Give us this day our loafers

“Maybe I’m just getting old, but the pleasure of slipping into an old pair of comfortable leather loafers seems like the only luxury one needs.”

— Anand Mahindra on Twitter

• In the early 1900s, Bass Weejun and Gucci launched loafers. Originally intended to be a man's shoe, it became very popular with women as well, who were buying boys' sizes. Bass soon launched a women's line which became a staple on college campuses

• Gucci refined the shoe, giving it an Italian edge and a premium price tag. The loafer was given a formal makeover, just right for the boardroom too

• The new sleek version found instant popularity with young graduates with plush jobs at Wall Street and law firms

• In 1987, it was reported that Brian Mulroney, the Prime Minister of Canada, owned around 50 pairs of Gucci loafers