Barleycorn
Barleycorn is an Italian casual footwear brand based in Civitanova Marche in the Marche region. Set up in 1991 by Gianfranco Fornari, it makes boots and sneakers with a sober design of English influence.
| Founded | 1991 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Gianfranco Fornari |
| Headquarters | Civitanova Marche, Italy |
| Signature model | Classic 781 |
| Website | barleycorn.it |
What is Barleycorn?
Barleycorn is an Italian footwear brand based in Civitanova Marche, in the province of Macerata, one of the centres of the Italian shoe industry. The brand is known for a sober design language of English influence combined with technical features in the sole.
History
Barleycorn was set up in 1991 by Gianfranco Fornari. The business remains with the Fornari family: Giuseppe Fornari has worked as sales manager and art director, while Lino Fornari heads the group. With the Spring/Summer 2015 collection the brand presented a global relaunch built on updated versions of its best known models.
Products and positioning
The range covers casual footwear for men and women, including boots and high top lace up sneakers. Key product lines include:
- Classic 781 and Classic 781 Woman, updated versions of the brand's icon models
- Air, produced in more than 70 versions with an air bag in the sole for cushioning
- New Classic, a model sold for more than 20 years and fully reworked
The company's registered activities also extend to other apparel and accessories, as well as luggage and leather goods.
Why it matters
Barleycorn illustrates how family owned shoe companies in the Marche district combine a stable core of long running models with periodic technical updates, a model that relies on recognisable icons rather than fast seasonal turnover.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Barleycorn from?
Barleycorn is an Italian footwear brand based in Civitanova Marche, in the Marche region of Italy.
Who founded Barleycorn?
Barleycorn was set up in 1991 by Gianfranco Fornari, and the business remains with the Fornari family.