Over the past four generations, the members of the Berluti shoemaking dynasty have pushed the boundaries of aesthetic expression with an irreproachable level of skill, while always carefully making sure the “wearer of their shoes should not have sore feet.” As such, the firm only allows the hands of bona fide experts to take part in the lengthy crafting process.
The procedure is so extensive in fact, that it takes an amazing 250 operations to make a bespoke Berluti shoe – “as many as it takes to build a cathedral,” Olga Berluti proudly asserts. Berluti’s unusual penchant for men’s feet made her the proud director of her family business, and the sole female shoemaker in the world. Amazingly she remains as passionate about dressing men’s feet as she always has been. And no matter what client, she continues to keep each one at the heart of the operation for every pair of handmade shoes.
It is a widely acknowledged fact that Berluti leathers set the benchmark for all others to follow and the company as well as its director revel in pioneering new and amazing techniques. As Berluti herself exclusively revealed to Bespoke, in order to achieve an unparalleled softness and transparency she massages Guerlain creams into the leather before then exposing it to the moon during the first quarter of its cycle. Of course one of the most famous techniques that she invented was the use of tattoos on the leathers of her shoes.
But the bespoke collection unveiled in Paris in mid 2008, is a truly historic collection, unlike anything ever released before. Berluti presented new shapes for the first time in seven years, hoping to draw the younger generations into bespoke fray. But as always her attention to detail is peerless with each shoe apparently taking no less than six months to complete. Of the new styles revealed, the classic yet audacious collection features hand-sewn slip stitches and Norwegian welts. Also being used for the first time were some state-of-the-art materials which make for seemingly featherweight models.
Berluti crafted the different models to perfection, each line catering to a different personality. The ‘Embroidered Collection’ for example, is made for men, who love strict shapes, yet appreciate subtle details, and are the masters of their dress codes. Conversely with the more daring ‘Piercing Collection,’ Berluti’s aim was to be progressive and humorous, with some shoe points as “sharp as wits.”
No matter which bespoke model you choose, Olga Berluti remains at the forefront of the shoemaking industry, true to her motto that “only excellent is good enough.”
Who Berluti
For the 2008 bespoke shoe collection for men
Made in France
Why Traditional bespoke handmade shoemaker that embraces cutting-edge innovation with an irreproachable level of quality
HYPERLINK "http://www.berluti.com" www.berluti.com
