Melvin & Hamilton
Melvin & Hamilton is a family-owned German shoe brand founded in Heidelberg in 1988 by Rajab Choukair. It makes leather shoes for men and women, plus leather bags and accessories.
| Founded | 1988, Heidelberg |
|---|---|
| Founder | Rajab Choukair |
| Designers | Karim and Olivier Choukair |
| Award | Schuhkurier Best Brand / Manufacturer 2018 |
| Website | melvin-hamilton.com |
What is Melvin & Hamilton?
Melvin & Hamilton is a leather footwear label born in Heidelberg, Germany, in 1988 under the vision of Rajab Choukair, who wanted to create his own shoe brand. It remains family owned and run.
History
The brand started with men's shoes such as derbies and oxfords. Rajab's sons, Karim and Olivier Choukair, joined the business in the 1990s and still design the collections. Early production was with specialised workshops in Turkey and later in India. In 2018 the German trade magazine Schuhkurier named it Best Brand / Manufacturer.
Products and positioning
Today Melvin & Hamilton offers women's and men's shoes, leather bags and accessories including belts, wallets and shoe care. The company emphasises vegetable-tanned leathers, water-based dyes and audited tanneries, positioning itself in the premium segment for characterful, hand-finished leather.
- Men's and women's leather shoes
- Leather bags
- Belts, wallets and shoe care
Distribution
Its design studio is in Heidelberg, with a small team in Paris. The brand sells through its own online shops and selected retailers across Europe.
Why it matters
Melvin & Hamilton shows how a second-generation family business can build a recognisable European shoe brand around leather craft and responsible tanning.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Melvin & Hamilton from?
Melvin & Hamilton is a German shoe brand founded in Heidelberg in 1988.
Who founded Melvin & Hamilton?
Rajab Choukair founded the brand; his sons Karim and Olivier Choukair design the collections.