Sustainability in Footwear: Crafting for a Timeless Tomorrow

Sustainability in Footwear: Crafting for a Timeless Tomorrow

In an age dominated by fast fashion, we remain resolutely devoted to the values of artistry and sustainability. With over 13 years of heritage, our footwear is not merely a product; it is a celebration of craftsmanship—meticulously designed to endure and evolve, aging gracefully with time. Each pair is handmade by master Italian artisans, built to last with the added benefit of resolability, ensuring longevity while reducing the need for constant replacements.

We choose only natural hides—by-products of the food industry—and favour vegetable-tanned leathers, treated with tree barks, water, and other natural ingredients. This eco-conscious method steers clear of harmful chemicals, enhancing the leather’s resilience while remaining deeply respectful of the environment.

One of a Kind, Imperfectly Perfect

At 124, the art is in the detail. Every nuance is deliberate, from the finest leathers, marked by their natural imperfections, to the unique colouring and antiquing that give each pair its individual character. Our shoes are hand-patinated, hand-buffered, dip-dyed, and discoloured, using methods such as wax, stone washing with pumice stones, and brushing to create tactile textures. These rare, intricate techniques, mastered by a select few artisans, ensure that each pair is as beautifully imperfect as it is perfectly crafted.

Quality Beyond Compare

Our shoes are stitched using the finest techniques typically reserved for the world’s most prestigious brands. Blake, Blake Rapid, and Sachetto constructions are thoughtfully applied to each design, delivering not only superior comfort and aesthetic elegance but also ease of resoling, ensuring enduring wear. We use only the finest Italian calf and buffalo hides, chosen for their unparalleled flexibility and enduring strength.

Ethically Handcrafted with Integrity

In rejecting the fleeting nature of consumerism, we cater to a discerning generation that values quality over excess. For over a decade, we have adhered to a strict ethical code, partnering only with makers who share our commitment to transparency, responsibility, and integrity. We ensure the fair treatment of all those involved in the production process, fostering a positive impact at every step.

Sustainable Footwear, Crafted for Longevity

Every pair we craft is intentionally designed with sustainability in mind. With soles made from recycled rubber and leather derived from vegetable tanning, we create footwear that stands the test of time while minimizing environmental impact. Though the process is resource-intensive, it yields shoes that refuse to fade into obsolescence.

Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of our ethos. We believe in creating footwear that not only lasts but improves with age. Our shoes are designed to be resoled, encouraging a mindset of buying less and wearing more. The least eco-friendly shoe is the one that needs replacing annually—our creations are timeless.

A Legacy of Sustainability, Made in Italy

Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond materials; it is embedded in the very soul of our production process. By choosing made in Italy—where environmental regulations set the highest standards—we ensure that our artisans uphold principles of both craftsmanship and sustainability. Our collections are curated to be timeless, designed to slow the ever-quickening cycle of fast fashion and champion the value of enduring style.

We source hides that are by-products of the food industry, with vegetable-tanned leathers treated with natural ingredients such as tree bark and water, avoiding the harmful practices of chrome tanning. Our rubber soles are crafted from natural gum rubber, harvested from trees—a renewable resource—rather than synthetic, petroleum-based materials.

Luxury with Integrity

At 124, we believe luxury should be both ethical and attainable. We challenge the prevailing trends of inflated pricing, built-in obsolescence, and constant sales. Our promise is simple: the finest quality and craftsmanship, made to last, at a fair price. True luxury lies in lasting value—not fleeting trends.

Our Dedication to a Sustainable and Thriving Future

We are unwavering in our dedication to Italian artisans who uphold the values of both craftsmanship and sustainability. Through thoughtful sourcing and intentional choices in every step of production, we aspire to inspire others to embrace a mindful and sustainable way of life.

124… Handmade shoes, crafted for the conscious, not the ordinary.