About Vagabond
Vagabond is a contemporary footwear brand that has established itself as a symbol of true craftsmanship and an enduring passion for stylish shoes. The brand's inspiration is drawn from a wide cultural spectrum, particularly from the diverse individuals who come across Vagabond's path. Each collection they create is centered around the concept of everyday style, with a focus on durable quality and meticulous attention to detail. The brand's design process is deeply rooted in these principles.
In a significant move towards sustainability and giving back, the founders of Vagabond transitioned the ownership of the company to the Vagabond Shoemakers Foundation at the end of 2023. This change ensures that the profits from Vagabond's operations are invested in research, education, and charitable projects. The founders, Mats Nilsson and Marie Nilsson Peterzén, have expressed their desire for the company's success to support initiatives that are needed in the current times. The foundation allows for continuous and substantial support, ensuring that the company continues to develop according to its goals and intentions.
Vagabond's sustainability mission is to foster a movement towards conscious consumption. They aim to create shoes and accessories that are not only stylish and of high quality but also encourage consumers to use them for longer periods. Their philosophy is encapsulated in four pillars: Craft, Choice, Care, and Change. These pillars guide the brand's actions, starting from their design studio in Varberg, Sweden, and extending to every step of their production and consumption cycle.
The story of Vagabond began in 1973 in Sweden, with a vision to evolve into a global fashion brand within the footwear industry, catering to fashion and quality-conscious consumers. During the 1980s, the founders gained valuable knowledge in shoe creation and began applying their design philosophy close to the finest artisans in shoemaking in Portugal and Italy. Initially a men's shoe brand, Vagabond expanded into women's footwear, resulting in a line of unisex shoes and boots that transformed the Scandinavian market. In the 1990s, the brand continued to explore new markets and added other iconic shoe styles to their collection, which remain essential references in today's design process. The philosophy is simple: to connect the past with the present to create footwear that honors the brand's heritage.
Today, Vagabond is comprised of approximately 200 experienced individuals working from the head office in Varberg and across the globe. All of them are involved in the process of making impeccable quality shoes for the modern vagabond who values both style and a sustainable lifestyle.