John Lobb celebrates double buckle William with modern take on icon

John Lobb, the London maker of men's shoes and boots reputed for its craftsmanship, service and style, is celebrating the 75th anniversasy of the creation of a memorable shoe, the William double-buckle, with the release of a new set of images lensed by creative duo Image Group.

Named after its creator William Hunter Lobb, the innovative style featured an unprecedented
pattern in shoemaking with its distinctive double buckles.

It was first crafted as a bespoke model for John Lobb’s son in 1945, and later became the first model to be launched in the house’s ready-to-wear collection in 1982.

John Lobb launched the William New Standard in June. It is a new iteration of the style characterised by a contemporary rounded toe last, with a sophisticated, strong silhouette.
In September, John Lobb is bringing two re-issues to mark the anniversary and celebrate the
strength of William through the ages with William ‘92 and William ‘98 available exclusively this year.

An enduring signature of the house, the William silhouette has become an enduring emblem
for quality of craftsmanship, innovation and modernity.
In 1976, John Lobb was acquired by the Hermès Group. However, the London bespoke workshop, John Lobb Ltd, remained in the hands of the family, and continues to operate independently from its premises at 9 St James’s Street. The Paris bespoke atelier, the By Request service and ready-to-wear collection, as well as all the other John Lobb boutiques, are all part of the Hermès-owned company.