"The most beautiful shop in the world . . ." that is how Esquire magazine described the wood-paneled splendour of the London premises of John Lobb, Bootmaker. Lastmaker In the shadow of the great gate-tower of St. James's Palace, built by Henry VIII, and echoing to the stamping feet of bear-skinned guardsmen, St. James's Street has been traditionally the home of coffee houses, gentlemen's clubs and elegant outfitters; a mecca for the noble and the fashionable for centuries.