My sweet grandfather was an Italian shoemaker who immigrated to America at the turn of the century. He had a little handmade sign in his workshop that read, “Pray before work”. During the Great Depression he kept food on the table by repairing shoes because no one could afford new ones. RIP Alphonso Croce
My father was a shoemaker, he died in 2015. I walk into his workshop to get the smell and I turn on his finishing machine to hear the sounds. Dad trained for seven years. But it is a beautiful craft, hand stitching, moulding. Thank you for sharing. If I go to Florence, I must drop into the shop, and listen to the men at work. 🇮🇪
What a pleasure to watch these artisans working on their craft...it makes me so happy to see that people are still doing this type of work in this insanely fast paced world we live in today. Some things are worth the wait .
My grandfather was an Italian shoemaker. He was paralyzed by a stroke before I was born. I never saw him make anything, but I was blessed with his creativity. This makes me closer to him by imagining how he made a living. Thank you so much Rajiv!
Wao. Is not just the attention to detail, the dedication and tradition, but it actually looks very demanding physically speaking. Thank you for these great videos Rajiv.
I love Florence & I love Italian made shoes! Mine (4 pair) were purchased in Naples, FL at a shop carrying only their Italian shoes named CLORINDA ANTINORI! They are not the custom Roberto's quality but beautifully made & most comfortable shoes I own!! Rajiv, most of us would never get the personal, behind-the-scenes tours of these gifted craftsmen if not for your channel & your appreciation of finer products & talents of many artisans❤!
Hi Rajiv, I just wanted to add something: the song in the intro, "Bella Ciao", is an important popular song that dates back to the war times. It's a song about a Partisan who tells his lover what his last wishes are (to be buried on a mountain, where most Partisans used to spend their days organizing the Resistance and fighting). Today it still carries a lot of meaning for antifascist movements, though it has been misused by advertising and tv (we all know "La casa de papel" turned it into something closer to a theme song rather than treating it as it is - a beautiful piece of Italian music, historically and culturally relevant). Grazie per questi tuoi bellissimi video! Buon soggiorno in Italia ❤
There’s some brothers in Nashville that one brother went to Italy to learn his craft. Potter and sons but if they can make it , it is not possible to get that product. However, they can repair a fine pair of shoes. Shoe repair is just as important as the shoe making.
Shoes made by "hand". They really are "handmade". I'm impressed! I am 61 years old and seeing for the first time, a shoemaker at work doing his craft. Just wow!!!! ❤
I really love when you showcase Artisans. It costs for quality and their time. If people would appreciate that more the fast fashion trash heaps would probably reduce dramatically. ❤👞👢
What a relief that there still are great craftsmen in this world that can make proper quality shoes. Shoes that not only look stunning, but that are also good for your feet and back. Most people are ruining their feet with cheap sneakers and other 'plastic fantastic' shoeware. Thank you, Rajiv and Roberto 🙂
Thank you Rajiv,love this. My husband had a pair made 40 years ago in Italy and they're now treasured by his son. The work and leather is still exquisite 💙
Watching your video brought back so many memories. My grandfather was a shoe maker (from Mexico). I kept a pair of shoes he made my dad. I wish I had all his tools too.
What a treat! Two videos in a week❤ Thank you so much for taking us along on your Italian journey and especially for focusing on the amazing artisans. I will be rewatching these videos again and again. So much beauty, so much joy!
I was almost moved to tears by the beauty in this story. You had me in the first cut, staged perfectly balanced with the yellow blocking on the aging walls. I thought you may have paid that white car to drive by to balance your attire. 😂
Grazie!!!! I'm enjoying these episodes in Florence so much , amazing! Thanks for being so sensitive to what is really beautiful and important. Bella ciao forever ❤ Warm hugs from Sicily!
I just love the idea of getting something custom-made while travelling. Something of quality. I usually buy a piece of jewellery because it's easy to carry and every time I wear a piece, I remember where I got it. I got a suit made in Hong Kong once, but it was cheap - one of those overnight places - and didn't fit well. I no longer have it. But the shoes, the hat, and the journals - I love this tour of Florence and the beautiful handmade bespoke pieces.
So beautiful! When I was a little girl over 55 years ago, my grandmother always took me to her friends, who were a shoemaker and his wife. I had to have my shoes handmade as I had really wide feet. Lost art here in the States.
Such glorious hand work - and I can't help but smile to see everyone in the workshop is wearing sweatshop factory-made sneakers 😬 And that photo at the end brought me to tears. Mille Grazie Roberto, Robertolino and co. And wonderful work from the camera person.
🥰 Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. Seeing real craftspeople creating just brings me joy ! I loved the paper making video ! You are letting us see works of art being made. For me, the beautiful sole is kind of like a signature. Sadly, many old traditions and skills are not being carried forward into the future. It is very much our loss. It's fun to watch you learning and loving life ! 😃 Sending love from BC, Canada
Thank you!!! You inspire me to curate everything in my life, with having only, quality and meaning . I love that you don't consume things, for trends or keeping up with the "Jones" but live your life with Less but Quality. I hope you do a video on clothes next. Blessings
Hi, you are a very special person who inspires. It's nice to look at the videos and see how much you can learn and become an autodidact and the art is always around you. Greetings from Israel and have a nice fall.
Thank you for showing my country, you do such a wonderful job. I genuinely enjoy watching you. And thank you for showing me the art of bookbinding. I have immersed myself in it, and marbling paper. I love it!
What a joy to hear the song from my scout youth after 60 years. Your calligraphy reminds me my father’s beautiful handwriting. Roberto is an exceptional craftsman.
I totally treasure your love for local artisanal work and all the videos you produce about it! Thank you and everyone who contributed to it! It’s a real joy watching and totally inspiring!👍☺️
I just returned from Florence, it is such a beautiful city. I loved all the leather shops, I bought a leather wastebasket for my guest bath and a purse 👜. Wonderful craftsmanship handed down from generation to generation, you can see and feel the quality.
Thank you for sharing all the artisan items you are showcasing. Fascinating stuff. I will remain an avid follower of your channel. May your channel grow exponentially.
Beautiful authentic craft. Everything handmade have a special beauty, quality, original look and feel. Just masterpieces. The amount of hours work and precision to create such a quality product....
Rajiv, this is fantastic that you are featuring these old world craftsman ! Being an artist myself I love watching what they do. Great to compare notes. Looking forward to more videos like this 🙏
It is difficult to explain the joy, pleasure, admiration and envy that this video has given me. Shoes have always been my weakness, I have many and I buy the best I can (I don't think Roberto's shoes were within my reach). In Argentina we have a tradition of good quality shoes, although there are few luxury artisans left. I can't help but imagine, even if it's just a fantasy, ordering some shoes on a future trip to Florence. I'm already thinking about the model! And as a bonus, the choice of "Bella ciao", an anti-fascist resistance anthem, as music. Muchísimas gracias!
Absolutely beautiful! This is an Art. ❤ You can tell he takes pride in what he does. I wished that there were more people like this. I bet that your shoes are amazing.
Wow! So nice you found him for FAB shoes and how kind he stored your bike!! Roberto, to me, has a presence that comes through the screen!!! Whatta nice day. ❤👍✌️🌞✨.
Wow how fascinating!!!!!!!! Alot of work but I'm sure those shoes last many year's and feel great. Rajiv it's awesome that you are featuring these almost lost crafts. Please more of this.Thank you
Amazing to watch the process of making something by hand - the attention to detail and care really transforms the final product. @Rajiv Surendra, I've enjoyed your videos for a while now. Thank you for shining the light on these crafts. It's so clear how much you appreciate them and I am so happy that you share that with us. I think you might enjoy a visit to Japan, where also there is a strong tradition of making beautiful handmade items that have a long history. I've found so many shops where the owner specializes in just one craft (making on type of product). Even if that takes a while, the focus is really on getting it right and creating something beautiful and long-lasting.
Thanks so very much. These great artisans are so wonderful--and their craft was passed down from their families. Beautiful shoes and the little kid is so special as well. Here is a red ballon for him. 🎈🎈
I love leather, comfortable shoes and things that last a lifetime. I would love to have a pair of tailored, handmade shoes. I could spend hours just watching the craftsmen work.
Rajiv, I have envy like I have never experienced before. To have a hand made pair of artisan boots has been my dream.Those three toned green boots with the textured leather at the end of this video will be on my wish list for the rest of my life with the brown inset tweed ones coming a close second. I also envy such skill and pride in workmanship. Bellisimo, Enjoy. Ciao Muffy
As a shoe fanatic, especially of Italian shoes I absolutely loved this video. Thank you for sharing your travels in Florence with us. I have made a note of this calzolaio for the next time that I may find myself in Florence. PS. It was an interesting choice of intro music, "Bella Ciao" a song that may stir controversy in Italy.
Rajiv, this is one of your best videos in my opinion. Roberto is absolutely a master of his craft. Bellissimo Roberto. Gracie. I learnt a lot about shoe making. Look at all those intricate stitching and the whole process is amazing to watch. I agree to the neutral vegetale support under the actual leather instead of using gaudy colors. Have a blast touring Florence, Rajiv. Thank you for bringing us all these wonderful videos. Love and hugs❤😂
Hi Rajiv, I am very grateful to you for being able to watch so many interesting things about Florence. I really want to visit this beautiful city. Here in Portugal, in the area where I live, there is a great tradition in the manufacture of shoes and hats. Unfortunately, they are no longer made by artisans individualy although they are of great quality and are exported to international brands. I'm always waiting for your videos because I learn a lot from you. I wish you a beautiful autumn weekend. So sorry for my lousy english.
My sweet grandfather was an Italian shoemaker who immigrated to America at the turn of the century. He had a little handmade sign in his workshop that read, “Pray before work”. During the Great Depression he kept food on the table by repairing shoes because no one could afford new ones. RIP Alphonso Croce
Thank for sharing❤
My father was a shoemaker, he died in 2015. I walk into his workshop to get the smell and I turn on his finishing machine to hear the sounds. Dad trained for seven years. But it is a beautiful craft, hand stitching, moulding. Thank you for sharing. If I go to Florence, I must drop into the shop, and listen to the men at work. 🇮🇪
What a pleasure to watch these artisans working on their craft...it makes me so happy to see that people are still doing this type of work in this insanely fast paced world we live in today. Some things are worth the wait .
My grandfather was an Italian shoemaker. He was paralyzed by a stroke before I was born. I never saw him make anything, but I was blessed with his creativity. This makes me closer to him by imagining how he made a living. Thank you so much Rajiv!
Wao. Is not just the attention to detail, the dedication and tradition, but it actually looks very demanding physically speaking. Thank you for these great videos Rajiv.
I love Florence & I love Italian made shoes! Mine (4 pair) were purchased in Naples, FL at a shop carrying only their Italian shoes named CLORINDA ANTINORI! They are not the custom Roberto's quality but beautifully made & most comfortable shoes I own!!
Rajiv, most of us would never get the personal, behind-the-scenes tours of these gifted craftsmen if not for your channel & your appreciation of finer products & talents of many artisans❤!
Amen!❤
Hi Rajiv, I just wanted to add something: the song in the intro, "Bella Ciao", is an important popular song that dates back to the war times. It's a song about a Partisan who tells his lover what his last wishes are (to be buried on a mountain, where most Partisans used to spend their days organizing the Resistance and fighting).
Today it still carries a lot of meaning for antifascist movements, though it has been misused by advertising and tv (we all know "La casa de papel" turned it into something closer to a theme song rather than treating it as it is - a beautiful piece of Italian music, historically and culturally relevant).
Grazie per questi tuoi bellissimi video! Buon soggiorno in Italia ❤
There’s some brothers in Nashville that one brother went to Italy to learn his craft. Potter and sons but if they can make it , it is not possible to get that product. However, they can repair a fine pair of shoes. Shoe repair is just as important as the shoe making.
Very true! In my town and all the surrounding towns I have only ever seen one shop dedicated to shoe repairs. Its crazy!
I have a shoe repair shop in my neighborhood. It's been there many years. I have some boots I'm taking in next week.
Just how comfortable are a pair of custom shoes?
@@julezonyabrainfits like a glove it depends on the shoes some have stiffer soles other are softer but the difference cannot be understated
Shoes made by "hand". They really are "handmade". I'm impressed! I am 61 years old and seeing for the first time, a shoemaker at work doing his craft. Just wow!!!! ❤
I really love when you showcase Artisans. It costs for quality and their time. If people would appreciate that more the fast fashion trash heaps would probably reduce dramatically. ❤👞👢
I only have a few pairs of shoes and boots, but I love them all.
What a relief that there still are great craftsmen in this world that can make proper quality shoes. Shoes that not only look stunning, but that are also good for your feet and back. Most people are ruining their feet with cheap sneakers and other 'plastic fantastic' shoeware. Thank you, Rajiv and Roberto 🙂
Thank you Rajiv,love this. My husband had a pair made 40 years ago in Italy and they're now treasured by his son. The work and leather is still exquisite 💙
Watching your video brought back so many memories. My grandfather was a shoe maker (from Mexico). I kept a pair of shoes he made my dad. I wish I had all his tools too.
I live and work in Florence, there is nothing I would want more than to spot you walking down these streets and yell RAJIV I LOVE YOUR WORK!
What a treat! Two videos in a week❤ Thank you so much for taking us along on your Italian journey and especially for focusing on the amazing artisans. I will be rewatching these videos again and again. So much beauty, so much joy!
This has been a joy to watch. Thank you to the artisans for sharing what they do. Thank you Rajiv and your camera person for producing this video.
I was almost moved to tears by the beauty in this story. You had me in the first cut, staged perfectly balanced with the yellow blocking on the aging walls. I thought you may have paid that white car to drive by to balance your attire. 😂
Grazie!!!! I'm enjoying these episodes in Florence so much , amazing! Thanks for being so sensitive to what is really beautiful and important.
Bella ciao forever ❤
Warm hugs from Sicily!
❤❤❤
Roberto is lovely. His workshop is lovely. Rajiv is lovely.
Rajiv, you are the epitome of a dapper Gentleman.
These are beautiful works of art. I love that the man himself is wearing New Balance!
I've never been to Italy but I lived in France
I love your handwriting it's so pretty.
I just love the idea of getting something custom-made while travelling. Something of quality. I usually buy a piece of jewellery because it's easy to carry and every time I wear a piece, I remember where I got it. I got a suit made in Hong Kong once, but it was cheap - one of those overnight places - and didn't fit well. I no longer have it. But the shoes, the hat, and the journals - I love this tour of Florence and the beautiful handmade bespoke pieces.
What a beautiful craft, the quality and craftsmanship are amazing, and well worth investment that will last a long, long time!
Those are shoes you have professionally re-soled over and over… beautiful shoes!
Thanks Rajiv, you really inspired me to look for these small shops when I travel and not just buy cheap stuff.
So beautiful! When I was a little girl over 55 years ago, my grandmother always took me to her friends, who were a shoemaker and his wife. I had to have my shoes handmade as I had really wide feet. Lost art here in the States.
Such glorious hand work - and I can't help but smile to see everyone in the workshop is wearing sweatshop factory-made sneakers 😬 And that photo at the end brought me to tears. Mille Grazie Roberto, Robertolino and co. And wonderful work from the camera person.
They must be expensive!
This was a fascinating segment. My great grandfather was also a shoemaker. I love the wooden shoe forms and have a small collection.❤️
❤ Wow Thank YOU so much yes I most definitely would love a pair made especially for me what a blessing🙏💜🕯️
This is amazing! Roberto & Roberto . are marvelous people! That photo!! Wow! Thank you Rajiv!!
🥰 Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. Seeing real craftspeople creating just brings me joy ! I loved the paper making video ! You are letting us see works of art being made. For me, the beautiful sole is kind of like a signature. Sadly, many old traditions and skills are not being carried forward into the future. It is very much our loss. It's fun to watch you learning and loving life ! 😃 Sending love from BC, Canada
Thank you!!! You inspire me to curate everything in my life, with having only, quality and meaning . I love that you don't consume things, for trends or keeping up with the "Jones" but live your life with Less but Quality. I hope you do a video on clothes next. Blessings
I love these videos of true craftsman. The passion they have for their craft just exudes from them when they talk about the process.
Hi, you are a very special person who inspires. It's nice to look at the videos and see how much you can learn and become an autodidact and the art is always around you. Greetings from Israel and have a nice fall.
Thank you for showing my country, you do such a wonderful job. I genuinely enjoy watching you. And thank you for showing me the art of bookbinding. I have immersed myself in it, and marbling paper. I love it!
Grazie a te!
What a joy to hear the song from my scout youth after 60 years. Your calligraphy reminds me my father’s beautiful handwriting. Roberto is an exceptional craftsman.
Roberto, a master of art and life..........
Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us. I love how you are bringing us along to "non tourist" venues. Such a treat! Bravo
Loved this video. So interesting!! Thank you for making these incredible videos!
I totally treasure your love for local artisanal work and all the videos you produce about it! Thank you and everyone who contributed to it! It’s a real joy watching and totally inspiring!👍☺️
Your trip to Florence has been outstanding!!! Between the paper making, the hat making and now the shoe making...WOW!!! Job well done...🎉🎉🎉
I just returned from Florence, it is such a beautiful city. I loved all the leather shops, I bought a leather wastebasket for my guest bath and a purse 👜. Wonderful craftsmanship handed down from generation to generation, you can see and feel the quality.
Fascinating how they still keep on doing the best in shoe making, they are so talented
You have the most incredibly beautiful handwriting
We all want your life! Thank you for taking us with you! What an amazing year you have had.
I long for craftsmanship like this. Beautiful.
A work of art is a joy forever. Thank you, Rajiv.
American Duchess is a custom shoe maker for women’s shoes. Hand made shoes truly are works of art.
Thank you for sharing all the artisan items you are showcasing. Fascinating stuff. I will remain an avid follower of your channel. May your channel grow exponentially.
I love how the mic was still on when Roberto went to the back and you can hear him rummaging through the pile of lasts to find Rajiv’s. 😂
Beautiful authentic craft. Everything handmade have a special beauty, quality, original look and feel. Just masterpieces. The amount of hours work and precision to create such a quality product....
I am absolutely loving your series on Italy. If I see that something is made in Italy 🇮🇹 I know it is of the highest QUALITY.
Again..another fantastically interesting video! Wonderful to see that there are still some people who have these old world skills. Huge Thanks!! 🎉
Thank you for watching!
Rajiv, you have a beautiful soul! I feel happy that there is someone as amazing as you in this world. I love you!
Rajiv many thanks...this is one of my passions...shoemaking...will get there one day😊
Rajiv, this is fantastic that you are featuring these old world craftsman ! Being an artist myself I love watching what they do. Great to compare notes. Looking forward to more videos like this 🙏
Great video a world of knowledge came out from your video. Thank you.
Well done, Rajiv. I learned a lot, appreciate the craftsmanship, and now want a pair. Thanks for taking the time to educate your viewers. Cheers.
thank you Rajiv for sharing this trip with us...i can't afford to travel so this is so fun to watch for me :)
I found a last...exactly my size... in a dry river-bed in Spain.
Fancy that!
Size 3 .. double A fitting
It is difficult to explain the joy, pleasure, admiration and envy that this video has given me. Shoes have always been my weakness, I have many and I buy the best I can (I don't think Roberto's shoes were within my reach). In Argentina we have a tradition of good quality shoes, although there are few luxury artisans left. I can't help but imagine, even if it's just a fantasy, ordering some shoes on a future trip to Florence. I'm already thinking about the model! And as a bonus, the choice of "Bella ciao", an anti-fascist resistance anthem, as music. Muchísimas gracias!
Pure art! What a lovely few minutes to be able to spend seeing quality, beauty and craftsmanship continuing forward in time. Thank you Rajiv!!!
Absolutely beautiful! This is an Art. ❤ You can tell he takes pride in what he does. I wished that there were more people like this. I bet that your shoes are amazing.
Wow! So nice you found him for FAB shoes and how kind he stored your bike!! Roberto, to me, has a presence that comes through the screen!!! Whatta nice day. ❤👍✌️🌞✨.
Wow how fascinating!!!!!!!! Alot of work but I'm sure those shoes last many year's and feel great. Rajiv it's awesome that you are featuring these almost lost crafts. Please more of this.Thank you
Gorgeous shoes 👞
Amazing to watch the process of making something by hand - the attention to detail and care really transforms the final product. @Rajiv Surendra, I've enjoyed your videos for a while now. Thank you for shining the light on these crafts. It's so clear how much you appreciate them and I am so happy that you share that with us. I think you might enjoy a visit to Japan, where also there is a strong tradition of making beautiful handmade items that have a long history. I've found so many shops where the owner specializes in just one craft (making on type of product). Even if that takes a while, the focus is really on getting it right and creating something beautiful and long-lasting.
Thanks so very much. These great artisans are so wonderful--and their craft was passed down from their families. Beautiful shoes and the little kid is so special as well. Here is a red ballon for him. 🎈🎈
I love leather, comfortable shoes and things that last a lifetime. I would love to have a pair of tailored, handmade shoes. I could spend hours just watching the craftsmen work.
Thank you Rajiv. This series is absolutely beautiful and I love the history of the artisans that you’ve introduced to us.
❤❤❤
Wow, this video was wonderful! It should make everyone want a pair of his shoes.❤
Love seeing all these videos highlighting craftsmanship
Rajiv, I have envy like I have never experienced before. To have a hand made pair of artisan boots has been my dream.Those three toned green boots with the textured leather at the end of this video will be on my wish list for the rest of my life with the brown inset tweed ones coming a close second. I also envy such skill and pride in workmanship. Bellisimo, Enjoy. Ciao Muffy
Italian craftsmanship is superb! Another beautiful video.
Such amazing craftmanship, thank you for showcasing this place !!!!
Such fine craftsmanship! You are lucky to be wearing works of art on your feet!
Your videos get better and better! Have just watched the Terracotta Artisans and now this - amazing! Thank you Rajiv.
Bella ciao! Thank you for this! Brings tears to my eyes every time. Perfect video also😊
WOW, thank you so much to share this with us! What a master of his craft!!
As a shoe fanatic, especially of Italian shoes I absolutely loved this video. Thank you for sharing your travels in Florence with us. I have made a note of this calzolaio for the next time that I may find myself in Florence. PS. It was an interesting choice of intro music, "Bella Ciao" a song that may stir controversy in Italy.
Those are sum beautiful boots dude. Thank u for talking about handcrafted stuff. I had been looking forward to seeing italian shoemaking
Mr Ugolini deserves respect, I cant appear before him not dressed up. ❤
Rajiv, this is one of your best videos in my opinion.
Roberto is absolutely a master of his craft. Bellissimo Roberto. Gracie.
I learnt a lot about shoe making. Look at all those intricate stitching and the whole process is amazing to watch. I agree to the neutral vegetale support under the actual leather instead of using gaudy colors.
Have a blast touring Florence, Rajiv.
Thank you for bringing us all these wonderful videos.
Love and hugs❤😂
Thank you.
Hi Rajiv, I am very grateful to you for being able to watch so many interesting things about Florence. I really want to visit this beautiful city. Here in Portugal, in the area where I live, there is a great tradition in the manufacture of shoes and hats. Unfortunately, they are no longer made by artisans individualy although they are of great quality and are exported to international brands. I'm always waiting for your videos because I learn a lot from you. I wish you a beautiful autumn weekend. So sorry for my lousy english.
Still watch and his shoes are a work of ART!😊
What a pleasure to bump into you today in Jackson Heights.
Nice to meet you, Meme!
Beautiful people passing by 😊❤
So beautiful. Works of art. Thank you so much for showing us these amazing artisans. ❤
Thank you for watching. The views, comments and subscriptions are what keep this whole thing going.
Thank you for showing us this lovely business 🌷
I am enthralled with your artisan videos. I would go to Florence just to have a pair of shoes made. Thanks for sharing this with us all. What’s next?
Your videos are the best, thank you, Rajiv!!!
Your videos are so calming!
Wow, a fun video. Thanks for taking nus with you !
Absolutely wonderful, thank you so much for sharing with us.
Great to visit this craftsman
Best watch ever ❤
Love going with you to Italy (from my couch 😂)! You look at all the things I would want to see if I traveled. Your videos are very special to me!
Wow! Beautiful craftsmanship. Would be such an honor to have a pair of shoes made just for you. ❤
Fascinating. Thank you for this video!
Roberto looks like an Italian movie star!