Paula Gerbase, a London-based designer, is the artistic director of the luxury English footwear brand John Lobb, owned by the Hermès Group. The position sees her responsible for all collections, ready-to-wear, bespoke and accessories, as well as the creative development of the brand. When she started her work at the footwear label for the Autumn/Winter 2015 collection, John Lobb’s CEO Renaud Paul-Dauphin said: “We wish to bring a modern vision to the brand, whilst respecting its intrinsic values of craftsmanship.” Gerbase, studied at Central Saint Martins, she trained in couture tailoring at the atelier of Hardy Amies, and then worked for five years as Head Designer of Savile Row tailor Kilgour. During these years in Savile Row she immersed herself in a world of rigorous craft and absolute attention to detail. Her brand "1205" was launched in 2010. It focuses on quality of cut, fabric and proportion. Her menswear and womenswear collections have immediately gained attention from the most prestigious stores in Japan, including United Arrows, Isetan, Beams and Dover Street Market, followed by worldwide stockists such as Browns, 10 Corso Como and Net a Porter.
From 1205.eu
From 1205.eu
From 1205.eu
From 1205.eu
Founded in 1866, John Lobb specialises in handmade shoes and boots for men and was acquired in 1976 by the Hermès Group. John Lobb himself was born in 1829 in Cornwall, but made his way to London as a young man as an apprentice bootmaker. He set up his first shop on Regent Street in 1866. He rapidly established itself as the premier boot and shoemaker of the day, providing a bespoke service to the aristocracy, as well as the political and business elite. In 1902 the company opened its first store in Paris, which echoed its London success and attracted a broad array of international clients. The company continues to maintain its bespoke shoe-making, also retaining bespoke principles in the manufacture of its ready-to-wear collection with its 190-step manufacturing process for each pair of shoes. The collection, which includes all the iconic classics, such as the William 'monk' shoe and the Lopez loafer, as well new models reflecting contemporary lifestyles, always retains the timeless traditions of John Lobb: exceptional quality, fine craftsmanship, comfort, durability and elegance.
William "monk" model. From johnlobb.com. Man collection.
Lopez model. From johnlobb.com. Man collection.
Hawthorn model. From johnlobb.com. Women collection.
Hawkes model. From johnlobb.com. Women collection.