FASHION /
MEN
March 25, 2015
London Collections: Men Autumn/Winter 2015-16 Collection Report (4) | JOHN LOBB
JOHN LOBB
London Collections: Men 2015-16 Autumn/Winter Collection Report (4)
A Message from Artistic Director Paula Gerbase
"John Lobb makes wonderful shoes. My role here is to add an element of 'emotional appeal' from a new perspective, while respecting the quality and the customer," says Paula Gerbase at the presentation venue. Her skill in rebranding the company logo, actively incorporating new lasts, and bringing about such a noticeable change in design for the 2015-16 Autumn/Winter collection was met with great surprise.
Photographs by ARAKI RyujiText by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)
Paula Gerbase's Distinctive Expression
John Lobb's 2015-16 Autumn/Winter collection, the first directed by Paula Gerbase since her appointment as Artistic Director, was truly impactful. The presentation visually captured the 'emotional appeal' she spoke of.
The landscapes of Cornwall in the southwest of England, projected onto screens at the venue, were precisely what founder John Lobb would have seen, having lived there until the age of 22. Paula's dedication to "John Lobb's roots" permeated the entire space, conveying a vivid sense of connection.
Cities, Landscapes, and Colors Seen on Her Journey
For this collection, Paula based her creative direction on the question: "Who was the founder John Lobb, where did he come from, and what did he do?"—Paula herself journeyed approximately 490 kilometers, from Cornwall to London, wearing John Lobb shoes, retracing the path taken by the founder John Lobb as a young man of 22.
The cities she saw during her travels have been used as model names, and the landscapes and colors are reflected in the design and hues of the new models.
"Learning about John Lobb's journey and how arduous an adventure it was, I was genuinely moved," says Paula. "I had expectations and anxieties about my new role at John Lobb, but on the journey I took to honor his spirit, there was the sea, moss, nature, sand, and further still, a story."
Paula believes that if she creates the collection while envisioning that journey, "it is bound to become an emotional shoe." The prevalence of boots among the new models is also inspired by John Lobb's travels.
The 2015-16 Autumn/Winter collection, which traces the brand's roots and emerges from narrative, builds anticipation for the changes she will bring.
Paula Gerbase
After building her career at Savile Row tailors, Paula Gerbase launched "1205" in 2010, a brand conceptualized around pure, restrained materialism. Emphasizing cut, material, and proportion above all else, she highlights traditional craftsmanship by exploring essential elements, much like finding tranquility amidst the noise.
John Lobb Japan
Tel. 03-6267-6010
http://www.johnlobb.com/jp
