John Lobb names new artistic director

Luxury English footwear brand John Lobb, owned by the Hermès Group, has named London-based designer Paula Gerbase as its new

artistic director, effective July 1.

Gerbase, who studied at Central Saint Martins before working with Savile Row tailors including Hardy Amikes and Kilgour, will begin her work at the footwear label for the Autumn/Winter 2015 collection, which will be showcased during London Collections: Men in January 2015.

The new position will see Gerbase responsible for all collections, ready-to-wear, bespoke and accessories, as well as the creative development of the brand, and she will report to John Lobb’s CEO Renaud Paul-Dauphin.

"Within the Hermès group and at John Lobb, we approached the decision to appoint an artistic director with earnest intent,” said Paul-Dauphin. “We wish to bring a modern vision to the brand, whilst respecting its intrinsic values of craftsmanship.”

Founded in 1866, John Lobb specialises in handmade shoes and boots for men and was acquired in 1976 by the Hermès Group. The brand has 20 stores, including flagships in London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai.