Aleš Kacin

AK Alojz Karner

Shoemaker

©Blaž Murn

©Katja Jemec

©Blaž Murn

The architect of shoes

Aleš researches the local shoemaking heritage
He seeks to preserve traditions and knowledge
Each pair of shoes he makes is custom made

Aleš Kacin is a designer and architect by education, which is reflected in the way he designs footwear, he connects tradition with design. His shoes reflect the characteristics of the rich local shoemaking cultural heritage, Aleš' sense of aesthetics and his perfectionism. He started learning shoemaking from his grandfather, Alojz Karner, after whom he named his workshop, opened in 2014, which is also a shop. His footwear is as clean and minimalist as possible. He finds it important to take the time to think about how to improve things, not just produce the same products. He is especially proud of the pair of shoes he developed, inspired by the shoes of architect Jože Plečnik.

Interview

©Mario Zupanov

©Blaž Murn

Do you remember the first pair of shoes you made?: Yeah, they were boots my grandfather and I made when I was 18 years old. I remember explaining to him what their shape should be. He prepared everything for me, and I then sewed them, nailed wooden nails and followed the entire creation process. These were both his last and my first shoes.
What does “well made” mean to you?: That it’s beautiful. Beauty for me is encapsulated by Adolf Loos' Ornament and Crime (1908) when he describes it as a thing to which you can’t take away or add anything without harm. Shoes need to be functional and aesthetically pleasing at the same time.
How important do you find manual work?: Handmade creations have a higher quality, they are more bespoke. At the same time, an imperfection is noticed in the shoe, which gives the product an extra patina.
How do you see the future of shoemaking?: Every generation needs to find an answer as to whether it’s still meaningful to conserve things. The big concerns are overproduction and consumption. Handmade shoes from quality natural materials can be used for a long time; they are an investment in good walking.

Aleš Kacin is a rising star: he began his career in 2019