Natalie Van Lijsebettens

Collectif d’Anvers

Shoemaker

©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.

Interview

©Jan Mast

©Jan Mast

How do you express tradition and innovation?: In the custom made shoes, I always combine fine design and traditional shoe making such as hand-sewing the sole borders. Handiwork gives me the freedom to innovate and it gives me the possibilities to do what a machine can’t do.
What does “well made” mean to you?: Objects nicely finished and made with care, from the first until the last step. That’s why I also love fashion: the combination of rich couture, craftsmanship and good design. People don’t always understand that these kind of handmade products need a lot of working hours.
What are your sources of inspiration?: It can be art, nature, cities, and people. The Bye Good X Goodbye collection is my translation of bad images from the media, fused with witchcraft and racism. A psychedelic forest inspires the La Forêt collection. The shoes contain parts of the paintings of Ilse Vanderbeken.
What is a memorable moment in your career?: Making something custom made for people, and being busy with their feet. It's lovely to help people. Once I met an attractive woman who had no toes. I made her some nice fitting pumps on high heels.

Natalie Van Lijsebettens is a master artisan: she began her career in 2005 and she started teaching in 2008