“Made by Hand”.
I so love the traditional handcrafts at home in each country and culture. Over time there are those things that have developed that are either functional, decorative or both, and are crafted of fabric, paper, leather, metal, stone, wood, plant matter…
They begin with the hand and the mind of their maker, and usually reveal both. It’s a particular pleasure for me when the touch of the maker shows in the stitch, the edge, the union. Those details allow me to reach back to that person, however long ago, and sense the working of the hands.
The “classics” often spring from these traditional handcrafts and are elevated through their ties to those handcrafts. They have an extra layer of specialness and are much more than whim. They harken to history.
Italy: Among other things, leather goods. I’m not a “handbag person” so, although I’ve remarked to myself on the design, beauty and craftsmanship I’ve seen from the street market bag vendors, I haven’t been tempted. But I wanted to bring home some tidbit of Italian leather work as a nod to my time here…
Handmade wingtip shoes. I’ve had my eye on these for months as I’ve walked by the 8 foot wide storefront whenever I’ve done my shopping. Yesterday I actually tried them on. And they fit. And they came home with me with their satin ribbon ties!
I both marvel and am amused. Black-and-white pattern (which in Italy they say in reverse order as bianco-e-nero, white-and-black) is a perennial draw for me. The shoes are simple and classic. Timeless. And made by hand in the town of Vigevano, to the west of Milan. I’ve added a little train trip to my list of places to see before I leave. How I’d love to talk to the people making these shoes!