Fera Libens

Fera Libens is an Italian men's footwear brand that makes shoes from materials of non-animal origin. Its shoes are produced by artisans in Vigevano and the Marche region.

What is Fera Libens?

Fera Libens is an Italian men's shoe brand built around materials of non-animal origin. The name is Latin and means "happy beast", a reference to a legend from Tellaro in Liguria in which a giant octopus warned villagers of an invasion.

History

The brand was founded by Federico Guenzi and Francesco Virtuani, both Bocconi University alumni, who met after graduating while in Ireland. The idea took shape in autumn 2014, and the pair joined the Speed MI Up start-up programme in June 2015 while preparing their website and online sales launch.

Products and positioning

Fera Libens makes men's shoes from microfibre, developed with studies carried out by the CNR in Vigevano. The material is lightweight and breathable and is hard to tell apart from real leather. The founders have said that recycled and plant-based materials may be used in future.

Production is handled by artisans in Vigevano and the Marche region, two long-established Italian shoemaking areas. The brand stresses ethics, aesthetics and function, together with Italian craftsmanship and sustainability. Its founders take the view that caring about animals does not require being vegetarian or vegan.

Distribution

Early plans centred on online sales, selected stores and trade fairs, with a women's line planned for later. The founders identified foreign markets, especially English-speaking countries, as their main opportunity.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Fera Libens from?

Fera Libens is an Italian brand, with its shoes made by artisans in Vigevano and the Marche region.

What does Fera Libens sell?

It sells men's shoes made from materials of non-animal origin, chiefly microfibre.

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