Adrian Gell, Barker's Sales Director, tells you the story of this English flagship in this report.
Find all the secrets of the made-in-England shoe explained by Adrian Gell in our video:
A Remarkable Heritage
Barker's history dates back to 1880, when Arthur Barker, a gentleman with a passion for shoe craftsmanship, founded the brand. Now in its 144th year, Barker embodies the quintessence of British elegance and quality. Originating in the village of Earls Barton, the brand has thrived on its dedication to family tradition and craftsmanship excellence.
The Beginnings: A Family Adventure
Arthur Barker was much more than a shoe manufacturer. He scoured the streets of London in search of the best materials and the most prestigious orders. His family was closely involved in the manufacturing process, contributing to the brand's growing renown.
The Goodyear Sewing Technique: Exceptional know-how
From the outset, Barker has distinguished itself through its mastery of Goodyear stitching, a manufacturing technique renowned for its durability and quality. Inspired by Charles Goodyear's 1873 invention in the USA, this artisanal method involves a meticulous process involving over 200 manual operations for each pair of shoes.
An Ancestral Manufacture
Barker's workshop in Earls Barton has been the heart of the brand since its inception. Originally built in the 1980s, the space symbolizes Barker's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Every pair of shoes that leaves this workshop embodies the brand's centuries-old heritage and tradition.
Barker's Classic Elegance
Barker's signature lies in its commitment to producing timeless shoes inspired by the styles of the 1950s and 1960s. The English richelieu remains the brand's signature model, testifying to its attachment to British elegance and sophistication. Each pair of Barker shoes is the result of meticulous craftsmanship, where attention to detail is an absolute priority.
Eco-responsible commitment
With sustainability in mind, Barker takes an eco-responsible approach by using leather from the meat industry. No material is wasted in the manufacturing process, with each piece of leather carefully used to minimize waste. This responsible approach reflects Barker's commitment to the environment and the preservation of natural resources.
An Exceptional Manufacturing Process
Each pair of Barker shoes is the result of meticulous work by passionate craftsmen. With up to 60 manual steps, the manufacturing process bears witness to the brand's unique expertise. Every gesture is imbued with tradition and precision, guaranteeing the exceptional quality that characterizes Barker shoes.
Innovation and Adaptation for the Future
Looking to the future, Barker remains committed to its core values while adapting to market developments and changing consumer needs. By developing its women's collection, which has been neglected for several years, and exploring new designs and materials, the brand intends to remain relevant while preserving its heritage. But also by teaming up with strategic partners such as L'Exception and investing in new technologies and social networks, Barker is preparing to meet the challenges of the modern market while remaining true to its tradition of excellence.
Discover all the Barker pieces for men at L'Exception!!
Low-quality materials, poor working conditions, ultra-fast production, extreme pollution... Unfortunately, fast-fashion has many other secrets that we invite you to discover.
L'Exception sets out to discover the know-how of its brands. To coincide with the arrival of the season's new products, we had the pleasure of visiting the Opinel manufacturing site in Chambery.
Free shipping to Puerto Rico from 200€
Express delivery with DHL
All taxes and duties paid by us
DUTIES AND TAXES
PAID BY US
You will not incur any additional charges
upon receipt of your parcel
PAY IN YOUR OWN CURRENCY Secure online payment
We accept all major currencies with a guaranteed fixe rate
L'Exception gift card
Gifts card from 50€ up to 1000€ for your loved ones
Log In
Welcome to L'Exception outlet!
Find your favorite pieces from 3000 items up to 70% off
Only our member customers can access this outlet,
Let's log in and check the items.
L'Exception flash sale will give you exclusive discounts on our designers. Those sale last only 48h on a very limited stock ! Just login to your customer account to enjoy the sale.
Welcome to L'Exception's private sales !
This space is reserved for our members,
You must log in to your account to access it.
You have to be logged in to add a coupon.
You have to be logged in to your customer account to add a gift card.
You must login to continue
Would you like to use the wishlist? In order to save your favourites, we need you to be logged in to your customer account. Click below to log in to your account or create one.
You are logged
An error has occurred. Please try again later or contact us by email at serviceclient@lexception.zendesk.com.
HAVE WE MET ALREADY ?
Your email or your password is incorrect.
NOT YET A CUSTOMER ?
or
Your account
Your account has been created. You will receive an email confirmation.A customer account already exist with this email. An error has occurred. Please try again later or contact us by email at serviceclient@lexception.zendesk.com.Passwords are not identical.This email is not valid.
Your account
Your account has been created. You will receive an email confirmation.A customer account already exist with this email. An error has occurred. Please try again later or contact us by email at serviceclient@lexception.zendesk.com.This email is not valid.
Log In
A new password was sent to you by email.
This email doesn't match any account at L'Exception.
Enter your email address and we will send you a new password.
Cookies management
Choose the cookies you want to activate or refuse.