Suede is made from the innermost layer of leather, superficially buffed to enhance its typical velvety feel.

Before cutting, artisans carefully analyse the leather, eliminating any potential imperfections: this delicate process requires time and precision. A latex brush removes dust and residue, while a coarser brush is used to revive the nap, so the shoe remains just as soft and beautiful as you see it now.

We used the original construction technique for our Friulian shoes, from right where they originated. They adapt and mold quickly to the shape of the foot.  

The upper is chain stitched by hand directly to the outsole: there’s still no machine that exists to replicate the artisan’s manual skill. This makes every shoe one-of-a-kind.

As per tradition, it features a rubber sole made from recycled bicycle tires. 

Friulane shoes were originally called zavatis, meaning ‘slipper’, because they were worn primarily at home, but all that was needed was the addition of a rubber sole to make them suitable for outdoors.

Production is based in Gonars, in the Udine province, where friulane shoes have been made for generations. Back then, the village women would hand stitch them at home with a needle and thread, connecting the fabric to the sole with a sotpont - their dialectal word for an understitch. Today, our artisans make them following traditional methods.

Here are some of their stories.