For those of you who read the blog religiously, you will likely have heard of my frequent trips to Rome, being that my eldest son resides there with his mother. I have been there so many times, I almost feel Roman. Jokes aside, on this last trip, now that my son is getting a bit older, a bit more mature, and I had my parents with me, I decided to actually take a bit of ‘me time’ and visit some bespoke shoemakers in Rome that I had wanted to meet: Marcellino Shoemakers.
My visit with them was completely unexpected. Not in terms of actually meeting them, but in terms of how much I enjoyed them as people. I dove more into this encounter in my recent post about going to Rome and how my mind really opened up during that trip. I won’t delve too much into that for this post as I try to focus on the shoes and them as a unit. But do have a read if you are more curious about my interactions with them.
Their workshop is in the city limits of Rome, but it takes some effort to get to. I was staying near Testaccio (very close to Circo Maximo), and it quoted me about an hour to get there on public transportation. Granted, I was on the SE side of the city, and they are positioned to the NW. Thankfully, I had a ride, as they actually came to grab me from where I was staying. That was a lifesaver and a testament to their character.
Their workshop is very reminiscent of what a typical Italian bespoke shoemaker’s workshop looks like. It reminded me of my time in Stefano Bemer and had a feel of Roberto Ugolini’s, too. Being that they studied under Ugolini, it makes sense. Naturally, I felt right at home as nostalgia kicked in.
Their story is that of a movie, maybe even an Italian love story, played by Mastroianni himself. For those who do not know, Marcello Mastroianni is one of Italy’s most iconic actors, and the inspiration for the name of Marcellino Shoemakers.
Giulio and Caterina met at Académie Riacci, a shoemaking school in Florence. They became best friends and spent every waking moment together during their time in Florence. If I recall correctly, they then both went to work under Roberto Ugolini, who is one of Florence’s longest-running bespoke shoemakers still going. I think that by this time they had decided to make their friendship into a lifelong bond. A bond that is very beautiful.
After some years there, they decided to have at it on their own and create their own company. Since Giulio is from Rome, and Rome is the epicenter of Italy, they decided to create their workshop there. Caterina also had ties to Rome, but originated from Calabria, a proud Calabrese as it were ;-).
As a brand, they are quite young but have a lot of experience overall. Their system is quite smart. Giulio measures the feet, and I believe he also makes the lasts. Caterina creates the patterns, designs, and uppers. And then they work together to finish the shoe.
I am particularly fond of Caterina’s designs, which is what caught my eye when I came across them on Instagram. I feel similarities in my own eye for design and wonder how much of that comes from spending one’s shoemaking beginnings in the city of Florence. I stop, and I realize that one thing about Florentine shoemakers (or shoemakers who trained there) is their affinity with fringes, two-tones, saddle shoes, and everything else that is unique.
They were so kind as to offer to make me a pair of shoes. I did not expect that, but I was happy to partake in a new bespoke project. I won’t lie, I am very excited about seeing how it comes out. Being that I appreciate Caterina’s eye for design, I pretty much gave her free rein, indicating that I wanted a two-tone fringe loafer 😉 Can’t wait to see how it comes out!
Their shoes are excellent, and their prices are great. They are low, as are most Italian shoemakers. I suggested to them that they make them higher, so you’d better get them while you can.
I had a great time with Giulio and Caterina, and I really wish to see them succeed. The more time I spend in this industry, the more I feel that the best thing about getting products is actually supporting the people behind them. Nothing feels better than getting a great product from great people, and Marcellino Shoemakers are without a doubt, some very great people!
If you are ever looking for bespoke shoemakers in Rome, I highly suggest giving them a visit and meeting them. I promise you will enjoy it!
Learn more here: https://www.instagram.com/marcellino_shoemakers/
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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