Bestetti shoes, have some peculiarities evident in the curves of the forms, highlight detail and boasts meticulouscare in finishing
When it comes to men’s bespoke shoes, nothing quite beats the feel and classiness of a pair of plush Bestettis. Its reclusive maker, Ricardo Bestetti, works from his officional in Vigevano, a town and commune in Lombardy in Northern Italy popular for its thriving shoe trade. In an exclusive interaction with The Luxe Café, Bestetti, considered by many to be the best self-taught bespoke shoemaker in the world at present, talks about his craft and why it is time for you to opt for the luxury of bespoke shoes.
The Luxe Café: Why bespoke shoes?
Bespoke shoes, they are completely different from the normal shoes, every curve of the foot is stroked from the shoe and you experience a new feeling, comfortable and very unique.
What’s so special about a pair of Bestettis? Bestetti shoes, have some peculiarities evident in the curves of the forms, highlight detail and boasts meticulous care in finishing.
How could someone from India own a pair?
I’ve never had clients of India so far. For bespoke, personally, I always see the feet of the customer, but for other lines, you can do without any problems by email.
Can you brief us about the various steps involved in creating a bespoke shoe? What special requests do clients usually come with?
A bespoke customer wants comfortable walking, and only a bespoke, can satisfy him.
What inspires you?
Inspirations come from what I like and would wear personally.
Why only men? Is creating a woman’s shoe a more complicated process?
Because my taste is too masculine…
How long does it take for you to create a pair?
To make a pair of shoes by hand, and custom-made, there are thirty hours of work, the form, the model and the shoe, are all strictly handmade.
“To make a pair of shoes by hand, and custom-made, there are thirty hours of work, the form, the model and the shoe, are all strictly handmade.”
What is the most popular style made at your workshop? Can you tell us about your personal favorite?
There is no particular model. The most classic models are the most popular. My favorite is the Maverick model.
Most of your styles look narrow? What about people who have really broad feet? Is it possible to create such beautiful designs for them as well?
The bespoke shoe, it also serves to make the thinner foot wide and ugly.
What are the finest skins to work with?
For me some varieties of leather are fantastic, but the French calf is the most beautiful.
“The men’s shoe segment is starting to grow. Today’s man is a new important point.”
You don’t advertise and you don’t market yourself at all…?
A customer’s word of mouth is the best advertising
Do you feel the demand for bespoke shoes have changed over the years?
The men’s shoe segment is starting to grow. Today’s man is a new important point.
What is luxury to you?
It is difficult to answer this question, it is always in danger of being banal, banality, I do not like.
