Doucal's

Doucal's is a renowned Italian shoe brand that is known for its blend of British aesthetics and Italian craftsmanship. The company was started in 1968 by Mario Giannini, who initially operated an artisanal shoemaking workshop in the Marche region of Italy. This workshop was named Ducale due to its production of luxury items for an aristocratic clientele, reflecting its location in central Italy where medieval dukes nurtured a culture of arts, crafts, and trade. In just a few years, the workshop evolved into an enterprise, and Doucal's was officially founded in 1973, carrying an English-sounding name that represented the aspirations of an Italian man who admired the style and quality of British footwear​​.

Mario Giannini's appreciation for British style was more than just an aspiration. He went to Northampton, the heart of the British shoe-manufacturing district, for a Goodyear workmanship project. During this time, he learned the secrets of various construction methods and identified the main features of English style, which heavily influenced the European market in the 1970s. He returned home equipped with a renewed commitment and respect for his work, infusing these values into his small firm. However, Doucal's maintained its quintessential Italian identity, showcasing an aesthetic, subtlety, and etherealness that is characteristic of Italy​​.

The business saw a significant boost when Giannini's sons joined the company. Gianni, the image and product manager, dealt with style while Jerry took over as the financial and commercial director. By this time, Mario had transformed a small artisanal workshop into an Italian-manufacturing industry, now ready for further expansion under the second generation​​.

Doucal's footwear is designed with English aesthetics but provides a unique Italian fit. This is achieved by using a footbed with a layer of shape-memory foam that ensures the foot remains cool and comfortable. This special design gave Doucal's footwear an edge that was highly appreciated in emerging markets​​.

Doucal's operates in Montegranaro, located in the province of Fermo, which is one of Italy's 21 production districts. This region is known for men's footwear that still requires over 100 different manufacturing steps, most of them carried out by hand. In the early 2000s, companies, workshops, and manufacturers started moving to industrial sites. Doucal's responded with the innovative idea of a multi-site factory, expanding into six different old plants that were upgraded and linked together without altering the original architecture of the neighborhood. As of now, Doucal's occupies a surface area of 4,000 square meters, paving the way for further extensions, especially to build on the success of Doucal's women's collections​​.

In terms of product offerings, Doucal's offers a variety of footwear options, including loafers in different styles and colors. The price range for these items is roughly between $376 and $565, reflecting the high-quality materials and craftsmanship that go into each pair​​.

As of my last training cut-off in September 2021, I'm unable to provide any further updates or developments about Doucal's. For the most current information, I would recommend visiting the company's official website or other trusted sources.