FASHION /
MEN
April 8, 2015
JOHN LOBB | The Story Behind the "Winner Sport," According to John Lobb's CEO
JOHN LOBB
“A collaboration shoe that achieves perfect detail.”
JOHN LOBB CEO Discusses "Winner Sport" (1)
has been causing a great deal of buzzJOHN LOBBand Aston Martin's collaboration“JOHN LOBB for ASTON MARTIN” New Driver's Shoes "Winner Sport"Ahead of the launch, JOHN LOBB CEO Renaud Paul-Dauphin visited Japan with great anticipation. He spoke passionately about the special collaboration between these two British brands.
Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)Photographs by SUZUKI Kenta
This is the first collaboration with a car in the brand's 160-year history.
—When I heard that JOHN LOBB's collaboration partner was Aston Martin, I thought, "That makes sense."
Thank you. This collaboration was only possible because it is with Aston Martin. There's no need to ask 'why' about the collaboration between JOHN LOBB and Aston Martin. The two naturally accepted each other, sharing many commonalities without any sense of incongruity.
—That's absolutely true. What is the reason for naming this model "Winner Sport"?
JOHN LOBB has a bestseller casual shoe called Winner, but this time we wanted a name that conveyed a sportier and stronger impression. Not just a collaboration model, but a name that stands out distinctly. We named it Winner Sport as a driver's shoe with a new sole and perfect details.
—What was the catalyst for this collaboration?
At JOHN LOBB, the product is always the star, but for this “JOHN LOBB for ASTON MARTIN,” it began with the meeting of two designers: Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Design Director, and Andrés Hernández, JOHN LOBB's Creative Director.
—How many years did it take from planning to launch?
It took about two years. Our companies share a very similar corporate culture, being both historic and innovative. These might be natural days for a joint project that embodies those commonalities. It's because only when the characters of both sides merge, respecting the important partnership, and the details are perfectly finished, can it be recognized as valuable.
—What was your impression when you saw the first sample?
I immediately wanted to touch it and try it on. Marek from Aston Martin also tested the comfort, just like he would test the ride of a car. For both JOHN LOBB and Aston Martin, the most important thing is meticulous attention to detail. There is no compromise in pursuing perfect details.
—What is your image of Aston Martin as CEO?
Traditional, yet very contemporary and modern; a trendsetter, a cool image. All of these are commonalities with JOHN LOBB.
JOHN LOBB
“What design needs is tension.”
JOHN LOBB CEO Discusses "Winner Sport" (2)
The main features of this “JOHN LOBB for ASTON MARTIN” model, "Winner Sport", areJOHN LOBBits unusual eight-color range and the inclusion of two pairs of shoelaces. The box is also specially designed.
It embodies the "tension" between Aston Martin and JOHN LOBB.
—An eight-color range is unusual for JOHN LOBB.
For the development of this driver's shoe, Marek from Aston Martin chose from Aston Martin's existing body colors. I also visited Aston Martin's Gaydon factory and was shown an incredible number of color palettes. For the color range, we decided on four muted colors and four vivid colors, along with white and red for the soles.
—What is your favorite color, CEO?
Well, if I had to pick one, perhaps the brown "Saddle Tan." Brown is a JOHN LOBB color. If I had to pick another, I also like the contrast of "Westminster Green," a British color that evokes Aston Martin.
—What kind of outfits do you recommend pairing them with?
They are perfect for driving, of course, but also for leisure or relaxed weekend moments. Depending on the color, I think they would also suit a jacket style.
—What specifically appeals to you about this design, CEO?
As you can see from the Aston Martin models, excellent design requires tension. The same applies to shoes; tension—a pulling force—gives power to the design. I believe there are truly similar aspects in the designs of both brands.
—By the way, I've heard that high-quality leather is becoming scarce worldwide.
That's true. As a brand with 160 years of history, JOHN LOBB continues to strive for the stable supply of exotic leathers like crocodile by building trusted relationships with excellent leather suppliers and with the support of the parent Hermès group. For the Winner Sport, we used high-quality full-grain leather, referred to as "racing calf." This leather is not only soft but also provides a secure hold.
—The London Olympics will be held this summer.
As it is a celebration of sports, we see it as a perfect opportunity to promote models like the Winner Sport. We also hope that collaborations like this will serve as an introduction for future JOHN LOBB customers.
—Do you have a message for JOHN LOBB fans?
From bespoke to ready-to-wear and home shoes, JOHN LOBB consistently creates the best footwear. Simple yet enduring.—JOHN LOBB's mission is to be timeless, but through new discoveries like this, please enjoy them.
—Thank you very much.
Winner Sport
Price | ¥126,000
Colors | Westminster Green, Bitter Chocolate, Aurora Blue, Storm Black, Saddle Tan, Frost White, Graphite Grey, Winter Wheat
Last | 8695
Material | Racing Calf
John Lobb Japan
Tel. 03-6267-6010
http://www.johnlobb.com/jp




