When Did Hermes Buy John Lobb?

Hermes, the French luxury fashion house, is known for its high-quality leather goods and accessories. One of its prized possessions is John Lobb, a British shoemaker that has been synonymous with quality footwear since 1866.

But when exactly did Hermes buy John Lobb? Let’s take a closer look.

The Early Days of John Lobb

John Lobb was founded in 1866 by the eponymous English bootmaker. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing top-quality bespoke footwear for men. In fact, John Lobb shoes were so well-regarded that they were worn by some of the most prominent men of the era, including King Edward VII and Winston Churchill.

The Acquisition by Hermes

In 1976, Hermes acquired John Lobb Ltd. from the company’s then-owner Edward Green. At the time, Hermes was looking to expand its reach into the high-end shoe market, and John Lobb was seen as a perfect fit for the brand.

The acquisition allowed Hermes to integrate John Lobb’s expertise in shoemaking into its own operations. Today, all John Lobb shoes are made in Northampton, England but sold worldwide through Hermes stores.

The Impact on John Lobb

Since being acquired by Hermes, John Lobb has continued to produce some of the finest shoes in the world. However, there have been some changes to the brand over time.

For example, in recent years, John Lobb has expanded beyond just bespoke shoes and now offers ready-to-wear footwear as well. This move has allowed more people to experience the quality of John Lobb shoes without having to go through the bespoke process.

The Legacy Continues

Despite these changes over time, one thing remains constant: both Hermes and John Lobb are committed to producing high-quality products that stand the test of time. Whether you’re looking for a bespoke shoe that’s tailored to your exact specifications or a ready-to-wear option that still exudes luxury, John Lobb and Hermes have got you covered.

In conclusion, Hermes bought John Lobb in 1976, with the goal of expanding its reach into the high-end shoe market. Since then, John Lobb has continued to produce some of the finest footwear in the world, with a legacy that spans over 150 years.