Bernardo Bartalesi

Shoemaker

©Bernardo Bartalesi

Shoes that spark emotions

Bernardo was born into a family of artisans
Since childhood he has been fascinated by shoes
He strives for authenticity, quality and elegance

"I chose to become a shoemaker because I developed a passion for footwear early in my life, and I like to create with my hands. I also enjoy working with people: there is no greater satisfaction than to contribute to someone's happiness by making a pair of shoes." Bernardo Bartalesi’s training began at the Accademia Riaci in Florence, where he met his first maestro, Angelo Imperatrice, with whom he worked as an assistant for three years. After perfecting his skills in the prestigious Florentine atelier of Mario Bemer and later with Saskia Wittmer, in 2020, Bernardo accomplished his dream of opening his own workshop. "A place of my own, where I can create something that is one-of-a-kind and timeless: shoes that have a history, a character and their own uniqueness."

Interview

©Bernardo Bartalesi

©Bernardo Bartalesi

What does shoemaking mean to you?: I can think of one word only: passion. Each new shoe is a new challenge, which prompts me to grow my knowledge. When you are an artisan, you never finish learning and improving your skills.
Are you tied to tradition?: I always try to work in keeping with the tradition of classic shoes, but I have my own principles on their construction and the use of materials. I also dedicate a great deal of time to research.
How important is it to be based in Florence?: Florence has been closely connected to craftsmanship since the Renaissance, and it is still universally renowned for its leather district, which expresses world-class quality. The history of Salvatore Ferragamo is one of the many that has indissolubly linked footwear manufacturing to the city.
What makes your custom-made shoes so special?: Each shoe has a story to tell, and it must arouse an emotion, above all when you wear it. Inside each one of my shoes there is also something of me, because I put my heart and soul into everything I do. And I never make two identical pairs of shoes!

Bernardo Bartalesi is a master artisan: he began his career in 2014 and he started teaching in 2018