Vivian Saskia Wittmer

Shoemaker

©Marina Denisova

A Florence fairytale

Saskia masters all aspects of shoemaking
She handcrafts bespoke shoes for men
She was trained by Benjamin Klemann and Stefano Bemer

Years ago, it was not common for a Berlinese girl to become a shoemaker. But Saskia had such a profound love for shoes - not fancy high heels but masculine ones - that she went to the best masters to follow her passion and learn the craft. She opened her own Bottega in Florence in 2000, and soon became part of the neighborhood, with her big windows on the street so that anyone can see her at work. Every single shoe that she creates is entirely handcrafted within the bottega (workshop) and fully bespoke: it would be much easier to make prêt-à-porter and have customizable collections, but it’s not her style. Every shoe is a new challenge, and reflects the meeting with a human being that Saskia needs to know, understand and interpret.

Interview

©Marina Denisova

©Marina Denisova

How did you become a shoemaker?: After school, I moved from Berlin to Hamburg for my apprenticeship with well known German shoemaker, Benjamin Klemann. He works in an idyllic location by the lake and he taught me everything about this craft, with no prejudices at all about me being a woman. This was not common at the time.
What’s your link with the Florentine tradition of leatherworking?: At the time I did know that much about the Florentine heritage and tradition of leatherworking. I came here to work with another great Master, Stefano Bemer, who welcomed me into his workshop and made me his first assistant. In three years I learned so much about styles and leathers.
How do you express your creativity?: I reinvent every shoe according to the specific needs of my client. I only do bespoke, I don’t have collections. Even though most of my clients want something very classical, I still have those who come in and ask for a fully hand painted blue shoe with rose sole, for example. The challenge starts there.
What do you love most about your profession?: I love to spend my time creating in my workshop, where my shoes are entirely handmade. I work with two collaborators, but every single shoe passes several times through my hands. I am proud of my job, and I love that anyone passing by can see me at work.

Vivian Saskia Wittmer is a master artisan: she began her career in 1992 and she started teaching in 2000