Bobbies, fun, elegant shoes.
Bobbies is the name of the Parisian moccasin that aspires to go off the beaten track. Born in 2010, these elegant shoes with pop-inspired overtones rapidly made its mark with young people, who could spice up their classic outfits without putting a foot wrong. Initially created for a masculine clientele, Bobbies now proposes numerous models of moccasins, flat lace-ups and boots for men and women.
Music to the soles.
The company's story started when two childhood friends came up with the idea of updating traditional moccasins, the shoes they'd been obliged to wear in high school. The year was 2010, and Antoine Bolze and Alexis Maugey were having trouble recognising themselves in the trends at the time, which they found overly conservative. They dreamt of fun, modern moccasins, with fine rubber pads, beautiful finishing... and affordable prices. It is, therefore, modelled on these young entrepreneurs - optimist, dynamic and just 23 years old - that the first French brand of moccasins with rubber pads, is born. Named Bobbies - a reference to British DJ Bobby Blanco, that the boys listen to non-stop, the label adopted a pelican as its emblem, which is a symbol of generosity. The logo is reproduced on the heel of all the brand's shoes and the bird has become a true mascot for Antoine and Alexis who, showing their sense of humour, have even give him a nickname: Jean-Bobby the Magnificent.
Under the Portuguese sun, each pair of Bobbies is the product of entirely artisanal creation, which shows off the hides sourced directly in Italy to their best advantage. From sandals to sneakers, to heels and ballet pumps, the sweet flavour of Bobbies can now be found in a comprehensive range of shoes for men and women. The annual calendar of the brand with the bird logo is punctuated by the launch of two seasonal collections, plus a permanent line full of verve and freshness.
The travelling pelican takes off.
Initially sold online, Bobbies moccasins open their first shop in 2013, in the Marais district of Paris. Since then, the brand has grown extensively and is now distributed in 420 multi-brand shops, including internationally. In 2012 the French label joined up with Menlook for the creation of a limited edition of men's moccasins with summery undertones. This first collaboration would be followed by a second in 2015, this time with BonneGueule, a community site for masculine fashion. A partnership totally unlike the first, since it was focussed on winter with the launch of Bobbies fur-lined boots. More recently, a capsule collection signed Marie Sixtine was made up of women's sandals with a bohemian twist.
If the elegant and offbeat style of Bobbies collections meant they were originally aimed at a young target, Jean-Bobby has finally managed to convince the older generation to join the adventure. With sumptuous versions in different materials and colours, the bold-as-brass house never ceases to surprise with models with real sense of style such as: