Whether through its impressive charity initiatives or providing employment opportunities at the Norfolk store, giving back to the community has always been a core focus for footwear and lifestyle brand Fairfax & Favor. The company was co-founded by childhood friends Marcus Fairfax Fountaine and Felix Favor Parker in 2013. They financed 400 pairs of handcrafted Spanish leather boots from their dwindling wage packets and sold them throughout the land at country fairs. Today the impressive company has a multi-million-pound turnover.
Over the last eight years, Marcus and Felix, together with their staff and customers, have consistently and creatively raised funds for a number of different charities. Most notable of these is an ongoing partnership with Breast Cancer Now – over 70 per cent of the Fairfax & Favor customer base is female, as well as two thirds of the team, so it seemed the perfect fit, with the company raising nearly £430,000 over the last seven years. In 2021, its bestselling Amira boots were re-designed in a special limited-edition pink colourway, along with accompanying suede tassels and boot socks, with all profits from their sale donated to the charity. During the pandemic, they also launched a campaign in aid of NHS Charities Together and became the ninth highest fundraiser, donating nearly £120,000. This was derived from ten per cent of its online sales in April, and 100 per cent of profits from the May to July sales of limited-edition products.
It wasn’t just charitable collaborations that came to the fore at Fairfax & Favor during the pandemic: its sense of fun and adventure shone through in a dedicated Facebook club. Established two years ago, its Facebook club now has over 62,000 members – and really came into its own as a great way to connect with and be part of a community during such isolating times. Benefits for members include 72-hour early access to products, which if they sell out, sometimes never officially end up being released to the public.
With a spirited take on British culture and heritage, design inspiration comes from themes such as equestrianism, military tradition and explorer style, which intertwine classic country looks with a modern city aesthetic to appeal to both men and women. The Autumn/Winter 21 collection features boots that are equally well suited for pounding the streets of London as they are strolling through the rolling green fields of the Cotswolds. New styles include the soft suede Belgravia ankle boot (it’s lined with comfort memory foam to take the wearer effortlessly from day to night); the Brompton, pull-on, over-the-knee boot; and The Soho, their first pointed toe boot.
The collection also saw the launch of the Verbier, Fairfax & Favor’s first après-ski inspired boot with an all-terrain sole, waterproof nubuck exterior and faux fur inside. The everpopular sheepskin-lined Boudica boot has been revamped, making it suitable for all environments. The men’s offering has also been relaunched. Together these comprise the most comprehensive and ambitious range yet from this fast-growing, philanthropy-first brand, which successfully delivers versatile high-quality footwear and accessories that last a lifetime.
