GEORGE COX

Very few companies thriving in the current market can proudly present themselves as the ones that stayed true to their original designs while attracting the attention of millions of people from around the world even nowadays, with 21st-century fashion being widely different from what was popular at the beginning of the past century. George Cox managed to preserve its authenticity, craft, and independent values, while at the same time pushing the limits of shoemaking crafts and design concepts to the edge.

The British company, first established in 1906 and starting its timeless production with only two designs, traditional Derby and Oxford shoes available in black and brown, definitely belongs among pioneers in the craftsmanship and revel in popularity even a century later. George Cox’s history tells us a story of devotion and an unspeakable magnitude of perseverance. Seemingly, the company has been through rough times not only on the fashion scene but withstanding the social and cultural changes of one country. And with the worldwide distribution picking up in the post-war era, also adapting to global market and needs. The ultimate fame came once George Hamilton Cox took over the company in 1934 from the late founder George James Cox. Under Ham's leadership, the company started selling around the country and building up a name and a reputation for itself.   When in 1949 the style progressed and shoes with thick soles made of natural “plantation crepe” were introduced and took over the market, Ham responded with namesake style and introduced The Hamiltons, dubbed brothel creepers. And who better introduce the style than a widely popular subculture? This footwear became popular among youth all over Britain, once Britain's first mass cult took it into liking, the Teddy Boys. For quite some time in the past, George Cox creepers, the most famous design by the company, has been first associated with the Punk era throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s, when the scene was longing for the revival of the ‘50s fashion, mainly as a rebellion against the hippie culture. But the real popularity came when George Cox shoes in the UK were noticed by famous underground singers, among others by Johnny Rotten of The Sex Pistols, Joe Strummer of The Clash or the legend of English and worldwide rock scene, David Bowie.  After the turbulent 1970s, Goerge Cox successfully altered the style of by then provocative and extravagant shoes, likewise evolving the production from several variations to hundreds of thousands, combining the possible choices of pattern, material, detailing, sole and welt. Geroge Cox shoes were no longer the best selling and most desired footwear only in the UK, but people were searching for George Cox shoes in the USA, George Cox shoes in Canada, George Cox shoes were hit even in Germany. The obvious popularity brought multiple famous George Cox collaborations, among the most famous line of footwear with Comme des Garcons or collaboration with Paris Vogue's fashion editor Emmanuelle Alt. 

Alterations of famous George Cox shoes