What kind of brand is JM WESTON , which has produced numerous models that are considered masterpieces? From here, we will explain its appeal by unraveling the history of the brand.

2. History | The History of JM WESTON

In 1891, Edouard Blanchard founded a shoe factory in the Limoges region of France. Soon after, his son Eugène joined the family and, drawn to the modern shoemaking methods of America, learned the Goodyear welt construction technique in Weston, near Boston. The brand was named JM WESTON after this location.

Since opening its first store in Paris on Boulevard de Courcelles in 1922, the brand has expanded significantly and become one of the most popular brands not only in Japan but also around the world.

The brand's biggest breakthrough came with the creation of the iconic "#180 Signature Loafer" in 1946. In 1962, it became a must-have item for the "Bande du Drugstore" (drugstore gang) of young people who hung out at drugstores on the Champs-Élysées, adopting the "jeans and loafers" style. This solidified its status as a symbol of that generation, and it remains deeply etched in history as a French treasure.

The timeless "French elegance" that is passed down through generations.

The defining characteristic of JM WESTON shoes lies in the "French elegance" that has been passed down for 130 years. By combining classic styles with contrasting elements, this Parisian style is born, leading to the creation of timeless models that never go out of style.

While preserving the superior craftsmanship of the Limoges factory, which has been in operation since the company's founding, and maintaining research into comfortable walking, the company continues to evolve through repeated model changes.

JM WESTON continues to evolve through rich expressive activities.

Olivier Saillard, who was appointed Artistic Image & Culture Director in 2018, is the former director of the Palais Galliera, the Paris Fashion Museum, and a world-renowned curator who has worked on numerous exhibitions. He has a strong interest in Japanese culture and has been inspired by Japanese brands such as Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto , and Comme des Garçons, and has engaged in various creative activities based on them.

Since taking office, he has been responsible not only for the products but also for the overall brand vision, and Weston's future endeavors are not to be missed.

3. Product Section | A Commitment to Craftsmanship Passed Down Through Generations

JM WESTON is the only shoemaker that owns its own tannery. There, traditional techniques and vegetable tanning methods unchanged for hundreds of years are preserved, and the finest leather is produced by skilled craftsmen. Not only the uppers, but also the leather soles are made from high-quality materials tanned in-house.


At our own factory in the Limoges region of France, where we have been operating since our founding, 200 craftsmen work daily, carrying on tradition while incorporating the latest machinery to create shoes. It takes approximately two months to produce a single pair of shoes, involving 150 manual processes such as leather cutting, upper stitching, assembly, and polishing.


Craftsmanship and traditional techniques inherited from history give rise to the highest standards of manufacturing, and each and every technique is a culmination of these skills that supports the brand. The brand's appeal lies in its commitment to handcrafted methods and its refusal to pursue mechanical speed, instead valuing rare artisanal skills.