ABOUT US
Arturo Gorlini: The Designer Behind the Brand
Arturo Gorlini is an Italian luxury footwear brand specialising in elegant women’s shoes, entirely Made in Italy. Every stage of the design and development process — from the initial creative concept to the finished shoe — takes place in Italy, between Vigevano, the world capital of footwear, and the Campania production district.
The Arturo Gorlini brand takes its name from its founder and designer. Drawing on his extensive experience in the Italian footwear industry and his training at the “Shoe Designer School” in Vigevano, Arturo Gorlini brings his talent and bold creative vision to every collection.
Our collections of elegant women’s shoes are a journey through Italian craftsmanship. Inspired by the emotions evoked by a detail, a colour, or an object, each creation becomes a true masterpiece. For Arturo Gorlini, the creative process begins with an idea and reaches its fullest expression in the creation of Made-in-Italy women’s shoes.
How Arturo Gorlini’s Elegant Women’s Shoes Are Made
The production process for Arturo Gorlini’s elegant women’s shoes begins with inspiration — the spark that drives Arturo Gorlini to develop the initial concept for a Made-in-Italy shoe. This marks the beginning of the first stage of the creative, yet highly practical, production process.
The idea takes shape when Arturo Gorlini draws the first sketch by hand on paper. This is the first step in determining whether the original concept can be transformed into a tangible creation.
Once the sketch meets the designer’s vision, the process moves on to the style decisions. These include choosing the type of shoe last, the heel height and shape, as well as the materials and combinations that will define the final design.
Traditional Craftsmanship in Women's Shoe Production
This is where the first prototype of the elegant women’s shoe takes shape, using the traditional method once commonly followed by shoemakers. A plastic shoe last — selected according to the characteristics defined during the design process — is covered with a special paper on which Arturo Gorlini draws, by hand in pencil, the shape and details needed to transform the original concept into a three-dimensional model. This step allows the designer to assess the design of the luxury women’s shoe before actual production begins.
The process then moves on to pattern making: the creation of all the individual components that make up the women’s shoe, both internal and external. The design is recreated in 2D, and the individual pieces are then positioned on the shoe last to create a three-dimensional version of the shoe. Once the result meets the designer’s standards, the patterns are sent to the cutter, who reproduces them on the leather or fabric selected for the specific model.
The Final Steps Before the Finished Shoe
Once the individual pieces have been created using the final materials, a skilled shoemaker assembles them by stitching them together according to Arturo Gorlini’s specifications.
Once the upper has been completed, the elegant women’s shoe is prepared for lasting, which can be carried out by hand or by machine, depending on the type of model being produced. The lasting process follows a precise sequence: the shoe last is prepared by attaching the insole, onto which the stitched upper is fitted. The upper is heated to soften the material before the toe, sides and heel are carefully shaped around the last.
The upper is then carefully hammered to ensure a clean, well-defined shape around the perimeter. The shoes are placed in an oven for a few minutes to smooth out any creases, while the finishing stage removes any excess material left over from the lasting process.
The process continues with sanding the upper, attaching the heel and inserting the sockliner. Finally, the shoe enters the finishing stage, where it is carefully shaped, polished and thoroughly inspected before being ready for delivery.
