Mezlan: A Lifestyle Bible For Men
Interviewed by Kenyatta D. Pious
Tell us about the latest offering.
Our inspiration has always been people. Whether
it is texture, nature, art, color, form, or emotion,
we’re always inspired by the way people who
wear our designs. We’re starting to
deliver Fall/Winter `08 and we’re showing
a very dressy approach to footwear. You’ll
see closed edge silhouettes, shiny materials (shiny
calf or patent leather), suede’s and quite
a few exotic skins that are staples in the collection
(alligator, crocodile. Eel skin, ostrich and stingray).
There’s also a lot of boots from a military
inspired look to the classy zipper boot.
For Spring/Summer ‘09 we are currently presenting
a line at the wholesale level now but it will not
be in stores until January. The inspiration for
this collection is less dressy and less structured.
Our new dress looks will enable a man to wear them
in a more relaxed way. We’re using softer
materials that can be fitted without wearing socks.
You’ll see a lot of tubular and driver shoes.
And we’re creating new woven and laser worked
leathers to create interesting textures.
Who are the core clients of Mezlan?
Our core clients have always been fashionably
inclined men who really care about how they look
and feel. Our customers place high importance
on expressing their individuality and taste in every
aspect of their daily lives, inclusive of the shoes
& clothes they wear. These highly conscious
individuals will always be our core clients.
Say something about the beginning of Mezlan.
The Mezlan family began its legacy in the mountains of Spain while handcrafting fine saddles and exotic leather goods for generations of European aristocrats. Throughout the years, and with a reputation for superior craftsmanship and quality, the Mezlan name became synonymous with luxury. In the 1960s Mezlan increased its production capabilities and transformed itself from a small custom leather shop to a cottage industry, emerging as one of the leading men’s fashion footwear manufacturers in the world.
Where can the collection be purchased and what is the price point?
Mezlan footwear & accessories can be found in select high-end department stores and unique men’s specialty stores throughout the country including Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Ave, and Macy’s. You can also purchase the collection at Mezlan’s official website www.mezlanshoes.com or it’s first-ever company owned boutique at The Shoppes at The Palazzo in Las Vegas (702-893-6116). Price points range from $225 to $1350 for the Mezlan collection and $135 to $295 for its sportier, trend-driven, comfort-performance line, Bacco Bucci.
Where is the company located?
Factories in Spain and Italy; Warehouses on both coasts of the U.S.; and Corporate offices in Huntington Beach, California.
Where is manufacturing handled?
Manufacturing is achieved both in our own factory in the Southeastern region of Spain, as well as a factory near the Adriatic coast of Italy. Both have an old world style of traditional handcrafting that we are very proud of in today’s world of mass manufacturing. It’s uniquely wonderful.
How is Mezlan marketed?
Word of mouth has been the strongest marketing tool for the Mezlan brand. Customers that have been truly satisfied with the product along with the compliments that they receive from their peers and associates, has helped build the success of the line. Mezlan has also been featured in the most prominent regional and national fashion magazines and trade publications in the country.
Tell me one thing that has been key to the success of Mezlan.
We constantly develop fresh, new styles and designs to keep our product line relevant and exciting. We are enthralled in the innovative design process. We value genuine artistic expression and demand the use of the highest quality materials in the marketplace today. It’s truly filled with our personal passion.
Why do you think retail is so tough nowadays?
People are watching their spending patterns more carefully these days. To be quite frank there is a part of us that is somewhat afraid to spend and certain situations warrant such caution. There are multiple circumstances at work in these times. These things are cyclical and certainly will return to a robust upturn in retail activity.
What do you think are the biggest trends right now?
One strong trend is the sustained interest in Premium Denim elements in today’s fashion wardrobe. We see our collections as very relevant and versatile in regards to this trend. Our Bacco Bucci collection is uniquely geared to coordinate with so many of the new denim lines. And these days, our Mezlan dress collection allows you to wear a great pair of exotic moccasins, slip-ons or boots with jeans and a blazer. Our styles are directional yet understandable, so they work really well with these looks.
Are there any trends that bore you?
Baggy, sloppy pants. We see a more tailored
yet comfortable trend emerging. Even the NBA
has set guidelines for their high profile athletes
to dress in suits before and after game-time.
What is the toughest thing about the market right now? What is your solution?
One of the toughest things about the market right now is the domino effect which often results from the barrage of bad news projected by the media. The media can tend to over-state a tough situation. But we need to be positive with our fellow workers and our customers. Heartfelt, extraordinarily good customer service is always welcomed and vital. Also, customers need to see new and exciting product in our stores that will entice their buying interest. We need to find a way to make it happen for them. It will pay off in the end. Love your customers and let the good times roll!
What is one thing that no one knows about the company?
That, though we are the well-known owners of our brand,
involved in every aspect of our business, it is the
one hundred pairs of unseen hands, that painstakingly
yet lovingly craft each pair of Mezlan shoes, that
makes all the difference in the world.
For more information: www.mezlanshoes.com
