Norman Vilalta's shoemaking apprenticeship began in Florence under the tutelage of various master shoemakers. He soon found that searching for perfection of technique was not enough. 

He learned what bespoke meant for him, and understood that there had to be another kind of perfection to pursue. He has learned the art of capturing the personality of his clients, in order to create unique shoes that express who they are. There are no limits, and he sometimes gets to build entire personal shoe collections for his clients.

Why ready-to-wear? He approaches ready-to-wear in the same spirit as for his bespoke practice.

’There were three main lessons that I learned from my masters: The first one is that you don’t know; the second is that you have to learn, and it takes a lot of time to truly learn something; the third was that of the technique itself, which forms the basis of our craft.’

The Decon Chelsea in faded suede, part of the Savile Row Meets Rock 'n' Roll Collection

Shoemakers Alfonso Caicoya and Krysia Janiurek at work at Vilalta's bespoke atelier in central Barcelona

He feels the need to express, to create, and to throw the shoemaking stone farther. Conceptually, he divides the ready-to-wear work into four collections: No. 5, Savile Row Meets Rock ‘n’ Roll, Wabi Sabi and Speed.

"He feels the need to express, to create, and to throw the shoemaking stone farther."

Norman Vilalta believes that most classic models are perfect in terms of their aesthetic harmony. From the beginning, he felt compelled to make these models in a personal way without ruining their inherent perfection. To express his personal touch, he used asymmetry. This deliberate application of asymmetry is a kind of game to trick the eye, and asymmetry has since become a signature of his work.

Punch cap oxford in Vilalta's unique 3D patina grain calf

Norman Vilalta has a unique approach to the personal challenge of being an artisan in this age. He is inspired by the way we presently live and in the ready-to-wear collection, he uses the traditional heritage of the shoemaking craft along with the tools of today.

Read our interview with Norman Vilalta from July 2016: Norman Vilalta, the Barcelonian Visionary

You can find Norman Vilalta‘s atelier at Carrer Enric Granados 5, Barcelona. Phone: +34 933 234 014 (main line) or +34 645 655 624 (mobile). They are also on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.