Boots made for walking? John Lobb to launch Rs 6-lakh handmade shoes

Looking for that perfectly-fitted, stylish pair of shoes and ready to splurge any amount? Choose colour, leather, style, sole and give your measurements along with a cheque of Rs 6,00,000. And you are ready to step out. But you will have to wait for months.

Premier English handmade-to-measure boot-maker, John Lobb, is set to offer its customised “by request” shoes for the Indian buyer. The brand will foray into the
Indian market with the launch of its first, flagship store in New Delhi by the end of next year.

However, the “by-request” service will start from June. Owned by French luxury house Hermes Group, John Lobb aims to target the elite class with the customised offerings priced at about Rs 6,00,000 for a pair. A readymade pair will cost Rs 50,000.

Brands such Louis Vuitton, Ermenigildo Zegna and Jimmy Choo have already entered India.

Considering India as a potential and growing market for luxury goods, John Lobb has tied up with Mumbai-based Regalia Luxury for distribution and retail of its men shoes in India. “India can be considered as a relatively young market, but definitely not as emerging like others. This is why we aim to target the Indian clients with a dedicated strategy,” said Thomas Collette, commercial director for Europe, West Asia and India, John Lobb.

The company will take six to eight months to deliver customised shoes whereas for ready-made shoes it takes around 14 weeks. “The customised shoe would come as a wooden model for trial first” said Pratik Dalmia, head, Regalia Luxury.

The customisation service allows customers to choosing from over 150 available models from the collection.

The company is looking to attract industrialists, senior executives, sports and Bollywood personalities. “We are looking for consumers who travels internationally and has a history of luxury indulgence,” he said.