of the saddle are wrapped around and stitched onto the moccasin seam, giving the vamp a bolder look than a standard half-saddle and creating a more casual feel.
"The 'Logan' is the model famously worn by Michael Jackson. As a slip-on coin loafer crafted with McKay construction, it lacks the beef roll, giving the vamp a sleeker profile and a dressier feel. This was also the very first pair I bought back when I was a student."
G.H. BASS is currently experiencing its third wave of popularity. Miura sheds light on the reasons for this boom.
"It seems the brand caught fire with the younger crowd after the popular skater Jason Dill was spotted wearing the two-tone 'Larson' in a lookbook for the skate brand Supreme.
"Here in Japan, the fashion YouTuber group 'OUR's' also showcased the two-tone 'Larson' on their channel, which seems to have fueled its support, even causing lines to form outside retail stores.
"My generation remembers its popularity from the Ivy and preppy eras, so it's really interesting to see younger people styling them with more casual, street-inspired looks."
Loafers have now cemented their place as versatile leather shoes that work just as well with casual outfits as they do with suits. While G.H. BASS has since moved its production from the U.S. to El Salvador, the brand's traditional craftsmanship and shoemaking philosophy are still going strong.
Today, countless brands make loafers, but it’s worth remembering that the true original—the one that started it all—is the G.H. BASS 'WEEJUNS®'.
PROFILE
Yuki Miura
Press, GMT inc.
GMT inc. is a wholesale distributor of footwear brands from around the globe. As the company's renowned press officer, he is a leading fashionista in the apparel industry. His work spans a wide range of activities, including public relations, product planning, and directing photoshoots. Often featured in magazine street style snaps, he is known for his sharp-dressed appearance and distinctive taste. His nickname is 'Miura-chelin'.
Text by Yasuyuki Ushijima (NO-TECH)
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