Gaziano & Girling Awarded First-Ever Royal Warrant: Celebrating BFA Members Honoured by HM The King
The British Footwear Association (BFA) proudly celebrates the appointment of several of its members to the prestigious Royal Warrant list by His Majesty King Charles III. This year marks a historic milestone for Gaziano & Girling, who have received their first-ever Royal Warrant – recognising their outstanding contribution to British luxury shoemaking. Alongside them, long-standing BFA members including Tricker’s, Crockett & Jones, John Lobb, Loake, and Barbour have either retained or renewed their Royal Warrants, further affirming their excellence and dedication to heritage craft.
Gaziano & Girling: A Landmark First Appointment
Founded in 2006, Gaziano & Girling has swiftly become a name synonymous with innovation in classic English shoemaking. With a workshop in Kettering, Northamptonshire, the brand blends traditional techniques with refined contemporary design. Their appointment in May 2025 marks a major milestone, acknowledging nearly two decades of meticulous craftsmanship, design excellence, and commitment to British manufacturing. This is the company’s first Royal Warrant, a prestigious recognition of its growing legacy.
Continuing Recognition for Excellence in Craft
Tricker’s – continues to uphold nearly two centuries (1829) of Northampton shoemaking tradition. Known for producing some of the most durable shoes in the industry. Each pair of Tricker’s shoes is meticulously crafted using 265 individual processes over 12 weeks, ensuring durability and comfort. Managing Director Martin Mason expressed immense pride in this recognition, reinforcing their long-standing relationship with the Royal Family.
Crockett & Jones – Founded in 1879, Crockett & Jones specialises in Goodyear welted shoes, known for their strength, durability, and comfort. Northampton-based company uses only the finest calf leathers from Europe’s leading tanneries. Each pair takes up to eight weeks to manufacture, involving over 200 highly skilled operations. Now in its fifth generation, Crockett & Jones remains a family business dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality and service.
Loake Shoemakers – Loake name has been synonymous with traditional English craftsmanship and fine, handmade shoes for five generations and 140 years. The company is still family owned and operating in the same town in Northamptonshire. Loake is most famous for its Goodyear Welted footwear, an intricate construction with origins that can be traced back more than 300 years. These shoes have become firm favourites with discerning customers worldwide and are now exported to more than 60 countries. The company estimates that, since it began business in 1880, it has made over 50 million pairs of fine shoes.
John Lobb – established in 1849, is renowned for its bespoke handmade-to-measure shoes and boots. Run by the fifth generation of the Lobb family, the company has a rich history of creating footwear for a distinguished clientele. Located on St James’s Street, London, John Lobb’s workshop is famed for its meticulous craftsmanship and personalised service. The Royal Warrant awarded to John Lobb by HM The King recognises their exceptional skill and dedication to bespoke shoemaking.
Barbour – Founded in 1894 and headquartered in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, Barbour is an iconic British brand with a longstanding reputation for durable, functional, and stylish outerwear. Over the years, it has evolved into a full lifestyle label, offering clothing, footwear, and accessories for men, women, and children under the Barbour and Barbour International brands. With Royal Warrants held since the 1970s, Barbour’s continued recognition under HM The King reflects its enduring commitment to quality, British heritage, and craftsmanship across all categories, including footwear.
Conclusion
The Royal Warrant appointments reflect the continued impact of BFA members on British craftsmanship, luxury manufacturing, and global style. From new honourees like Gaziano & Girling to the historic brands maintaining their legacy, the British Footwear Association celebrates the enduring excellence of its members in serving both tradition and modern demand.