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Question for the shoe mavens.

CutandSew

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Hi, I have a question for all the shoe lovers out there, bespoke or otherwise: are any of you familiar with the Saruwaka Footwear College in Japan, or the Cordwainers College at the London College of Fashion? I couldn't find much info on either one here and I'm just wondering if anyone has any in depth knowledge about both schools, especially regarding the quality of education with respect to the skills taught. Basically, I'm just wondering if after attend such institutions, will one be able to do what Delos, Gaziano or Suzuki are able to do, or is it all just a waste of tuition money and b***sh*t anyways. Thanks!
 

Son Of Saphir

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Cordwainers College London

Aquaintance go there long time ago.
He say course is basic shoe making,
and better learn off real maker.
Course not enough on it own.
 

CutandSew

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Originally Posted by Son Of Saphir
Cordwainers College London

Aquaintance go there long time ago.
He say course is basic shoe making,
and better learn off real maker.
Course not enough on it own.


Thanks!!!
 

imatlas

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Originally Posted by CutandSew
Hi, I have a question for all the shoe lovers out there, bespoke or otherwise: are any of you familiar with the Saruwaka Footwear College in Japan, or the Cordwainers College at the London College of Fashion? I couldn't find much info on either one here and I'm just wondering if anyone has any in depth knowledge about both schools, especially regarding the quality of education with respect to the skills taught. Basically, I'm just wondering if after attend such institutions, will one be able to do what Delos, Gaziano or Suzuki are able to do, or is it all just a waste of tuition money and b***sh*t anyways. Thanks!

You won't be able to do what Delos, Gaziano or Suzuki do from just taking a class, no matter how amazing the instructors and the syllabus. What a course can do for you is to give you a foundation that you could then leverage into an apprenticeship with one of the masters. After a period of apprenticeship, followed by many, many years of experience, you may be able to do what they do.

You might also look into Marcel's classes, he teaches in Budapest and NYC, and is a frequent posted here (search FOR MarcelLHUN).
 

CutandSew

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Originally Posted by imatlas
You won't be able to do what Delos, Gaziano or Suzuki do from just taking a class, no matter how amazing the instructors and the syllabus. What a course can do for you is to give you a foundation that you could then leverage into an apprenticeship with one of the masters. After a period of apprenticeship, followed by many, many years of experience, you may be able to do what they do.

You might also look into Marcel's classes, he teaches in Budapest and NYC, and is a frequent posted here (search FOR MarcelLHUN).


Thanks, that's what I figured. With the heavy and long time commitment required to obtain those skills, I can see why there are not more craftsmen around. Spending a couple years in graduate school would be seen as more rewarding financially instead of learning a craft for many kids. I've looked into Marcel's classes, but they're a bit pricey at about $2,200 usd/month, especially if I want to do it for say at least two years. Maybe I should just listen to my folks and look into law school instead.
confused.gif
 

Bic Pentameter

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Originally Posted by CutandSew
Hi, I have a question for all the shoe lovers out there, bespoke or otherwise: are any of you familiar with the Saruwaka Footwear College in Japan, or the Cordwainers College at the London College of Fashion? I couldn't find much info on either one here and I'm just wondering if anyone has any in depth knowledge about both schools, especially regarding the quality of education with respect to the skills taught. Basically, I'm just wondering if after attend such institutions, will one be able to do what Delos, Gaziano or Suzuki are able to do, or is it all just a waste of tuition money and b***sh*t anyways. Thanks!

I used to live 20 minutes away from the Saruwaka Footwear College in Tokyo. I visited several times. They had a Sunday experiential course that I considered attending, but in the end, I decided not to. I also looked into their two year course. I do believe that the graduates receive the best formal education in shoe making offered in Japan, but that additional training and practice would be necessary to be a Delos, Gaziano, or Suzuki.

The first year of the two year course has class Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10 am to 6 pm. Students spend additional time in the workshop working on their projects and perfecting their technique. The second year has class on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday during the same hours.

On March 15, they held an exhibition in which pieces made by graduates were displayed. You may see photos of newly graduated students' work here and make your own judgment about their skills.

If you are serious, you should think about things like the language barrier. It isn't impossible to learn in a foreign language. Koji Suzuki had to study Italian when he went to Italy, but it is a barrier.

Bic
 

CutandSew

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Thanks for the link! Some of the students' pieces are quite exceptional.
 

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