Falling out with Kabbaz?

He wouldn't be the first.

^^major ouch.

I wonder if the infamous German seller will quietly resume shipments to the U.S.

I want to elaborate on one point about Vass, Budapest that may not be clear. If you go to the shop in Budapest, on Monday afternoons only, when Eva Vass is there, there are two options: if you are fortunate enough to fit one of their stock sizes/lasts, good for you: you have a choice of what's in stock, or if not in stock, it will be made, no surcharges. There will be shipping and duty charges when the shoes are sent out in about 12 weeks. If they laugh at your feet, and throw up their hands (my universal experience), Eva will measure you and you will get a surcharged special order shoe, again sent out several months later with shipping/duty charges incurred. My first shoe was done this way, I got their Norweiger in cognac pebble (scothgrain), a rather orangy color, posted elsewhere. It did require re-lasting, but came back perfect after identifying the problem area.

Subsequently, I got their Old English model, in generic black, to compliment my retro '30's reverse chalk stripe. I then had them emulate the LL Chukka, with a more rounded toe. Herein lies the lesson: if you are measured by them, you can simply send them a photo with detailed requirements, and it will be executed without fanfare. Same price as the 'special' orders of their stock models. They have a woman who's sole (no pun intended) job is to design and execute these special orders. I have had no problem with size variations thus far. The only limitation I would say, is you are restricted to their stock leathers and soles. On careful exam, there really are a  variety of colors, only the soles are limited, in my opinion. Again, you will not receive hand holding or be subjected to carnival-like barkers at the Vass shop. Strictly business, and rather capable in my view.