As personalization is a trend, bespoke shoe also became popular
because of the need to standout from run-of-the-mill offerings made it
expedient. XALF provides the modern cosmopolitan woman with bespoke footwear in
exceptional designs that is unparalleled in Malaysia. Here is the Process of Bespoke
Shoemaking Workshop by XALF.
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The Process of Bespoke Shoemaking Workshop by XALF
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According to Alfred Hor, one of the founder of XALF, a bespoke
shoes take about 1 and half months to complete from the shoe design up to the final
finishing. Only the finest raw materials be used even before the design
process. We were at the afternoon hi-tea cum workshop session by XALF at their showroom
in Soho 2, Damansara Perdana to experience the process of bespoke shoemaking
for yourself.
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| From left: Xavier Mah & Alfred Hor, the founder of XALF |
Design
The spirit of designing a shoe is, at its most basic, the melding
of technical know-how with a flourish of creativity. Eventually, the focus is
thrown onto the genesis and beauty of its construction.
Pattern making & drafting
In defining the pattern, the pattern template is hollowed out to
obtain the individual pieces needed for the entire framework. Sections of upper
are drafted into the material either leather, suede, patent leather and even
calfskin. Similarly, other components such as the midsole, outsole and insole
are obtained like jigsaw pieces that are prepared for eventual assembly.
Fitting
Once the selected materials are determined then the 1st
fitting session is to confirm the suitability of the materials.
Cutting
One of the most challenging aspects of customizing a shoe is
maintaining essential precision whilst cutting the raw material.
Sewing
The upper of the shoe is what gives the shoe its panache; they
define the interaction of aesthetics within the shoe
Stock Fitting
A single sole, depending on how it has been constructed, can
either be flimsy or sturdy; it all depends on how the materials have been
overlaid to emphasise comfort and ease of entry.
Lasting
In attaching the upper to the sole, a last is moulded in an
ethereally customized configuration of its wearer. With the last, the upper and
sole are sandwiched with clear parameters to showcase the desired shape of the
shoe something which cannot be accomplished by machine.
Heeling
The heel is where the stark beauty of its wearer is conveyed. The
combination of physics and ergonomics speak to the roots of a lifted posture of
a woman that brings a resolutely sophisticated outlook to the wearer.
Finishing
The edges are then smoothed down, refined and polished to create
the delicate final touches to the end product.
Excess materials are trimmed away and the shoes are accessorized to look
exactly like that envisioned.
Overall the bespoke shoemaking workshop was an eye-opening. It
takes a lots of details, time and hard-work to finally present a finished bespoke
shoes.
Personally, before, I loved to attend showmaking workshop which I thought to be very important for me to learn. But somehow, at present, it changed a lot while I discovered some other things to do. Really, this workshop is great especially for housewives.
ReplyDeleteI have not been to a shoe-making workshop but I think this is cool. Being a shoe-lover, I find this informative and well, knowing that it takes a month and a half to make a pair makes me value my shoes, the heels especially, even more. - RUSS
ReplyDeleteWow there's so many materials and steps that should be factored in when making a shoe. I think it's interesting to learn and have a first-hand experience also.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! Given the chance, I'd definitely want to try making my own pair of shoes. One that is made to fit my feet, not one my feet has to fit :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a very nice workshop in making shoes. They also made excellent designs.
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting concept! Glad that you could try something like this.
ReplyDeleteI received Xalf's press release on their heels too. While they are really pretty, I wonder how comfortable it would be as I'm not exactly a stilettos person.
ReplyDelete