A Legacy of Love and Craftsmanship - Mernes London Story

Hello there! I’m Jake, co-founder and proud craftsman behind Mernes London. This is not just a story about shoes — it’s a story about love. About how a promise I made to the woman of my life became the reason behind every stitch, every sole, and now… the reason I’m saying goodbye.

 

Let me take you back to where it all began.

Selling my handcrafted shoes at a local fair, 1982

 

I was just a young man with calloused hands and big dreams when I met Olivia.

 

She wasn’t just beautiful — she was bold, kind, and full of life. We were both working small weekend stalls at a local fair in London: I was selling handmade leather shoes, and she was selling illustrated poetry books. We shared tea, stories, and slowly, something more. One rainy afternoon, sitting under my awning with wet shoes and warm laughs, I told her, “One day, I’ll make enough shoes to retire and spend all my time with you.”

She smiled, not realizing I meant every word.

 

From that moment, she became the heart of everything I did. Olivia didn’t just support me — she became my partner in craft, in life, and in building the world we dreamed of together.

The exact day I was selling shoes and met Olivia

 

Visiting leather markets in Florence, Italy

 

A few years into our journey, we took a trip that changed everything: Florence.

 

We wandered through cobbled alleys filled with centuries-old workshops, where Italian artisans treated leather like gold. I remember the way Olivia’s eyes lit up as she ran her fingers over thick Florentine hides, asking a dozen questions in her charming British-Italian mix. That city didn’t just inspire us — it connected us more deeply with the roots of craftsmanship and each other.

 

It was in Florence that we decided: this wasn’t just a job… it was our life project.


We came back home with leather samples, notebooks full of sketches, and one unshakable belief — we could bring this old-world elegance to London, together.

Olivia and I visiting the fur market in Florence

 

Opening our first boutique in London

 

Back in our hometown, we found a small shopfront tucked between a tailor and a florist.

 

We painted the walls ourselves, sourced wooden shelves, and filled them slowly with shoes we had worked on side by side. I still remember the first time Olivia placed a finished pair in the display window. She turned to me and said, “Look, love… we made this.”

 

Those early days were magical. Our boutique wasn’t just a store — it was a love letter to slow craftsmanship, to dedication, and to the shared life we were building. Locals came in for the shoes, but many stayed for Olivia’s warmth, her stories, and the homemade biscuits she offered with every fitting.

 

We weren’t just creating a brand — we were shaping a legacy, hand in hand.

Olivia and I opening our store

 

Handcrafting shoes side by side in our London studio

 

Forty years later, not much changed — except our hair is grayer, and our steps slower.

 

But the passion? Still there.

 

Every pair of Mernes shoes is handcrafted by the two of us. We source the finest leathers, cut them with precision, and stitch them with care. We don’t rush. We don’t mass-produce. We create each piece as if it’s for someone we love — because in a way, it is.

 

We’ve spent decades perfecting our process, and the result is footwear that’s elegant, comfortable, and meant to last. Our customers are not just buyers — they become part of our story. Many have walked miles, married, and built their own families in Mernes shoes. That, to us, is the highest honor.

Working together in our workshop.

 

Strolling through the countryside with Olivia

 

And now, the time has come for me to keep that promise I made long ago.

 

I told Olivia, in that rain-soaked market stall in 1982, that one day I’d stop everything to spend my time with her. And today, I’m honoring that.

 

We’re closing Mernes London not out of sadness, but out of love. Because after forty beautiful, exhausting, inspiring years, we want slow mornings with no alarms. We want quiet countryside walks. We want to make dinner together, travel with no itinerary, and just be — Jake and Olivia, not Mr. and Mrs. Mernes of the shoe shop.

 

We’ve poured everything into this brand, and now it’s time to pour that same devotion into our final chapter.

A promise that waited a lifetime.

 

Our farewell collection – now available online

 

Before we go, we wanted to leave behind something special — our Farewell Collection.
Each pair represents the best of us: the quality we’ve honed, the love we’ve shared, and the craft we’ve never compromised.

 

This is your last chance to own a piece of our story.


We’re offering a special closing sale as a thank-you to everyone who supported our dream. Every order helps us close this journey with full hearts.

 

Visit our online store to explore the final Mernes designs — made with the same love that started it all.

With gratitude and all our love,
Jake & Olivia Mernes
Discover my pieces now
VISIT MY WEBSHOP
30-day money back guarantee
MY WEBSHOP IS NOW ONLINE

✅ Handmade Shoes

✅ Free Shipping

✅ 30-Day-Free Returns *See return policy for details

✅ Big Welcome Discounts

MY WEBSHOP

I'm absolutely thrilled with my new shoes! They're incredibly comfortable and stylish, the quality is fantastic, and they go with everything. An excellent purchase!

- Sophia


Verified Customer

Loved by thousands of customers

My favorite shoe store! I always find comfortable and fashionable styles. The staff is very attentive.

- Carlos
  • Verified Customer

Excellent selection and fair prices. The store is organized and the atmosphere is very pleasant. Enjoy shopping easily and happily!

- Noah
  • Verified Customer

Consistent and long-lasting quality. I've purchased several pairs and am always satisfied. The customer service is top-notch!

- Cesar
  • Verified Customer

Great variety of shoes and prompt service. I left with an amazing pair. I'll definitely be back!

- Anna
  • Verified Customer
VISIT MY WEBSHOP

HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVOURITE PIECES (LIMITED STOCK)
Contact Us
Privacy and Marketing

We value your privacy and are committed to transparency. While we collect personal data for marketing purposes, we will always inform you of the reasons for such collection. Please note that this website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and deliver personalized advertising. This website operates as a marketplace. The owner(s) receive compensation from the sale of Mernes London and other advertised products. In addition, the owner has a financial connection to the products and services listed here and receives compensation when a qualifying lead is referred. Disclaimer: This is an advertisement and not a current news article, blog post, or consumer protection update.
VISIT MY WEBSHOP