As many of you will know, master shoemaker Stefano Bemer sadly passed away last year. Since then his Florence workshop has been in something of a mess, with bureaucracy and financial problems holding back the reorganisation of the company.
Fortunately, I can announce that new investment has been found and a transitional arrangement that had the company in Stefano’s wife’s name will end in February. The staff are being paid their back wages and everything is once more on track.
The investor is Scuola del Cuoio, a fellow Florentine craft company that makes leather bags and other products. The Stefano Bemer company will move into new premises in their church, with three floors accommodating the workshop, office and a new shoemaking school.
Masako, one of the three staff at Stefano Bemer (all Japanese) will be the key last maker and do fittings, as well as travel to Japan for trunk shows there – something she has already done in the past.
This is also the 30th anniversary of Stefano founding the company, so expect some festivities later in the year.
It’s great to hear that such a wonderful outfit will continue, and that shoes such as the beautiful one at top will continue to be made.
Scuola del Cuoio is more than a Florentine “craft” company — it’s also a school to teach leather working.
Yes I know, and that was part of the motivation behind Mario Bemer and the company deciding to set up their own shoemaking school too
That is fantastic news and what a legacy! We hope to be able to send students from our intensive classes on to the school in the future.
Are Stefano Bemer shoes still of high quality?
Yes, very much so
Hello Simon,
I am in the midst of fine tuning and slightly elevating my shoe wardrobe. I currently own Crockett and Jones, Edward Green, Carmina, Lidfort and recently a pair of TLB Mallorca. I’ve been happy with all of them. Having said that, the Edward Green are my favourites with the Lidforts a close second.
I want to add Stefano Bemer to the mix. I like their styling and the varying levels of ‘quality’. I also like the fact that they are Italian, like myself.
My question: How does the Essenziale Collection (their entry level prices at $790 USD), compare to the makers noted above?
Thank you,
Bruno
It’s hard to say personally, because I don’t own any Bruno. However, I think they compare well with the others, certainly being a good match for everything in there except the Edward Green.