We the Italians April 18, 2016 - 78 | Page 90

th # 78 APRIL 18 , 2016 the organisation of a shoe company: from the designer’s table, to shaping and moulding, cutting and sewing, assembly and finishing, right through to packaging. The first phase of manufacturing consists of developing the design of the model, creating the prototype and producing the series using the computer. The next stage is to cut every single part of the shoe upper and lining (toe, side, heel) for the serial production, and then proceed with the stitching, which is a crucial step. This 90 | WE THE ITALIANS www.wetheitalians.com is performed by experienced hands that use the sewing machine with skill and precision. The upper is then assembled to the outer sole.This is one of the most testing tasks, giving the shoe its final appearance.The assembly of quality footwear is carried out first by machine and is then completed by hand for the fine adjustments and visual checks. This ensures an appropriate balance and centring of the individual parts in relation to the shape and axis. shing and polishing of the shoe: the leather is bought back to a real and natural look by cleaning and treating it with natural waxes and polishing creams. Several polishing stages expose the quality of the leather, giving the shoe its own personality. Master Shoemakers of Brenta Shoe manufacturers from Riviera del Brenta use the old seal of the Venetian Confraternita dei Calegheri (Cobblers’ Confraternity), dating back to the 13th century as their mark The final stage is the fini- of origin. Venice had dicta-