What really happens behind a shoe signed by Alberto Ciaschini

What truly happens behind a Ciaschini designer shoe

Hi,
I'm Alberto.

I know that from the outside, a shoe might seem simple: leather, a heel, some well-made stitching, and that's it.
But trust me, that's not really how it works. At least not in my world.

In my world, every shoe has days of work behind it, dozens of decisions, and often some doubts (yes, even after twenty years of doing this). Because there isn't a button to press and voilà, the shoe is made. Instead, there's a process full of people, hands, tools, trials, errors, adjustments. There's craftsmanship.

It all starts with something a bit ordinary: an idea

Sometimes it's a heel that comes to mind while I'm out. Other times, a detail I dream about at night (don't laugh, it really happens).
Then my mind starts working: I grab a sheet of paper, sketch, erase, redo.
But the key step is always the same: to understand if that idea makes sense on a real woman, not just on a drawing.

Because I want the women who wear my shoes to feel strong, elegant, comfortable, free.
If I can't achieve that, even if the design is beautiful... it's worth nothing.

From drawing to prototype: and here the troubles begin

Once the idea is sketched, the longest part begins.
The prototype. We always make it here in Lombardy, in the shoe factory where I work with people I've known my whole life.
There aren't many of us, and everyone has a very specific task. But the nice thing is that we always discuss things. Always. If something isn't right, we say so. We don't just move on lightheartedly.

Often the first prototype isn't right. Maybe the line is beautiful but it doesn't fit well. Or maybe the heel holds, but aesthetically it's "wrong". We look at each other, sigh, and start over.
It's part of the game. In fact, it is the game.

The choice of materials: no cheating here

The leather has to be the right one. Not just beautiful, but also alive, soft, resistant.
I never buy materials at random. I choose them one by one, with patience.
And when a new sample arrives, I look at it, touch it, bend it, even smell it.
Because if the leather is good, you recognize it even that way.

The linings, the soles, the heels (my heels have a story of their own) — everything is checked.
And if something doesn't convince me, it's discarded. Even if it costs money. Even if it extends the timeline.
I prefer to say "we're delaying" rather than put out a shoe that doesn't truly represent what I believe in.

There's no assembly line, there's a team

Every pair of shoes passes through different hands. There are those who cut, those who assemble, those who finish.
Everyone adds their touch, their eye. This is what makes every Ciaschini shoe a little different.
It's not perfect. It's alive.

And it's not magic. It's craftsmanship.

What I learned by observing, making mistakes, listening to those who knew more than me.
And I continue to do so today. Every day, even now that my name is on the product.

Why all this?

Because I want my shoes to be not only beautiful to look at, but also right to wear.
Right for those who choose to walk in them. For those who stand in front of the mirror and say: "Okay, today I'm going. And I'm doing it my way."

Well, if I can convey even a little bit of this, then maybe it's worth it.

See you soon 😉
Alberto

---

FAQ

Q: Is it true that all your shoes are handmade?
A: Yes. Every step goes through real, expert hands. We use some machines, of course, but never to replace artisan work. Only to support it where needed.

Q: How long does it take to make a Ciaschini shoe?
A: It depends on the model. Let's say that between design, prototype, and production, a new shoe can take up to two months.

Q: Are all the materials Italian?
A: Yes. Leather, soles, linings... we work with local suppliers we've known for a long time. It's a choice, not a trend.

Q: Can shoes be customized?
A: Not systematically yet, but we are looking into it. Occasionally a customer writes to us, and if we can, we are happy to do it.