What Fly London is known for
Portuguese footwear brand acquired in 1994 by Fortunato Frederico, owner of shoe manufacturer Kyaia (founded 1984), after spotting an abandoned Fly London trade-fair stand in Dusseldorf. Now one of Kyaia's core brands, known for chunky wedge-sole 'flatform' shoes and boots, manufactured in Portugal.
Fly London's Portuguese ownership traces to 1994, when Fortunato Frederico - who had founded shoe manufacturer Kyaia a decade earlier, in 1984 - came across an abandoned stand at a trade fair in Dusseldorf branded 'Fly London' with a fly logo. Told the brand's original partners had split up and wanted to sell, Frederico bought it on the spot. Sales were slow at first, but Fly London went on to become one of Kyaia's flagship labels, now sold in some 57 countries. Kyaia itself began in 1984 with about 50 employees, and now employs around 600 people as one of Portugal's larger footwear manufacturers.
Best for — Fashion shoes, comfort
Portugal
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Hand-curated for ORBIS · no paid placement