Bobbies: One Foot Forward
The world is absorbed with brands, with the who’s who and whats hot and whats not! Once in a while one decides to leave this box of ignorance and try something new, a more trendier option that may even surprise you to be better then what you have been using all these years.
The other day I decided to do just that when I bought myself a pair of Bobbies! I had seen fun pictures of them a while back when they first came to Egypt but then felt like the hype died and I kind of forgot they existed. This is until walking in to Ego the other day and finding the innovative colors & designs laid out in front of me as if I was a kid at a candy store I suddenly wanted all of them, but settled for a pair of beige ones kind of like the ones bellow.
I was suddenly in love and therefore decided I wanted to know more, leading me to sit down with Michael Mansour & Ramy Darweesh the boys behind Bobbies in Egypt. Here is all you need to know about this fantastic brand!
Tell us, Why Bobbies? What is the story behind the brand and why did you feel it suited the Egyptian market in particular?
The source of inspiration for Bobbies was found in all the famous party places and sunshine capitals around the world and more generally in everything that contributes to the happiness of the contemporary man. Everything from the house music wave of the early 21st century to, more simply, the pleasure of a refreshing drink on the beach…
The colors and flair of Bobbies resonate well with Egypt’s sunshine, fantastic beaches and vibrant streets. Bobbies is about being happy, optimistic and lighthearted.
Who are the Egyptian Bobbies team?
The Bobbies team is made up of two close friends from Alexandria. Michael Mansour and Ramy Darweesh.
How many stores does Bobbies have internationally? What is the expansion plan?
We have about 100 retailers all over the world: Japan, Lebanon, Egypt, USA, UK, Mexico and numerous luxury hotels. The expansion plan is a double: continue distributing our products in very high standard shops and develop Bobbies boutiques in the great capitals of the world: London, NYC, Istanbul, Beirut and Cairo!
Are there any celebs we can attribute to the brand? Or marketing campaigns that we might have seen?
Few French celebrities are already faithful customers and we offered pairs to others like Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer. I cannot give you too much information about our next marketing campaign, all I can say is that it’s about the French Riviera and Paris, which constitute the DNA of Bobbies.
You have a fantastic array of colors, and innovative designs tell us about these concepts?
When Bobbies was created we wanted to show that loafers can be cool and trendy, because in most people’s minds loafers were only for the middle-aged and classic.
Colors (especially in suede leather), pure design, affordable price and great quality (Italian leather, handmade in Portugal) gave Bobbies this very positive image.
Colors gave Bobbies a real joyful and offset image, which was exactly what we were looking for. This has enabled the brand to attract many customers that had never worn moccasins before.
How do you stand apart from Tod’s the infamous brand that has swept the world with it’s must have moccasins?
Tod’s plays on a very classical and luxurious image. The brand finds its DNA in the Italian way of life, the Dolce Vita.
Bobbies is French, furthermore Parisian. We like to play on an enchanting world. For instance, we do not use models in our photo shoots. Bobbies is a happy and amusing brand. Moreover, it is about two to three times more affordable than Tod’s.
We have great respect for the Italian brand and we do not see ourselves as competitors. People don’t buy Tod’s and Bobbies for the same reasons…
How many pairs do you have yourself?
I am a proud owner of seven pairs and counting…you?
Is Bobbies solely a caterer for Moccasins or do you have other shoe styles as well?
Bobbies reinvents basics such as desert boots, boots, ballerinas and of course moccasins, bringing originality and character to the world of men’s and women’s shoes.
Who are the designers behind the brand and where does the inspiration come from?
Founded by two young Parisians, Antoine and Alexis in love with driving moccasins, Bobbies offers a nonconformist take on these fashionable shoes.
Guided by a French flair that immerses offbeat within an up-market universe, Bobbies has succeeded in combining a multitude of colors with energetic cuts to offer a casual and fresh style to urban men and women. Bobbies intends to be the relaxed brand of this trendy, dynamic and wayfaring generation.
What can we expect from Bobbies in the upcoming collection?
Original radiant colors, sailor knots, bow-ties and the first collection of moccasin slippers for women – S.E.X.Y.
What is next for Bobbies expansion in Egypt 2013?
Bobbies currently retail at Beymen, EGO and Amuse (Zamalek). We have big plans to open a boutique in the Middle East soon. We are now working with partners to launch the brand in Beirut this year.
One last thing! Bobbies is opening its flagship store in the Marais district in Paris, on May 1st.
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