MANUFACTURING: OUR COMMITMENT AND TRANSPARENCY
Whilst the luxury industry faces a wave of scandals, with more and more so-called “luxury houses” being exposed for poor quality, questionable practices and, in some cases, unlawful manufacturing, we have prepared a short editorial on the making of the Pembroke Tassel Loafer. Alongside this, we share our commitment to ethical craftsmanship and transparent standards.
As we approach the final stages of bringing our latest creation to life, there's something profoundly satisfying about knowing exactly where and how each Pembroke tassel loafer comes to be. In just a matter of weeks, these meticulously crafted shoes will find their way to discerning customers who understand that true quality cannot be rushed, outsourced, or compromised.
The creation of the Pembroke represents everything we stand for at Ross Oliver: an unwavering commitment to excellence that begins long before the first stitch is made. Our UK manufacturing facility isn't just where our shoes are produced, it's where artisans who have honed their craft over decades transform premium materials into something truly exceptional. Every stage of production, from pattern cutting to final inspection, happens under one roof, guided by skilled hands that understand the subtle nuances that separate merely good footwear from genuinely great footwear. The only outsourcing we have to do is the material. As many may know, we use cactus leather, which comes from Desserto in Mexico.
The timing of the Pembroke's launch feels particularly significant given the recent upheavals that have shaken the luxury fashion world to its core. The manufacturing scandals that have enveloped some of the industry's most prestigious names; Loro Piana, Dior, Giorgio Armani, Valentino and others, have laid bare the uncomfortable truth about what happens when profit margins take priority over human dignity and ethical production. These revelations aren't just disappointing; they're deeply troubling. We won’t list the primary concerns linked to these scandals, but if you are interested a quick Google search will satisfy your curiosity.
When you consider the economics: court documents revealed that Dior handbags produced for €53 were sold for €2,700, a markup of nearly 5,000%. While luxury goods have always commanded premium prices, such extreme disparities raise uncomfortable questions about where exactly that premium is being captured and who is paying the true cost.
At Ross Oliver, we've chosen a fundamentally different approach. Our UK manufacturer (Sanders & Sanders) operates with complete transparency, there are no shadowy subcontractors, no hidden workshops, no workers denied fair wages or basic rights. Every person involved in creating our shoes is properly employed, fairly compensated, and working in conditions that meet or exceed all safety and labour standards. This commitment to ethical manufacturing isn't just morally right, it's practically essential for producing shoes of the calibre we demand. The Pembroke tassel loafer exists because skilled craftspeople have the time, tools, and training necessary to execute each step with precision. This is amplified by the fact cactus leather is a unique material, therefore their skills are tested daily when dealing with such a new and innovative material. This is because we want to make leading shoes for all. If you are vegan or not, the idea is that no one should ever know the difference when looking.
Our manufacturing partners aren't chosen based on who can offer the lowest price, but on who shares our commitment to excellence. They're craftspeople who take pride in their work, who understand that their reputation is intertwined with ours, and who view each shoe not as a unit of production but as a reflection of their skill and integrity.
So, when you invest in a pair of our loafers, you're not just purchasing footwear; you're supporting a manufacturing philosophy that values people as much as profits.
As the Pembroke launch draws near, we're reminded daily of why we chose this more challenging path. Yes, ethical manufacturing costs more. Yes, it requires more time and effort. Yes, it would be easier to follow the industry norm of chasing the cheapest possible production regardless of the human cost.
The consumers of today are more informed and conscientious than ever before. They want to know not just what they're buying, but how it was made and by whom. They understand that true luxury isn't about paying more for a label, but about investing in products that represent the highest standards in every aspect of their creation.
After all, true luxury, the kind that lasts a lifetime and brings satisfaction long after the initial purchase, can never be achieved through shortcuts, exploitation, or moral compromise. It requires exactly what we've put into every shoe: time, skill, integrity, and an unshakeable commitment to doing things the right way.
Published August 2025