The document discusses John Lobb's bespoke shoes. It describes how John Lobb was appointed shoemaker to the Prince of Wales in the 1800s due to his high-quality craftsmanship. While the tradition of custom-made clothing has declined with globalization, John Lobb has survived and offers bespoke shoe-making services. For an average starting price of $6,000, clients can have shoes made exactly to the shape of their feet according to their lifestyle needs and sense of style, creating a practical piece of art that reflects their personality.

1. “Love the life you live, and live the life you love” Bob MarleyEXECUTIVE LIFE
JULY 2015 | www.executive-magazine.com88
THE SHOE OF THE SELF ACTUALIZED MAN OF TASTE
JOHN LOBB’S BESPOKE SHOES
Words by Sara Ghorra
in today’s fast paced, consumption-driven world,
where the dominant trend is to constantly acquire
more belongings, some people find themselves long-
ing for stillness, visible authenticity, uniqueness and
timelessness in their closet.
Luckily for the gentlemen who have climbed the
ladder of success and have reached far beyond the
stages of physiological, security and social needs, as
per Maslow’s Hierarchy, there exist some (very) expen-
sive yet ageless products on the market that will allow
them to feel pampered subtly while simultaneously
offering them a trip down memory lane and a return
to some fading traditions of grandeur.
Indeed, only a few decades ago a trip to the tai-
lor’s was one of the modern European man’s neces-
sary diversions. He would spend hours with his tailor
as if he were an old friend, enjoying this moment of
relaxation with a cup of tea and some conversation,
anticipating the joy of a beautifully fitted suit while
having his measurements taken by a skilled crafts-
man. This tradition has regrettably fallen by the
wayside as the continuing globalization has made
mass-produced fashion more widely and readily ac-
cessible, resulting in a dramatic increase in produc-
tion speed and consequently a major loss in the art
of personalization.
Fortunately, some well-established enterprises
offering original made-to-order garments have sur-
vived. One of them is John Lobb Bootmaker. Some
150 years ago, the founder of the company with the
same name was appointed official shoemaker to the
Prince of Wales due to the high quality craftsmanship
of his stylish, durable and comfortable handmade
shoes and boots for men.
In 1976, John Lobb & Co. became part of the
Hermès Paris Group and has since been increasingly
able to offer a wider audience some of this vanishing
heritage: bespoke shoes. Although John Lobb Beirut
boutique, found in downtown Beirut, first opened its
doors back in June 2013, it wasn’t until last month

2. www.executive-magazine.com | JULY 2015 89
that the bespoke section was introduced during one
of the master bootmaker’s visits from the company’s
workshop in Paris.
Despite the fact that John Lobb offers ready
to wear collections as well as a “by request” service
for customized shoes, it is the bespoke offering that
is the most unique. These shoes are designed and
manufactured according to the exact shape of an
individual’s feet, his lifestyle needs and according to
his own sense of panache. The service gives any man
willing to pay for a premium quality, durable, person-
alized shoe — average starting price is $6,000 — the
opportunity to acquire what is essentially a practical
piece of art.
Since every element of the shoe can be made as
per request in terms of outer and inner colors, type of
leather, sole, etc., it is up to the client to get creative.
After all, a bespoke shoe is a reflection of the person-
ality of the wearer.
So dear affluent men, now is your chance to
invest in a long term relationship with a symbol of
classic elegance and individuality while also making
a daring statement. It can always be just a shoe, but
it could also become a tangible reminder to yourself
and others of your success!