The shoe company T. & A. Bata was founded on September 21, 1894 by the brothers Tomáš, Anna and Antonín Bata – the eighth generation of shoemakers of the Bata family – in the rural town of Zlín, in Czechoslovakia. The 3 founders proved to be innovators right from the start, replacing the traditional individual workshop with a company of 10 people (which soon became 50).
The shoe that decreed the success of Bata? The Batovka that stood out for its simplicity, style and lightness. Its innovative combination of leather and canvas, at a time when all-leather footwear was the norm, allowed Bata to offer a high-quality shoe at an unbeatable price. It all started from that intuition. Today, Bata has around 5,000 stores worldwide, including 320 in Europe, with over 6 million pairs sold in the old continent.
Marco Agnolin, President of BATA Europe, tells us how Bata is moving today in the complex international footwear landscape: “On the product front, starting from spring/summer 2024, we have worked on the structure of the collection, making it faster and more modern, increasing quality through made in Europe. The goal is not only expansion through new openings, but also the enhancement of our existing stores, expanding and renovating our 75,000 square meters of sales space to make them larger, more modern and welcoming.”
Your history has very deep roots that, among other things, are kept in a precious museum together with the largest collection of footwear in the world. How important is this legacy today?
“Bata was born with the ambitious goal of ‘Shoe the World’, a mission that still guides our vision today. Our heritage is a priceless asset, which we safeguard and enhance through our factory in the Czech Republic, an excellence in the production of almost artisanal leather footwear. Today this legacy continues to evolve. An example was the celebration of our 130 years. For this occasion, we reinterpreted one of the most iconic models in our history: the Batovka, the fabric and leather shoe born from the creative genius of the founder Tomas Bata, who revolutionized the footwear sector by making high-quality footwear accessible. At the time, the idea of combining leather and fabric was innovative and challenged market conventions, but it quickly became a success, consolidating Bata’s identity as a leader in the sector.”
The market situation is very difficult. What is your view on the current crisis, what are the main issues and how are you reacting?
“We are adopting a strategic vision that includes expanding our assortment with the Total Look concept, while maintaining our aesthetic paradigm that has made Bata an icon in the world of footwear. In addition, we are bringing production back to Europe to ensure superior quality. Our goal is to engage an increasingly younger audience, with an empathetic and inclusive language, maintaining the quality of our products, accessible to all, as a distinctive sign of our commitment to the future.”
What are the most popular product trends internationally?
“Current trends reflect a perfect balance between timeless elegance and contemporary influences. The ballerina flat is confirmed as a seasonal must-have, thanks to its versatility and ability to adapt to different occasions of use. Alongside this timeless classic, retro-running and simil-running style sneakers continue to dominate the fashion scene, responding to the growing demand for comfort without sacrificing a refined aesthetic. At the same time, camperos and Texan boots maintain their charm, as they combine character and femininity in a single shoe with a strong stylistic impact. On the color front, pastel colors are gaining more and more ground, adding a touch of freshness and lightness to the collections, with sophisticated nuances that best interpret the trends of the season.”
What are the most interesting accessories?
“In addition to traditional materials, we are expanding our range of accessories with shopper bags, crossbody bags and matching wallets, with a focus on functionality and elegance. We complete the offer with nylon backpacks and mini cell phone bags, versatile solutions designed to meet the needs of a dynamic and style-conscious clientele.”
For the company’s 130th anniversary, you collaborated with the Accademia Teatro alla Scala in Milan. We would like to know more.
“Tomáš Bata believed that a company’s success was measured by evaluating its impact on the community, offering not only the work but opportunities for growth. ‘As long as you serve this great idea, you will be in harmony with natural and human principles,’ he maintained. Following this vision, for its 130th anniversary Bata launched ‘Bata Proudly Supports Women in Dance’, a project to support the students of the Ballet School of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala in Milan, with a focus on female courses from the first to the fifth year. Bata’s contribution will allow, for the academic year 24/25, to support an excellent training path, which accompanies the students in every phase of their artistic and professional growth. The dedicated capsule collection, the new positioning of the brand and the collaboration with the Accademia Teatro alla Scala have underlined Bata’s concrete commitment to creating opportunities for women, supporting them in their journey with confidence and determination.”
How did you address the huge issue of sustainability?
“Sustainability is a key value for Bata. Our commitment to a greener future is expressed with initiatives such as the opening of the pop-up store in the heart of the Ramblas in Barcelona, featuring a vertical botanical garden curated by Quo Artis. This store represents the first step in a green journey that will culminate in 2025 with the launch of our first sustainable collection. In addition, we are reorganizing our retail and communication network, to continue to interpret the needs of an audience that is increasingly attentive to sustainability, without ever compromising the quality and accessibility of our products.”
What new developments will involve the company in the near future?
“In the coming months, we will continue to strengthen our partnership with the Accademia Teatro alla Scala, consolidating our commitment to supporting talented young ballerinas in their training. This collaboration represents a unique opportunity for us to combine tradition and innovation, values that have always guided Bata.
At the same time, we are preparing to launch the second release of our iconic ballerina. After having graced the stage, this new version leaves the theater to conquer the streets, reinterpreting its design with contemporary details and a versatility that will make it a must-have for our audience. It will be a perfect combination of elegance and comfort, designed to accompany women in every moment of their day.”
