1989
Using an 'Anatomical Last' to provide a superior fit, and bringing bespoke-quality shoemaking techniques to a wider audience
1991
First full range of shoes, all named after acting greats are launched. A contemporary take on classic shoes, using luxury materials. GQ called them “the must-have shoes of the early 90s”.
1995
Lauded in the press, the collection becomes an integral part of Cool Britannia.
1997
Brad Pitt walks into Harvey Nichols and buys 3 pairs of Oliver Sweeney shoes. Also worn by pop icon Noel Gallagher, Sweeneys become a ‘90s status symbol.
1998
Our iconic Soho boot is added to the Victoria & Albert Museum collection to commemorate significant moments in British fashion history.
1999
Leather wallets & luggage are introduced and OS designs a stringray shoe in collaboration with GQ’s Dylan Jones. Cementing the British heritage, new styles are named after London boroughs.
2003
Worn by the England Rugby World Cup team throughout the tournament and for their commemorative photo with the Queen.
2005
Introduces the custom-made service, and new styles are named after Italian cities. During a TV interview, Will Smith says: “you have no idea how much I love these shoes!”
2006
The Leeds store opens and OS design a shoe in collaboration with the England Cricket team.
2008
Inspired by everything from rockabilly music to rainbow hues, OS continues to gain popularity with positive press and loyal customers, but experiences difficulties in a tough economic climate.
2009
OS is now under the guidance of Maurice & Tim (the Cobbler-in-Chief), opening a Conduit St flagship store. “From a 75-year tradition of shoemakers, I have always admired Oliver Sweeney: a leader, not a follower. We are determined to cherish and evolve the brand’s successful heritage” Tim Copper.
2010
New life is breathed into OS with a new store in Manchester, plus the introduction of the Goodyear welted range and a wider offering of jackets and outerwear, in addition to the hugely-popular Italian styles.
2011
Another new store opens in King St, Covent Garden, our first fully-functioning transactional website is created, and the innovative Sweeney Tattoo service launches in Selfridges while Nordstrom becomes our first North American stockist. Our signature Tamponato leather is used for the first time, and Mike Tindall (& his groomsmen) wear Sweeneys at his wedding to Zara Philips.
2012
The Compass collection launches, and seasonal themes are introduced. Special projects dominate the year, including painting the King St store with a Union Jack for the Jubilee, designer collaborations for London Fashion Week, a pop-up store on the Kings Road and working with Olympic athletes from Matthew Pinsent to Jessica Ennis-Hill.
2013
Oliver Sweeney launches another London pop-up store in Prince’s Arcade, partners with Saracens rugby team, and collaborates with British car manufacturer Jaguar.
2014
Our Marylebone store opens and our first range of shirting is launched. Collections are themed around Paris for SS14 and Food for AW14, while a collaboration with Johnnie Walker creates a shoe that has a built-in bottle of whisky. A dinner is held to celebrate the brand in New York City.
2015
Oliver Sweeney opens our largest-ever flagship store on Henrietta Street in Covent Garden, and plans a further London location to open in late Autumn. A debut fragrance and our first knitwear collection are launched, this - together with our full range of footwear, clothing and accessories - creates a complete Sweeney wardrobe from head to toe for the first time.
2016
We first launched our collaboration with explorer Levison Wood, ‘the explorers espadrille.’ Levison wore the shoes on perhaps the world’s toughest wearer trials, completing a walk from Mexico to Colombia, and has subsequently used them on his walk through Arabia and other expedition.
2017
Oliver Sweeney launched Skye, a collaboration with the Cobbler-in-chief’s favourite Whisky, Talisker. Designed with the adventurer in mind, we created a walking boot with a built in hip flask; perfect for a wander through the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
2018
Working with people at the top of their game has always been something we love to do. In 2018 we continued this process with new collaborations with Michelin starred chef Marcus Wareing and world renowned photographer Nadav Kander to create footwear that reflected their lifestyles.
