Riccardo Bestetti Bespoke projects. - Page 15

I think we all do. Question though: How does his bespoke process differ from that in the video?

I don't know. You seemed to be implying that it was showing him working on RTW shoes, which I would not expect to all be done by hand by Mr. Bestetti himself. I could be completely wrong though.

That's very cool. I can understand why the RTW would be finished to a different standard, but that it's so in house deserves respect.

He looks like he is working in an unheated factory with only worn old work clothes and hard activity to keep warm. Nevertheless the joy and passion with which he approaches his handiwork is obvious to all and the byproduct is wonderfully finished.

the gators rock

Roy is the almond/"Bestetti toe" a standard last /shape that Riccardo then alters to fit the bespoke fitting?

I ask because I see he used fibreglass/builders' bog to make alterations to the wooden last which he could later sand down to fit the individual foot.

I believe that is a standard plastic last with leather build-ups. No fiberglass that I can see.

The cordwainer I am visiting does wood with leather additions.

The only reason I mentioned it was the reference to fiberglass. I suppose one could use fiberglass for build-ups on lasts but all kinds of problems would ensue. The resins are noxious if not toxic; the fiberglass would require an inordinate amount of time to cure; and the dust and shavings from reducing the fitting to blend with the lines of the last and meet girth requirements would be a further threat to health and public safety.

Scraps of insole and outsole leather make the best build-ups especially if properly sealed after they are reduced. It's fast, it's economical and it's safe...mostly.

Great stuff still. would be nice if the euro fell more =)