Luxury Insider

The House of Berluti: Tradition with Flair

Seasoned footwear connoisseurs will by now have heard of Berluti, the fascinatingly creative bottier (boot maker) that has built up a fiercely loyal  fan base amongst celebrities and high-life cognoscenti.

Originally started in Paris in 1895, the company’s current identity has been lovingly shaped by its chairwoman, Olga Berluti, the grand-niece of founder Alessandro. Working closely with her esteemed customers, she has created inspired new styles and colours with a unique passion. Her love for the art of fine leather work has over the decades made the Berluti name famous amongst those who appreciate only the finest footwear. Celebrity names - all male - such as De Niro, Depardieu, Kennedy, and Warhol can be counted amongst the company’s exclusive clientèle.

Since taking the helm of the bottier, Olga Berluti introduced a variety of experimental treatments for her shoes, and Berlutis are now known for their flamboyance of colours, stitching, and design.

Striking colours are possible with Olga’s unique leather treatments. Assymetrical designs feature prominently, giving incredible flair to an oft-staid product. Customization is also a staple, with every customer being able to specify the exact shade and sheen desired of his pair of shoes.

So devoted are some of Berluti’s faithful that they have formed the International Swann Club, who come together annually to share their passion for their shoes. They are so fanatical about their shoes that a major feature of their meetings involves Dom Pérignon champagne, which, as you may already have guessed, is used to polish their Berlutis.

The Distinctive Berluti Style

Don’t adjust your screen, you can have your Berlutis in this colour if you wish. Olga Berluti’s secret leather treatment of essential oils and colours produces indescribable lustre in every imaginable sheen. Note the assymetrical “piercing” on the right shoe.

The rich wood-grain look of the leather is a Berluti trademark and a customer favorite.