Labucq

SUMMARY

Labucq is a contemporary women’s footwear brand based in Los Angeles, founded by Lauren Bucquet, former Director of Footwear and Accessories at Rag & Bone. The brand is widely popular for its combination of classic craftsmanship and modern design, and the team focuses on high-quality materials and sustainable production methods. Labucq primarily offers handcrafted shoes that combine European artistry with a modern sensibility. Since its inception, the brand has gained a loyal following, receiving recognition for its commitment to ethical manufacturing and innovative design.

ORIGINS AND HISTORY

Lauren Bucquet, a former director of footwear and accessories at Rag & Bone, founded Labucq in 2018 with a vision to create timeless yet contemporary footwear. Drawing on her extensive industry experience, she sought to bridge the gap between luxury craftsmanship and accessibility. Bucquet’s design philosophy emphasises high-quality leathers, thoughtful detailing, and ergonomic construction.

“My husband and I started Labucq in 2018. We flew to Italy with my then 14 month old son and spent two weeks working with Fabio, a factory owner who I’d worked with for years with Rag & Bone. It was insanely cold, and snowing in Tuscany. We eventually psyched ourselves up to place our first order and had it delivered six months later to a rented warehouse around the corner from Highly Likely Cafe in West Adams, LA,” Lauren Bucquet says on her website.

The brand’s early collections focused on sleek, wearable silhouettes, incorporating subtle embellishments and artisanal craftsmanship. Labucq quickly gained traction among fashion influencers and industry insiders, positioning itself as a modern alternative to traditional luxury footwear. A defining moment for the brand was its collaboration with contemporary designers and artists. In 2020, Labucq partnered with New York-based fashion label Sandy Liang, creating a limited-edition capsule collection featuring square-toe boots and sculptural heels that reflected both brands’ avant-garde sensibilities.

Labucq’s design ethos is deeply influenced by European craftsmanship, with all footwear meticulously produced in family-run factories in Italy. This commitment to artisanal production has been a key differentiator, earning the brand a strong reputation for quality and sustainability. In 2022, Labucq expanded its product line beyond footwear, introducing a small range of leather accessories, including structured handbags and belts. This diversification allowed the brand to offer a more comprehensive luxury experience while maintaining its commitment to superior craftsmanship.

“We don’t compromise on our production, quality, or the little details that our best customers appreciate, in order to sell more or make more margin. We still make everything in Italy, in the same factory since day one. It’s the best shoe factory I’ve ever worked with over my now 15 year career in the industry.”

The brand has also been a fixture at international fashion weeks, showcasing its collections in Paris and New York through private presentations and showroom events. These exclusive previews have solidified Labucq’s status as an emerging powerhouse in luxury footwear. In 2023, Labucq entered a strategic partnership with a major luxury conglomerate, securing investment to expand its retail presence and further develop its sustainability initiatives. This move has enabled the brand to scale its operations while maintaining its independent spirit and design integrity.

VISION

Lauren Bucquet founded Labucq with the belief that luxury footwear should be accessible and timeless. Her vision was to create shoes that merge traditional European craftsmanship with contemporary styling, offering a balance between functionality and elegance. Bucquet prioritised ethical sourcing and sustainable production, ensuring that every pair of shoes reflected both quality and responsibility.

“I founded Labucq to bring designer sensibility and leadership to this exciting new channel. And to keep doing what I love; making beautiful shoes.”

A core aspect of Labucq’s vision is its direct-to-consumer model, which eliminates unnecessary markups while providing customers with high-end craftsmanship at a more attainable price. This approach allows for greater transparency and fosters a deeper connection between the brand and its clientele. Additionally, Labucq champions a slow fashion philosophy, focusing on quality over quantity. Instead of chasing seasonal trends, the brand emphasises longevity, designing footwear that remains relevant across multiple seasons.

MISSION STATEMENT

Labucq is dedicated to redefining modern luxury by offering high-quality, ethically crafted footwear that seamlessly combines style and comfort. The brand seeks to bridge the gap between contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship, ensuring that every product reflects precision, durability, and aesthetic refinement. Sustainability is at the heart of Labucq’s mission. The brand prioritises responsibly sourced materials, ethical labour practices, and small-batch production to minimise waste. By working exclusively with skilled artisans in Italy, Labucq upholds the highest standards of craftsmanship while supporting sustainable manufacturing processes.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

• Lauren Bucquet – Founder and Creative Director

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Labucq specialises in high-end footwear that marries traditional Italian craftsmanship with modern design elements. The brand’s collections range from sleek ankle boots and structured loafers to elegant sandals and sculptural heels, all meticulously crafted with premium materials. Some of Labucq’s most celebrated designs include the Penny Loafer Boot, a hybrid of classic tailoring and contemporary structure, and the Marta Sandal, a refined yet minimalistic take on the summer staple. These pieces have garnered praise for their versatility and comfort, making them favourites among fashion enthusiasts. In addition to its core footwear line, Labucq has introduced a selection of leather accessories, including handbags and belts, designed with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Each piece reflects the brand’s dedication to timeless aesthetics and sustainable production.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Labucq has been recognised for its contributions to sustainable fashion and innovative design. In 2021, the brand received the Sustainable Footwear Initiative Award, highlighting its commitment to ethical sourcing and responsible manufacturing. Fashion publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle have praised Labucq’s collections, featuring the brand in editorials and style roundups. Influential fashion critics have commended the label’s ability to blend practicality with elegance, solidifying its status in the luxury footwear market. In 2023, Labucq was nominated for the Emerging Designer of the Year Award at the CFDA Fashion Awards. This nomination underscored the brand’s growing influence and its role in shaping the future of modern footwear design.

REFERENCES

1. “The Designer Behind Rag & Bone’s Cult-Favorite Boot Is Branching Out With Her Own Line”. Vogue
2. “How Lauren Bucquet is bringing a designer-led philosophy to her new DTC brand”. Glossy
3. “You’re Going to Want All the Shoes From This New Brand”. The Cut
4. LABUCQ, FROM RAG & BONE ALUM LAUREN BUCQUET Fashionista 
5. Off Duty: Lauren Bucquet of Labucq Bleu