He stepped confidently onto the polished marble floors, the light reflecting off his shiny distinct blue Berluti Oxford shoes with each confident stride. The shoes radiated an otherworldly glow, catching the attention of passersby as he glided through the crowd with effortless poise and style. This is the legend of Berluti.
Berluti is known for its leather goods, which are handcrafted using a special tanning technique that was developed in-house. This technique, known as “Berluti patina,” involves a complex process of layering colors and finishes on the leather to create a rich and unique depth of color. As with the Coca-Cola Company, and many other companies that have created special recipes, the formula for this patina has been passed down from generation to generation and of course, is so closely guarded secret that only a few people know.
If you are unfamiliar with the effect of patina on formal shoes like Oxfords and Derbies, or Berluti bags, it may appear as though the color is not uniform, and a slight depigmentation has occurred, creating contrasting shades of the same color. However, this unique technique also combines a level of intensity with a beautiful shining effect that produces a stunning glow from the shoes and bags. Wearing the shiny Berluti shoes to work in the past might have elicited disapproving expressions from your colleagues, but nowadays, the latest leather sneakers exude the ultimate cool factor.
Berluti is a French luxury fashion brand, not Italian, and owned by LVMH. Berluti has been crafting exquisite leather goods, footwear, and ready-to-wear clothing for over 125 years. Founded in Paris in 1895 by Alessandro Berluti, the brand has a rich history and heritage of exceptional quality and artisanship that has earned it a loyal following of discerning customers around the world. Since 2005, the brand has produced fine leather goods and since 2011, a complete clothing line. Kris Van Assche is the main designer, who was previously with Dior Homme. Bespoke tailoring service is available at selected outlets of the brand’s 60+ stores worldwide.
Besides the more classic and formal shoes, the modern range includes sneakers, sandals, boots, slippers, and backpacks targeting a slightly younger target market who are extremely style-conscious people. Some of the famous clients of Berluti include Andy Warhol and Marcello Mastroianni.
In 2022, Berluti established a partnership with BWT Alpine F1 Team drivers and executive team providing “elegance kits”, or fashion wardrobe on selected occasions composed of a formal suit and informal jeans, embroidered shirt and cashmere blazer ensemble. Berluti has other collaborations with luxury brands and designers such as Hublot, Krug Champagne, and Hennessy, all with the aim to create brand appeal to a wider audience.
The Berluti brand is distinct and has established itself as a cultural icon with a rich and fascinating history. From its unique tanning technique to its resilient shoes and iconic designs, Berluti continues to inspire and captivate fashion enthusiasts around the world.
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Funny facts about Berluti
- The Shoe That Survived a War: During World War II, a pair of Berluti shoes belonging to a French Resistance fighter named Jacques Somborn survived a bomb explosion that destroyed his home. Despite being buried in rubble for several days, the shoes were found intact and were later put on display at a Berluti boutique in Paris as a testament to the brand's durability and artisanship.
- The Shoe That Inspired a Song: In the 1960s, French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg wrote a song called "Initials B.B." in which he mentions a pair of Berluti shoes belonging to his lover, actress Brigitte Bardot. The song became a hit, and helped to cement Berluti's reputation as a brand associated with elegance, style, and romance.
