The world is at your feet. This expression implies fame, fortune and the power of potential. When it comes to shoemaking, the expression takes on additional layers of meaning. At traditional luxury bottier Berluti, the emphasis is definitely on potential. Renowned for their bespoke services, the LVMH-owned brand has its roots in traditional Parisian shoemaking and remains justly famous for its artisan values and distinctive quirks.

Despite being part of a luxury conglomerate, the founding family is still involved, with chairwoman Olga Berluti – grand-niece of founder Alessandro Berluti – very much running the company. One of the few women in a trade dominated by men, Olga defines the eccentric touch of Berluti shoes with trademark asymmetrical designs and experimental treatments.

• Ankle Boot

  

• Moccassin

  

• Monk Shoe

  

• Scarified Court

  

This is very much in evidence in the Démesures Collection from the brand, which builds on the Alessandro court shoe and the Andy moccasin by introducing four new shoes. The brand issued a statement confirming that this new collection is meant to pay tribute to some of the greats who have inspired the brand over the past century (it was founded in 1895).

Joining the Alessandro and the Andy are the Pioneer (a traditional ankle boot that echoes the first shoe from the brand), the African Warrior (scarified court shoe), the Intellectual (monk shoe with buckle and scribed verse) and the Dandy (faithful moccasin with a touch of impertinence). All four shoes are slender and elongated, making them very contemporary affairs. Since Olga's goal is creating traditional artisan shoes with all the comfort of modern sneakers, you can expect even the aggressive African Warrior to be gentle on your soles.