In the rarefied world of bespoke shoemaking, John Lobb stands as a paragon of excellence since 1866.
This venerable institution has graced the feet of royalty, Hollywood luminaries, and discerning gentlemen for over a century and a half.
In an era of fast fashion and ephemeral trends, who chooses John Lobb as their footwear of distinction?
Let us embark on a sartorial journey through the corridors of power, the red carpets of Tinseltown, and the stages of artistic expression to uncover the modern gentlemen who favour this timeless brand.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio, Oscar laureate and environmental crusader, exemplifies classic Hollywood élan.
At the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, DiCaprio showcased his John Lobb predilection twice.
For the ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ photocall, he sported the Moorgate in Black Oxford Calf leather.
This sleek shoe, from the Spring/Summer 2023 collection, boasts discreet elastic panels on its seams, a testament to John Lobb’s innovative approach to comfort and style.
At the film’s premiere, DiCaprio elevated his ensemble with the Earl, a sophisticated Oxford featuring a silk grosgrain collar and gimped seams.
Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy, the Irish thespian known for his intense portrayals, has become synonymous with John Lobb’s Freddi boot.
Murphy donned the Freddi in Black Oxford Calf at the New York screening of ‘Oppenheimer’.
This ankle boot, a highlight of the Autumn/Winter 2023 collection, features a 4cm heel and a concealed zip, marking a bold direction for the house.
Inspired by 1970s English style, the Freddi seamlessly melds vintage aesthetics with contemporary craftsmanship.
Murphy’s consistent choice of the Freddi throughout the ‘Oppenheimer’ press tour has elevated its status to a coveted menswear piece.
Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper, the multi-hyphenate artist, opts for the Liverpool single buckle derby from John Lobb.
This choice reflects Cooper’s appreciation for understated sophistication.
The Liverpool, with its clean silhouette and single buckle closure, offers a modern interpretation of a classic style.
Cooper’s selection illustrates John Lobb’s ability to bridge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities.
Charles Melton
Charles Melton, the rising star of ‘Riverdale’ fame, shares Cooper’s penchant for the Liverpool single buckle derby.
Melton’s choice underscores the versatility of John Lobb’s designs, appealing to both established Hollywood royalty and the new guard of young actors.
The Liverpool’s adaptability to both formal attire and smart-casual ensembles makes it ideal for an actor navigating diverse industry events.
Pedro Pascal
Pedro Pascal, the charismatic lead of ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us’, favours the Freddi boot from John Lobb.
Pascal’s selection of the Freddi for Vanity Fair’s Hollywood Issue cover shoot highlights the boot’s photogenic qualities and versatility.
The Freddi’s sleek profile and hidden zip closure provide Pascal with the perfect blend of comfort and style, crucial for long days on set or extended red carpet appearances.
Coleman Domingo
Coleman Domingo, the Tony-nominated actor and playwright, is another Freddi boot enthusiast.
Domingo’s choice reflects his theatrical background, where style and substance hold equal importance.
The Freddi’s elevated ankle and heel offer a subtle boost of stature, ideal for an actor who commands attention both on stage and screen.
Domingo’s preference for John Lobb at high-profile events demonstrates the brand’s status as a go-to for performers who understand the impact of a strong sartorial foundation.
Barry Keoghan
Barry Keoghan, the Irish actor renowned for his intense performances, completes the trio of Freddi boot aficionados featured in Vanity Fair’s Hollywood Issue.
Keoghan’s choice aligns with his reputation for bringing an edge to classic styles.
The Freddi’s fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design mirrors Keoghan’s ability to bring a modern sensibility to period pieces and character-driven roles.
Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig, immortalised as James Bond, frequently dons John Lobb Single Monks.
Craig’s preference for John Lobb aligns perfectly with the sophisticated image he cultivated as 007.
The Single Monk style, when paired with Craig’s bespoke suits, creates an image of unparalleled refinement.
Craig’s endorsement has significantly bolstered John Lobb’s reputation as the choice for those who demand uncompromising elegance.
Marcello Mastroianni
The late Marcello Mastroianni, the quintessence of Italian cinematic cool, was a devoted John Lobb patron.
Despite often portraying antiheroes, Mastroianni’s personal style was decidedly classic.
He commissioned a dozen suits annually from his Roman tailor, always in English fabrics, and made John Lobb his first port of call when visiting Paris.
Mastroianni’s loyalty to John Lobb underscores the brand’s enduring appeal across generations and national boundaries.
Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra, the legendary crooner and actor, was another notable John Lobb enthusiast.
Sinatra’s choice complemented his impeccable sense of style, which has become as iconic as his music.
The brand’s dedication to quality resonated with Sinatra’s own perfectionism, both in his art and his appearance.
Sinatra’s patronage further cemented John Lobb’s status as a favourite among the true legends of entertainment.
Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington, the jazz virtuoso and bandleader, was renowned not only for his musical genius but also for his sartorial elegance.
Ellington’s preference for John Lobb shoes speaks to the brand’s appeal across different spheres of cultural influence.
For a musician who once quipped, “I am the world’s most famous musician in England”, his selection of this quintessentially British brand was a natural fit.
Ellington’s patronage underscores John Lobb’s ability to transcend mere fashion, becoming an integral part of a cultural icon’s personal expression.
Laurence Olivier
Sir Laurence Olivier, one of the most revered actors of the 20th century, was another John Lobb aficionado.
Olivier’s choice for both his stage performances and personal life demonstrates the brand’s versatility and durability.
For an actor who inhabited a vast range of characters, from Shakespearean kings to contemporary leads, John Lobb provided a consistent foundation of quality and style.
Olivier’s loyalty to the brand speaks volumes about its ability to meet the demands of the most discerning and accomplished individuals.
The British Royal Family
John Lobb’s royal warrant is a living testament to its continued relevance at the highest echelons of society.
King Charles III, long known for his impeccable style, is a devoted John Lobb customer.
Princes William and Harry have followed suit, both literally and figuratively, in their choice of John Lobb footwear.
The late Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana also favoured John Lobb, demonstrating the brand’s cross-generational appeal within the royal family.
This royal patronage underscores John Lobb’s position as a brand that not only embraces tradition but also evolves with the times.
Samuel Fosso
Samuel Fosso, the acclaimed Cameroonian photographer, brings an artistic perspective to the John Lobb clientele.
For his series ‘Autoportraits II’, created in collaboration with the Maison Européenne de la Photographie and A Magazine curated by Wales Bonner, Fosso wore a Navy Courchevel City II Oxford from John Lobb’s By Request service.
Fosso’s choice demonstrates how John Lobb’s craftsmanship can be a form of artistic expression in itself.
The By Request service, allowing for personalisation, reflects John Lobb’s commitment to individual expression, a value that resonates deeply with artists like Fosso.
Conclusion
The roster of John Lobb wearers reads like a who’s who of global influence and creativity.
From silver screen icons to jazz legends, from royalty to renowned artists, John Lobb has consistently been the choice of those who value timeless elegance and uncompromising quality.
What unites this diverse group is their understanding that true style transcends trends.
John Lobb shoes are not mere accessories, but investments in craftsmanship and heritage.
They are silent statements of discernment, success, and an appreciation for the finer things in life.
In a world of ephemeral fashion, John Lobb remains a beacon of permanence, a reminder that some things are truly timeless.
For the modern gentleman seeking to make a statement of quiet confidence and refined taste, John Lobb continues to be the ultimate choice in footwear.