The History of Napoli Pelle

Before Napoli Pelle became a name, it was a pursuit shaped on the polo field by its founder, Ajay Savla.

In a sport defined by precision, every detail matters. Boots must support without restriction, leather must endure without losing form, and belts must hold their structure through long hours of wear. It is here that an appreciation for truly well made leather goods begins.

Jodhpur boots became a benchmark. Their balance of strength and flexibility, and the way they mould to the rider over time, revealed what real craftsmanship feels like. It was never just about appearance, but function refined to its highest level.

This pursuit extended beyond the field. The search for better boots led Ajay Savla to a deeper understanding of leather, construction, and quality. What began as a personal standard evolved into a desire to create leather goods defined by discipline, durability, and understated elegance. That pursuit became Napoli Pelle.

The Italian Foundation

Ajay Savla’s journey into craftsmanship led him to Italy, not to build immediately, but to understand. Beginning in 2012, he spent years visiting workshops, tanneries, and trade fairs across Milan and Naples. Not as a buyer, but as a student of the craft. Observing how leather is selected, how shoes are shaped, and how the smallest details influence how a pair feels over time.

What stood out was the discipline behind the process. A well made shoe is built around a last that defines its shape and structure. The leather is cut with precision, stretched correctly, and allowed to settle naturally. Even the method of sole construction determines not just durability, but how the shoe moves with the foot.

In these workshops, nothing is rushed. Every step exists for a reason. Every material is chosen for how it performs over time. The focus is not on excess, but on longevity, balance, and quiet precision. This period of observation shaped the foundation of Napoli Pelle. Not as a brand chasing trends, but as one built on an understanding of how things should be made.

Our products are crafted in Italian factories that also serve some of the world’s most discerning fashion houses. These are spaces where craftsmanship speaks quietly, where standards are instinctive, and where quality is built into every step of the process.

The Field That Defined It

Ajay Savla’s foundation in polo shaped his understanding of quality
long before Napoli Pelle was conceived.

In a sport where performance depends on precision and endurance,
every element of what you wear is tested over time. Boots must
support without fatigue, leather must withstand constant
movement, and craftsmanship must hold its integrity
through repeated use.

Polo does not reward excess. It rewards reliability, balance, and
longevity.
This perspective instilled a deep respect for materials, construction,
and the kind of luxury that is built to last rather than simply be seen.
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The Art of Shoemaking

A well made shoe is not assembled. It is built with intent, shaped through a process where every step determines how it looks, feels, and ages over time.

Last and Pattern Making

Every shoe begins with the last, the foundation that defines its shape, structure, and fit. Patterns are developed around it with precision, ensuring balance between form and comfort.

Cutting and Closing

The leather is carefully selected and cut, respecting its natural grain and strength. Each piece is then stitched together to form the upper. This stage requires control and accuracy, as even the smallest variation can affect the final shape and finish.

Lasting and Construction


The upper is stretched over the last and secured into place, allowing it to take its final form. The sole is then attached, whether through stitching or other construction methods. This stage defines durability, flexibility, and the way the shoe moves with wear.

Finishing and Preservation

The final stage brings the shoe to life. Edges are refined, surfaces are polished, and details are perfected. Once worn, a shoe tree becomes essential, preserving shape, preventing creases, and absorbing moisture, ensuring the shoe maintains its integrity over time.

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