In 1968, Mario Giannini opened an artisanal shoemaking workshop in the heart of the Marche region of Italy. It was called Ducale because they manufactured luxury items for an aristocratic clientèle. After all, it was located in central Italy, where medieval dukes fostered a culture of art, craft and trade. In a few years, this workshop became an enterprise, and in 1973 Doucal’s was founded with an English-sounding name reflecting the aspirations of an Italian man who appreciated the style and quality of British footwear.

Doucal’s footwear was now designed with English aestetics and a unique Italian fit, guaranteed by a footbed with a layer of shape- memory foam, keeping the foot cool and confortable. This special design gave the footwear a definite edge which was greatly appreciated by the new emerging markets.