Navyboot was founded in Switzerland in 1991 by the Bencivenga family, who were inspired by the quality and sturdiness of shoes made for the United States Navy. Navyboot owes its recent high profile and global expansion to Swiss entrepreneur Philippe Gaydoul, who roped in his good friend, the aptly named Michael Schumacher, to be its global ambassador. Having started as shoemaker, Navyboot now also makes accessories. The brand opened its Hong Kong store last year.
the manufacturing and quality of the leather used are as important to Navyboot as style. We also love the attention to detail and the nods to traditional shoemaking, as well as the playful approach to trends.
we're taken by the ethnic frisson of the Coucous Bag (far right; HK$16,500) - a glorious combination of lamb nappa leather, natural goat fur and coloured beads. If that's a bit too alternative for your tastes then we recommend the chic platform ankle bootie (right; HK$6,400), which comes in a winning mix of black kid leather and polished calf leather, with a textured mesh.
Navyboot is in Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2736 5198.