How did you choose this craft?
I couldn’t find comfortable shoes, they all hurt. So I wanted to learn to make women’s shoes. But it’s really complex, it requires a long training: footwear is crucial for the wellbeing of the spine, of the whole person. If your feet hurt, it’s impossible to think.
What does making shoes mean to you?
I get great personal satisfaction from this profession. I've learned a lot, I’ve had the chance to be independent. From an expressive point of view, making shoes has been a self-discovery. It’s also been a compensation for some hard parts of my life.
©Stefano Iori
What are your specialisations?
I work on customised wooden forms. Every foot, every leg has its own form. It takes weeks of work to transfer a single anatomic structure into a personal model. Then, I have to find the right heel and finally I try to create a modern but lasting style.
Could your craft be considered in danger?
It is, even if there are young people interested. Making women’s shoes requires a big stock of materials and tools to start, so it's an important investment. It's also very time consuming, as the rhythms of this craft haven’t changed since the Middle Ages.