Initially drawn to design and architecture, Robert Clergerie discovered the world of shoes in 1970. He fell in love with the profession and its technical aspects straight away. He perfected his craft over the course of several years working in Romans-sur-Isère, at the heart of the French shoe industry.
In 1978, Robert Clergerie acquired a longstanding manufacturing site in Romans-sur-Isère; in so doing, he gained access to archives dating back to 1895 and the expertise of top shoemakers, a legacy which enabled him to master the entire production process very quickly, on a level in line with his standards.
The Clergerie brand was established in 1981 and opened its first boutique at 5, rue du Cherche-Midi in Paris shortly after.
Still manufactured in its French production site, the Clergerie collections blend a continuous research in design with new manufacturing techniques and high-end, innovative materials. Clergerie was the first to introduce the Goodyear welt and to use raffia in high-end shoemaking. Clergerie represents a daring, unconventional approach, a pure aesthetic and a constant dialogue between masculine and feminine, always with a touch of elegance.
Its inspiration comes from the confident independent woman of today, who defines her own elegance and values originality without compromising on freedom of movement through the perfect fit in all circumstances.
Clergerie has been acclaimed for its unique designs and was named “Best Designer of the Year” three times by the Fashion Footwear Association. Clergerie entered the American Footwear Association Hall of Fame in 2005.
In 2017, David Tourniaire-Beauciel took over the design of the Clergerie collections. Born in Romans-sur-Isère to a family involved in shoemaking, Tourniaire-Beauciel has 25 years of experience in shoe design. He has earned a reputation as a true architect of shoemaking through his technical skill, sense of modernity and ability to reinterpret the classics. Drawing inspiration from the Clergerie legacy, with his new, innovative approach, he ensures the continued excellence of the French Maison.
Clergerie is distributed globally through a network of directly operated boutiques in key locations – Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Cannes, Madrid, Geneva – and over 250 wholesale partners. Furthermore, two new exceptional boutiques have been unveiled, in September 2017 on 326, rue Saint-Honoré in Paris and in February 2018 on 901 Madison Avenue in New York.
