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JOHN LOBB | On-Site Report from London: The Reason John Lobb is 'In a Class of Its Own'

FASHION / MEN

February 9, 2015

JOHN LOBB | On-Site Report from London: The Reason John Lobb is 'In a Class of Its Own'

JOHN LOBB | JOHN LOBB

The Essence of John Lobb That Captivates Shoe Aficionados

Northampton, located northwest of London, England, is revered as the "Mecca of Shoes" not only by British gentlemen but also by shoe lovers worldwide. About a two-hour drive or a one-hour train ride from London, Northampton is a town where the sky is vast, the greenery is deep, and time flows slowly, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. On Oliver Street, in the heart of this town where world-renowned factories are situated,John Lobbis located. While the building blends so seamlessly into the cityscape that it might surprise those expecting a factory image, a manufacturing line was expanded within the same building this summer. This on-site report delves into the current John Lobb from various angles, with the theme: "Why is John Lobb in a Class of Its Own?"

Text by Makoto KAJII (OPENERS)Photographs by Ryuji ARAKI

The Making of a Perfect Pair of John Lobb Shoes (1)

The Making of a Perfect Pair of John Lobb Shoes (1)
~From Leather Inspection to Cutting~

Northampton, England, renowned as the "Mecca of Shoes," is home to factories such as John Lobb, Edward Green, Crockett & Jones, Church's, Cheaney, and Tricker's. The John Lobb factory is located on Oliver Street in the town center, northwest of London. In this quaint, even somewhat aged-looking brick factory, which is surprisingly modest compared to our image of "John Lobb," we present a photo report in four parts on the making of a "perfect pair of shoes." This report covers the shoe manufacturing process with a total of 160 photographs.

The Making of a Perfect Pair of John Lobb Shoes (2)

The Making of a Perfect Pair of John Lobb Shoes (2)
~Preparation for Sewing~

This four-part photo report from the John Lobb factory in Northampton, England, details the creation of a "perfect pair of shoes." Following the first installment, which covered leather inspection and the "clicking" process of cutting the leather, the second part introduces the section responsible for the crucial preparatory steps before the cut leather is sewn.

The Making of a Perfect Pair of John Lobb Shoes (3)

The Making of a Perfect Pair of John Lobb Shoes (3)
~From Sewing to Lasting~

This factory report, featuring 40 photos per installment for a total of 160 across four parts, showcases the entire shoe-making process. The unseen leather components and intricate work involved will undoubtedly spark the imagination and deepen one's affection for their own pair of John Lobb shoes when held in hand. Now, the third installment moves from the sewing section to the "lasting" process, the core of shoemaking.

The Making of a Perfect Pair of John Lobb Shoes (4)

The Making of a Perfect Pair of John Lobb Shoes (4)
~From Lasting to Completion~

The "lasting" process is perhaps the most discussed and least understood aspect of shoemaking for the uninitiated. While the details are elaborated in the text below, the images alone convey the significance of the cork filling—a key feature of John Lobb's signature Goodyear welt construction—as well as the sole attachment and finishing meticulousness. Ready-to-wear John Lobb shoes involve approximately 190 steps. Even with 160 photos across four installments, not all could be covered, reinforcing the profound commitment to craftsmanship and history embedded in each pair.

John Lobb | Interview 01

Creative Director's On-Site Interview (Part 1)
Andrés Hernández Speaks Extensively

For this on-site report, we approached John Lobb with the theme: "Exploring John Lobb's Unceasing Design Evolution." While many brands in the luxury men's ready-to-wear category rest on their laurels with classic or long-selling models, John Lobb consistently presents designs that showcase the pinnacle of their craft, using the finest leathers, through its annual models, Japan-exclusive editions, and its Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections. We spoke with Creative Director Andrés Hernández, who is at the core of these bold endeavors.

John Lobb | Interview 02

Creative Director's On-Site Interview (Part 2)
Andrés Hernández Speaks Extensively

"It is important to dedicate love and passion to your shoes," says John Lobb's Creative Director, Andrés Hernández, with great enthusiasm. In the latter half of our interview, we delved deeper into the question: "Why does John Lobb never cease to evolve its designs?"

The Flagship Store in the Brand's Home Country, Which Sells the Most John Lobb Shoes Worldwide
The Appeal of the "John Lobb Jermyn Street Store"

Jermyn Street in London is said to be where a British gentleman can find everything he needs for his attire. It is here that the "John Lobb Jermyn Street Store" is located. Stepping through the classic entrance that blends with the streetscape reveals a modern space enveloped in John Lobb's signature colors.

The World's First Butler Service

The World's First Butler Service
Experiencing the Butler Service at "The Connaught" in London

While shoe-shining services at "The Peninsula Tokyo" and "Mandarin Oriental Tokyo" are familiar to John Lobb fans in Japan, the "The Connaught" hotel in London was the first establishment in the world to introduce this service. Guests can experience the service provided by Martin Binks, a butler specially trained at the John Lobb factory in Northampton.

John Lobb's First Participation in "London Collections: Men" (1)

London Collections: Men 2014 AW
John Lobb's First Participation in "London Collections: Men" (1)

JOHN LOBB, a purveyor to the British Royal Family, has finally participated in "London Collections: Men." A grand presentation, featuring new models and existing collections, was held at "VICTORIA HOUSE" in London, showcasing their 2014-15 Autumn/Winter collection.

John Lobb's First Participation in "London Collections: Men" (2)

London Collections: Men 2014 AW
John Lobb's First Participation in "London Collections: Men" (2)

"London Collections: Men," which introduces the forefront of British menswear, welcomed the long-awaited debut of "JOHN LOBB." The presentation, held on January 6th, was a resounding success, attracting nearly 300 journalists, primarily from Europe.

John Lobb's First Participation in "London Collections: Men" (3)

London Collections: Men 2014 AW
John Lobb's First Participation in "London Collections: Men" (3)

At London Collections: Men, John Lobb aimed to convey its pride as a British brand and its spirit of evolution. The presentation of six shoe models masterfully recreated London's unique scenery, compellingly showcasing the footwear for discerning men.

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