29 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
29 October 2026
AI IN FASHION
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Footwear

Barrett

Italy

Barrett is an Italian footwear brand founded in Parma in 1917. It makes classic and contemporary men's shoes, from lace-ups and loafers to boots and sneakers, with a British influenced style.

Facts
Founded1917
HeadquartersParma, Italy
OriginsSir John Richardson Barrett and Zanlari e Tanzi
Trade fairPitti Uomo
Websitebarrett.it
Segment
Luxury
Categories
FootwearMenswearAccessories
Sales channels
WholesaleE-commerce

What is Barrett?

Barrett is a footwear brand based in Parma, in the Emilia region of Italy. It combines British style with Italian craftsmanship and presents its collections at Pitti Uomo in Florence.

History

The brand was founded in 1917 through a partnership between Sir John Richardson Barrett, a tannery owner from London's East End, and Zanlari e Tanzi, a long established shoe store in Emilia. That Anglo Italian origin still shapes the brand's identity today.

Products and positioning

Barrett's range covers formal and casual footwear as well as accessories:

  • Lace-ups, loafers and monk shoes
  • Boots, ankle boots and trekking boots
  • Sneakers and sandals
  • Belts and shoe accessories

The brand describes its style through themes such as British style, classic, new formal, luxury, craftsmanship and contemporary, positioning it at the upper end of the men's footwear market.

Why it matters

With more than a century of history, Barrett is one of the heritage names of Italian men's footwear, and an example of how a classic shoemaker has broadened its offer to include sneakers and casual styles.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Barrett from?

Barrett is an Italian footwear brand based in Parma, founded in 1917.

What does Barrett sell?

Barrett sells men's shoes including lace-ups, loafers, monk shoes, boots and sneakers, plus belts and accessories.

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