Jan Jansen
Jan Jansen is a Dutch designer footwear label created by shoe designer Jan Jansen, who opened his first shop in Amsterdam in 1968. It is known for sculptural, often extreme shoe shapes in bold colours and unusual materials.
| Designer | Jan Jansen |
|---|---|
| First shop | Amsterdam, 1968 |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Signature materials | Suede, cork, bamboo, plexiglass |
| Website | janjansen.com |
What is Jan Jansen?
Jan Jansen is the footwear label of the Dutch shoe designer of the same name, one of the best-known names in Dutch shoe design. His shapes are rarely understated and often extreme, which made his shoes collectors' and museum pieces.
History
Jansen first worked under the Jeannot label and designed anonymously for companies such as Charles Jourdan, before dedicating himself to his own line and showing it at European trade fairs. He opened a small shop in Amsterdam in 1968, followed by boutiques in Heusden and Antwerp. A fourth boutique, his first in the United States, opened in Mill Valley, California.
Products and positioning
The label is defined by craftsmanship and experimentation:
- A great affection for suede, in fine and more casual grades
- Unusual materials such as plexiglass, bamboo and cork
- Recurring colours including brilliant red, peacock blue, saffron yellow and black
- Lasts handcrafted by the designer himself
Distribution
Besides its own boutiques, North American licensing rights to manufacture and distribute the footwear were acquired by a Dutch couple, Meno Vos and Thoan Kho.
Why it matters
Jan Jansen shows how an independent designer label can build an international reputation through distinctive design rather than scale.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Jan Jansen from?
Jan Jansen is a Dutch shoe designer whose label started with a shop in Amsterdam in 1968.
What are Jan Jansen shoes known for?
They are known for sculptural, often extreme shapes, bold colours and materials such as suede, cork and bamboo.