Vivian Saskia Wittmer - Florentine Shoemaker

Explore photography from the Florence workshop of artisan shoemaker Vivian Saskia Wittmer, recognized as one of the most prominent female figures in contemporary bespoke shoemaking. With foundational training from the iconic Stefano Bemer atelier, she specializes in handmade shoes. Her Italian atelier was documented as part of a commission during the Pitti Uomo menswear fair in Florence, capturing the essence of traditional leather craft.

Close-up of artisan hands using a burnishing tool on the edge of a dark leather shoe sole in Vivian Saskia Wittmer's Florence workshop.
Heating wax with an alcohol lamp, a traditional shoemaking tool in Vivian Saskia Wittmer's Florence atelier.
Finished bespoke leather shoes, including black oxfords and two-tone spectators, hanging in Vivian Saskia Wittmer's Florence workshop.
Shoemaker Vivian Saskia Wittmer with menswear author Bernhard Roetzel (in green jacket) and Luxembourg-based menswear enthusiast/store owner Pascal Zimmer inside her Florentine artisan workshop during Pitti Uomo.
Artisan shoemaker at Vivian Saskia Wittmer's concentrating intently while working on a shoe last in the Florence atelier.
Assistant or colleague working amidst tools and materials at a bench in Vivian Saskia Wittmer's Florence shoemaking workshop.
Shelves stocked with numerous wooden shoe lasts, essential tools for bespoke shoemaking in Vivian Saskia Wittmer's workshop.
View of the Ponte Santa Trinita bridge over the Arno River, establishing the Florence, Italy setting for the shoemaker's workshop.
Close-up detailing the hand-sanding process on a stacked leather heel during bespoke shoe construction in Florence.
Artisan hands carefully tracing a shoe upper pattern onto dark leather before cutting in Vivian Saskia Wittmer's workshop.
Shoemaker at Vivian Saskia Wittmer's workshop applying finish with a brush to the sole area of a bespoke shoe in the Florence atelier.
Close-up of a fudge wheel tool creating decorative impressions on the welt of a bespoke shoe, highlighting fine shoemaking details.
Vivian Saskia Wittmer standing with menswear author Bernhard Roetzel (in green jacket) and Luxembourg menswear store owner Pascal Zimmer at the entrance to her artisan shoemaking workshop in Florence, Italy.
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