Alexis Maugey and Antoine Bolze created the brand Bobbies in 2009 when both students wanted to start their own business, and became drawn to Moccasins instead of a gap year in banking.
When fashion ecommerce traffic slows, in pre-festive December, I was guilty of being drawn to the early season mountain air, and in 2017 escaped to Verbier twice for weekends. Both times proudly taking only hand luggage; a feat I would not have thought possible, but I was fed up with over-packing for what is essentially three days dressed in a uniform of thermal waterproof nylon polyurethane.
My minimalist clothing selection process wasn’t the problem. It was the shoes. Because let’s face it, I challenge anyone to run for gate closing at Luton airport at 7 a.m in moon boots. And when you can only pack one pair of shoes for the mountains, the challenge is finding the perfect multi-purpose warm ankle snow boot. By complete chance, after much internet searching on the journey home - I may I have found them.
The La Frileuse in Antelope brown
‘Civilian’ enough to wear at the weekend in London. Normal enough for the airport. Short enough that your feet don’t overheat on the plane. Comfortable enough to wear with either thin or thick socks. Versatile enough to wear with jeans, leggings, and fur in the evening. And waterproof for snow walks through the village.
Designed in Paris, handmade in Portugal, Bobbies' leathers are carefully selected from the best Italian, Spanish and Portuguese tanneries. The magic of the French capital has inspired Alexis and Antoine to create the ever-evolving collections: boots, heels and lined shoes. And the permanent collection which gives pride of place to the coloured moccasins from season to season.
Of course, the moon boots will still be squashed into my carry on – and still the only solution for midnight post boozy fondue sledging down from Chez Dany. But now I have my Bobbies La Frileuse boots - the answer for everything else.
January 2018