Our Story

Welcome to Octaviano. I'm Luca, the founder.

I was born in Germany, but from an early age, I traveled the world. My family lives in Germany, Peru, and the USA—and that's precisely what shaped me. I learned early on to appreciate the best of different cultures: German standards of quality and precision, the American sense of comfort and visionary thinking, and Peruvian craftsmanship—authentic, passionate, and passed down from generation to generation.

At some point, I asked myself: Why isn't there a shoe that combines all of this?

During one of my visits to Peru, a world opened up to me that I hadn't expected. Leather processing there isn't just a hobby—it's a significant industry, a passion, and a source of pride. Full-grain leather is treated with a dedication rarely found elsewhere. It's not just a material—it's a craft deeply rooted in the culture.

The artisans I met showed me what true quality means. No large machines, no assembly lines. Just hands, decades of experience, and a passion that you can feel in every single shoe.

What bothered me at the same time: If you wanted to buy a truly high-quality leather shoe in Germany, you quickly paid at least 400, 500, or 600 Euros—not because of the quality, but because of the brand name. And if you wanted to spend less, you had to compromise.

I wanted to create exactly this middle ground—and combine the best of three worlds. Accessible to everyone who values quality.

How our shoes are made:

The heart of every Octaviano shoe is full-grain leather—the highest quality grade of leather available. Unlike inferior types of leather, full-grain leather is not sanded, coated, or artificially processed. The natural surface of the hide remains fully intact—with all its unique textures and characteristics. The result: a leather that is breathable, extremely durable, and becomes more beautiful over time. A full-grain leather shoe develops a unique patina over the years—it carries the story of the wearer.

The foundation for this exceptional leather begins with the cattle in the city of Trujillo, Peru. They grow up in natural conditions on the extensive pastures around Trujillo—with plenty of space, fresh air, and husbandry that suits their nature. This animal-friendly husbandry is not a coincidence but a prerequisite: only hides from healthy and naturally kept cattle provide the flawless full-grain leather we use for our shoes. Each hide is then carefully inspected and selected by hand—only the best are chosen.

Our artisans—many of whom are family businesses in Trujillo that have passed down the craft for generations—then process the leather step by step by hand. Cutting, sewing, shaping, finishing. Each step with precision and a passion that you can feel.

The finished shoe then travels from Trujillo to Europe—directly to you. No middlemen, no markup for a brand name.

Octaviano combines Peruvian craftsmanship with timeless Italian design—at a fair price. And that's no coincidence—it's the result of three cultures, a clear vision, and the firm belief that quality can be fair.

If you would like to take a closer look at our collection, I would be happy to guide you.

Luxury quality. Fair price. That is Octaviano.

— Luca, Founder of Octaviano