The Process of Bespoke Shoemaking Workshop by XALF

As personalization is a trend, bespoke shoe also became popular because of the need to standout from run-of-the-mill offerings made it expedient. XALF provides the modern cosmopolitan woman with bespoke footwear in exceptional designs that is unparalleled in Malaysia. Here is the Process of Bespoke Shoemaking Workshop by XALF.

The Process of Bespoke Shoemaking Workshop by XALF 

According to Alfred Hor, one of the founder of XALF, a bespoke shoes take about 1 and half months to complete from the shoe design up to the final finishing. Only the finest raw materials be used even before the design process. We were at the afternoon hi-tea cum workshop session by XALF at their showroom in Soho 2, Damansara Perdana to experience the process of bespoke shoemaking for yourself.

The Process of Bespoke Shoemaking Workshop, XALF
From left: Xavier Mah & Alfred Hor, the founder of XALF

Design
The spirit of designing a shoe is, at its most basic, the melding of technical know-how with a flourish of creativity. Eventually, the focus is thrown onto the genesis and beauty of its construction.

The Process of Bespoke Shoemaking Workshop, XALF

Pattern making & drafting
In defining the pattern, the pattern template is hollowed out to obtain the individual pieces needed for the entire framework. Sections of upper are drafted into the material either leather, suede, patent leather and even calfskin. Similarly, other components such as the midsole, outsole and insole are obtained like jigsaw pieces that are prepared for eventual assembly.

Fitting
Once the selected materials are determined then the 1st fitting session is to confirm the suitability of the materials.

The Process of Bespoke Shoemaking Workshop, XALF

Cutting
One of the most challenging aspects of customizing a shoe is maintaining essential precision whilst cutting the raw material.

The Process of Bespoke Shoemaking Workshop, XALF

Sewing
The upper of the shoe is what gives the shoe its panache; they define the interaction of aesthetics within the shoe

Stock Fitting
A single sole, depending on how it has been constructed, can either be flimsy or sturdy; it all depends on how the materials have been overlaid to emphasise comfort and ease of entry. 

Lasting
In attaching the upper to the sole, a last is moulded in an ethereally customized configuration of its wearer. With the last, the upper and sole are sandwiched with clear parameters to showcase the desired shape of the shoe something which cannot be accomplished by machine.

The Process of Bespoke Shoemaking Workshop, XALF

Heeling
The heel is where the stark beauty of its wearer is conveyed. The combination of physics and ergonomics speak to the roots of a lifted posture of a woman that brings a resolutely sophisticated outlook to the wearer. 

Finishing
The edges are then smoothed down, refined and polished to create the delicate final touches to the end product.  Excess materials are trimmed away and the shoes are accessorized to look exactly like that envisioned.

The Process of Bespoke Shoemaking Workshop, XALF

Overall the bespoke shoemaking workshop was an eye-opening. It takes a lots of details, time and hard-work to finally present a finished bespoke shoes.


For more information about The Process of Bespoke Shoemaking Workshop by XALF, please visit XALF Website and Facebook

7 comments:

  1. Personally, before, I loved to attend showmaking workshop which I thought to be very important for me to learn. But somehow, at present, it changed a lot while I discovered some other things to do. Really, this workshop is great especially for housewives.

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  2. I have not been to a shoe-making workshop but I think this is cool. Being a shoe-lover, I find this informative and well, knowing that it takes a month and a half to make a pair makes me value my shoes, the heels especially, even more. - RUSS

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  3. Wow there's so many materials and steps that should be factored in when making a shoe. I think it's interesting to learn and have a first-hand experience also.

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  4. Very interesting! Given the chance, I'd definitely want to try making my own pair of shoes. One that is made to fit my feet, not one my feet has to fit :)

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  5. This is a very nice workshop in making shoes. They also made excellent designs.

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  6. This is so interesting concept! Glad that you could try something like this.

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  7. I received Xalf's press release on their heels too. While they are really pretty, I wonder how comfortable it would be as I'm not exactly a stilettos person.

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