Bernardo Bartalesi
Shoemaker
Florence, Italy
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
