Loro Piana could sell significantly more pairs of its White Sole loafers but has chosen not to fully meet demand, CEO Frédéric Arnault told the Financial Times. The strategy is intended to maintain the product’s exclusivity as the Italian luxury house continues to grow.
“Sometimes short-term growth can be to the detriment of long-term, sustained success,” Arnault told the newspaper. According to the Financial Times, Loro Piana recorded revenues of €1.72 billion in 2025, up 7.5%, while profit increased by 12 % to €434 million.
The White Sole has been part of Loro Piana’s footwear portfolio since 2005. According to the brand, the shoe was inspired by Sergio and Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s passion for sailing. Its flexible, slip-resistant white sole was originally designed not to leave marks on wooden boat decks.
Arnault has headed Loro Piana since June 2025. Before taking over the brand, he led LVMH’s Watches division and previously served as CEO of TAG Heuer, according to LVMH.
Loro Piana has continued to perform positively within the luxury group. In its first-half 2026 results, LVMH said the brand had delivered “another excellent performance”, although the group does not disclose Loro Piana’s sales separately.
The controlled availability of the White Sole illustrates Loro Piana’s approach of balancing demand and expansion with the positioning of one of its established footwear products.
