This program offers students a rare chance to learn authentic, top-level shoemaking techniques, directly from Italian leather artisans with the highest skills and rich experience. In our course, students can learn all the steps of the shoemaking process (making the last, cutting pattern, choosing materials, sewing, etc.) which can be worn for a long time. In addition to various types of shoes, students can study shoes for specific necessities, such as shoes pursuing “simplicity and comfort”, “durability”, “functional shoes for feet with medical problems”, “elegance for parties”, etc. and acquire skills enough to start up their career as a shoemaker.
Styles & techniques.
- Décolleté (1 shoe, not a pair) from model making to the finishing.
- Inside-out model (reversed): model making and sewing.
- Chanel style sandal, both right and left foot shoes on request.
- Oxford shoe (Italian: "Francesina" style).
- Derby shoe.
- Moccasin.
- “Blake” construction.
- “Goodyear welt” construction.
- “Norwegian” construction.
I. September 16, 2020 - April 23, 2021
II. January 11, 2021 - July 30, 2021
III. May 3, 2021 - December 10, 2021
IV. September 6, 2021 - April 15, 2022
SEMESTER program
I. January 11, 2021 - April 23, 2021 II. May 3, 2021 - July 30, 2021 III. September 6, 2021 - December 10, 2021 IV. January 10, 2022 - April 15, 2022
Our Shoemaking Master Course is tailored for students with proven experience in handmade shoe production.
Accademia Riaci offers unique opportunities for students, thanks to its close relationship with the leather industry. By visiting local shoe factories/laboratories, students will have the chance to learn first-hand how the shoe process is realized through concept work-production-sales.
During the second semester of the program, students will work on a corporate study, working on projects together with local companies under the supervision of their teacher, to learn the actual production process in Italy, which is known for producing shoes of the highest quality in the world.
The goal of our master is to develop highly qualified professionals through the creation of a career-oriented portfolio which is essential for achieving a breakthrough career.
I. September 16, 2020 - April 23, 2021
II. January 11, 2021 - July 30, 2021
III. May 3, 2021 - December 10, 2021
IV. September 6, 2021 - April 15, 2022
Semester program
I. January 11, 2021 - April 23, 2021 II. May 3, 2021 - July 30, 2021 III. September 6, 2021 - December 10, 2021 IV. January 10, 2022 - April 15, 2022
Students will learn basic techniques of shoemaking through semi-intensive lessons, making shoes for their size. It includes all the steps of shoemaking, from measuring the size, cutting patterns, cutting leather, composing, sewing, and finishing. According to the length of the course and experience, students can produce various types of shoes.
Please note that the minimum course duration is 6 weeks, which is the time required to complete a handmade shoe.
Shoemaking classes are NOT available during the whole month of August.
Note: the "Summer Intensive Course" has the same contents as the "Short Course", but with a double number of lessons. Furthermore, it includes housing and extracurricular activities and services.
Overview
Students will learn basic techniques of shoemaking through intensive lessons, making shoes for their size. It includes all the steps of shoemaking process, from measuring the size, cutting patterns, cutting leather, composing, sewing, and finishing. According to the length of the course and experience, students can produce various types of shoes.
Please note that the minimum course duration is 4 weeks (intensive), which is the time required to complete a handmade shoe.
Shoemaking classes are NOT available during the whole month of August.
Italy is the core of leather crafting art in the world, hosting numerous prestigious brands recognized globally. The reason why Italian shoes enchant so many people all over the world is their highly sophisticated designs realized by the endless pursuit of the quality of Italian artisans who put a value on creating beautiful, comfortable with a feather touch, and inspiring shoes.
Florence above all Italian cities has been the center of the Italian leather industry, nurturing generations of highly skilled artisans and craftsmen, with an uncompromising insistence on quality and top-level techniques. Such a shoemaking industry now seeks to incorporate traditional and modern techniques, moving forward together with new market tendencies. In such fast-moving and globalizing environment, cultivating a new generation of shoemaking artisans who preserve the precious tradition of the shoe industry is an utmost theme in Italy.
(Original video courtesy of AFP, all rights reserved.)
Teachers
Shoemaking instructors are from Italian families, who has been making leather shoes for generations. The laboratory is located in the very center of Florence, a few steps from the “Duomo”. The teacher will show students every step of leather crafts in an easy and comprehensive manner.
