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©Jan Mast
©Jan Mast
©Jan Mast
©Jan Mast
©Jan Mast

Natalie Van Lijsebettens

  • Collectif d’Anvers
  • Shoemaker
  • Antwerp, Belgium
  • Master Artisan
Natalie Van Lijsebettens Shoemaker
Contact
Dutch, English, French
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 09:00 - 18:00
Phone:
+32 477800589
©Jan Mast

The freedom to innovate

  • • Natalie continues a rich Belgian tradition
  • • She combines couture, craftsmanship and good design
  • • She formed Collectif d'Anvers in 2008

As a teenager, Natalie Van Lijsebettens already dreamed of being a shoemaker. After her studies in eastern European languages and culture, she took a course in artisanal shoemaking in the Netherlands. Afterwards she had the luck of meeting Frans Verbeeck, a retired master shoemaker, who really wanted to pass on his knowledge. Before starting Collectif d’Anvers in 2008, she made shoes at home. The finishing touches were done in the shoe repair shop belonging to her uncle. Over the years, Natalie specialised in fusing refined materials with the raw side of shoemaking. She likes to be open-minded and inclusive, for example making men’s models for women or high heels for men, as well as classical models.

Read the full interview

Works

  • ©Jan Mast
  • ©Jan Mast
  • ©Jan Mast
  • ©Jan Mast
  • ©Jan Mast
Photo: ©Jan Mast
Olga

These handcrafted boots are made from a soft burgundy lamb's leather. They feature high heels and platforms.

Height 20 cm
Height 3 cm
Height 15 cm

Photo: ©Jan Mast
The Old Lady

These black and white high heel boots with platforms and straps are made from two contrasting materials, black calf's leather and white fabric. Together with textile designer Anke Bos, Nathalie developed fabrics fusing cotton, linen, polyamide, rubber and silk into protective filigrees that perfectly interact with the tough, yet subtle allure of the footwear.

Height 16 cm
Height 3.5 cm
Height 10 cm

Photo: ©Jan Mast
Cirque Magnifique

Python leather was combined with pieces of painted canvas to create these eye-catching ankle boots.

Height 13 cm
Height 9 cm

Photo: ©Jan Mast
Voodoo

The design of these handcrafted shoes made from black and blue patent leather was inspired by Louisiana Voodoo imagery. The wooden heels, shaped as if they are coming out of the swamps, were handcarved by Nathalie.

Height 13 cm
Height 9 cm

Photo: ©Jan Mast
Agnetha

The Agnetha ankle boots are made from leather and sheep's fur and feature buckles, platforms and high heels.

Height 22 cm
Height 3 cm
Height 12 cm

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