QUALIFICATION
In our quest to open the doors to the factories where our shoes are made and show you the different processes that go into making a pair of Naguisa shoes, this week we invite you to discover XX's workshop. Here, a team cuts, inks, polishes, engraves and protects the leather soles that many of you wear to travel through cities and towns around the world.
Something that at first glance may seem as obvious and ordinary as a sole, is one of the key pieces that make up the comfort on which we walk. In addition, each of these small pieces of leather has the mission of turning each boot into a long-lasting companion. These reasons are just some of the many reasons why at Naguisa we turn to expert hands, men and women who have been working with leather for generations, giving shape and value to this element, to make our collections.
The sole process begins with the cutting of the already tanned leather. Using a 'sheet' of this material, and using the die-cutting system, it is cut to the desired size.
Once cut and matched, the soles are matched to achieve the same thickness. This is an essential requirement for moving on to the next step: pre-sharpening. Using an automatic machine, the outline of the sole is marked and the edges are left raw before being dyed. Once coloured and dried, the soles undergo the stamping process, in which they are marked with the number and our “Naguisa”. In addition, in the case of these soles, we also add a non-slip stamping to increase their comfort.
The next step is beveling, which, depending on the thickness of the sole and the design of the shoe, involves a small recess on the edge so that it fits perfectly with the shoe. This precise process is followed by polishing, the last of the steps in which the sole passes through rollers that give it the shiny finish that lights up our faces when we wear new shoes.
This is the transformation process of a leather sole such as those of the Bellver, Buran, Dana, Veleta or Elur models. Honest designs with which we help ensure that our artisanal legacy does not disappear.
N.: A moment you will always remember.
F.: What a beautiful and difficult question! I have many memories connected with Coko , for me it is “my home” and I spend more time here than anywhere else. For me, it has been the setting for many moments that remain imprinted in my mind and with which I associate important emotions and feelings. If I have to choose, the moment that immediately comes to mind is when Zadoc, four legs, a tail and a big heart who would soon become my best friend, came running through the door like a hurricane. And then I remember another… in Coko ’s tiny bathroom I took the pregnancy test. Joy and fear together. My concern was how to be able to raise a child while managing my professional life with the same energy!
N.: What do you think our philosophy brings to Coko ? And to your clients?
F.: I chose Naguisa because their philosophy fits perfectly with my store. “Why have nice shoes if you can’t walk in them?” I love having a product with a unique, chic and, above all, comfortable design to offer my clients. For a long time I looked for a shoe brand that could match the style of clothing I choose, and I finally found it in you. My clients have been impressed by the retro atmosphere and the feelings that Naguisa’s collections inspire.
N.: How would you define working with the Naguisa team? For you, what makes us different?
F.: My adventure with Naguisa started recently, but I am very excited to have been chosen to be part of this sophisticated community. This project is characterized by its attention to materials and craftsmanship, and by its empathy with the stores that distribute the brand. This interview is proof that everyone who is part of the team is valued equally.
N.: Of all our designs to date, which is your favorite?
F.: This is my first summer collection and “ UGA ” is the design I fell in love with! I think it is the design I feel most represented by. When I think of UGA , I imagine myself taking a walk with my husband and daughter through the small historic center of the city where I live, looking for some good local food.