|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
| Shoe Maker |
| Rebecca meets a craftsman who hand makes shoes the old fashioned way. |
|
|
|
|
Andrew McDonald is one of the few people who still hand make shoes like cobblers of yesteryear. Hidden away in one of Sydney's most fashionable back streets, Andrew works from his studio/workshop making shoes that are highly sought after for their craftsmenship and style. Andrew's clients are people looking for shoes with an old fashioned fit, are style savvy or simply can't find shoes to fit. Rebecca steps out in a new pair of boots made by the cobbler himself and finds out more about this old fashioned craft.
Andrew McDonald studied nursing before spending time photographing life's extremes. He began as a medical photographer then gained freelance work from magazines such as Details, The Face and Splash.
Andrew met footwear designer, Paul Harden on assignment for The Face magazine. It was Paul's handcrafted designs that fuelled his passion to begin a career in footwear. In 1990, Andrew enrolled himself in a four year shoe making course in Sydney which evolved into making shoes for friends and opening a tiny bootery in an inner city suburb of Sydney.
He has designed for Australian Fashion Week shows for Akira Isogawa and Pigs in Space, attracted the attention of Barney's buyer, Julie Gihart and has had coverage in all major Australian magazines and newspapers. He also had a recent commission by Lucas Arts to design and create shoes for the lead Star Wars characters.
Andrew considers his handmade footwear as distinctive objects d'art.
"Comfort, fit and durability are a given of any design process, but I always go beyond this basic premise and create directionally seductive designs that transport the wearer beyond the ordinariness of life – for me that is the ultimate goal".
Andrew's aim is to ensure optimum wear and comfort. There is unique wooden peg sole construction which ensures durability and ease of repair. There is a full grain upper leather. The grain has not been buffed out but left in its natural state that gives maximum ventilation. Grain marks, shades of colour and unevenness in the leather upper are a hallmark of genuine quality leather. The shoes are all leather; sole, heel, insole, lining, upper and counters. Andrew uses interesting shapes, zesty colours and great detailing. |
Total Cost
Handmade designs for men and women start at $350.
|
More Info
Andrew McDonald Shoemaker
58 William Street
Paddington NSW 2021
Tel/Fax: 02 9358 6793
Email: amcshoe@yahoo.com
|
Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
|
|
|
|
|
