London Label Kurt Geiger Takes Big Step Into The US Footwear Market

Kurt Geiger is a staple in London as a retailer of footwear and accessories built on creativity and commitment to kindness. With a history spanning over fifty years, Kurt Geiger’s in-house designers create statement styles inspired by the vibrance and authenticity of London, with its office located in the design district. The leather goods fashion brand has jumped into the US footwear market, seeing success through its bold designs.

Over the span of almost six decades, Kurt Geiger has evolved from its modest beginnings on London’s prestigious Bond Street in 1963 into a global fashion powerhouse. The brand has established a presence with over 70 namesake stores and substantial distribution to renowned department stores like Nordstrom, Galeries Lafayette, and Harrods. However, a pivotal strategic shift occurred four years ago when Kurt Geiger decided to focus intensively on the American market.

With brands that include Kurt Geiger London and KG Kurt Geiger, catering to women, men, and children, Kurt Geiger’s men’s FW23 collection rejuvenates the name with the help of Creative Director Rebecca Farrar-Hockley and Men’s Footwear Designer Samuel D’Avoine. The collection ushers in a blend of classic British silhouettes with contemporary Portuguese craftsmanship, focusing on comfort and modern style.

D’Avoine takes great pride in delivering styles that appeal and share the same quality as top luxury brands. He says, “The formal and dress shoes are handmade in Portugal using Italian and Spanish leather. The sneakers are made wherever is best for that specific style/construction e.g. more technical sneakers are made in China and more casual in Portugal.”

The collection includes formal shoes like oxfords, double monk straps, and Chelsea boots, all modernized with premium Italian leather, cushioned memory foam insoles, and slip-proof rubber soles. Formals like the ALI loafer have been crafted in premium Italian leather, boasting a wider cut for optimal comfort. The interior of the shoes has an innovative footbed and cushioned memory foam insole with Kurt Geiger’s signature quilting.

Slim stitched soles and a discreet slip-proof rubber island are minimal for shoe support, but trendy options like chunky-soled Hawke loafers and boots, Bank loafers, and Viper Hiker lace-up boots are both lightweight and stylish. Their Viper Hiker and Hunt Chelsea boots have convenient features like elasticated gussets. The sneaker collection includes Lenon Slip On, Gaspar runners, the Southbank, and Sonic sneakers, catering to styles ranging from dress shoes to casual sneakers.

The seasoned D’Avoine has an intrinsic understanding of luxury as the former Head of Design for Menswear at Jimmy Choo and early on at Coach, Dr Martens, and Lanvin. D’Avione is leading the Kurt Geiger brand into this realm while remaining faithful to the customer. He states, “KGL men’s shoes stand apart from other competitor brands in the market by offering different footwear styles, for all wearing occasions, that combine unique modern design, with craftsmanship and quality materials for the best price.”

“As for design aesthetics, KGL shoes stand out for their confidence,” D’Avoine declares. “Whether it is an evening slipper, a boot, or a sneaker, KGL shoes all have a considered touch of glamour through a London lens, allowing them to be styled for any event.”

This journey to the US market has proved immensely successful, catapulting Kurt Geiger’s global reach and surpassing European markets. In fewer than 48 months, Kurt Geiger exceeded sales projections in the United States, passing the $200 million mark and achieving significant growth rates for the third consecutive year.

Although the brand initially gained recognition for its footwear collections, it has solidified its position in the market by achieving success through handbags, contributing to nearly 80% of its sales. In this sector, Kurt Geiger outperforms legacy brands and competitors, including household names like Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, and Michael Kors.

Recognizing the continued demand for retail innovation and a burgeoning desire for standalone stores across the United States, Kurt Geiger has taken strategic steps to further its growth initiatives. Kurt Geiger operates over 60 stores and 15 boutiques globally, with a growing customer base in North America, Europe, the Middle East, China, and Australia. In addition to creating vibrant footwear and accessories, the Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation fosters a diverse and inclusive fashion community, raising over $650,000 toward mentorship for youth who want to enter creative industries.

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