This technique involves applying colour directly to the upper mounted on a last. The colour is hand dabbed onto the untreated leather, which starts off “white”. Next, it is hand finished employing exclusive artisan techniques using waxes and brushing to create a polished finish which, in the antique version, is enhanced with colour shading that makes every shoe a unique one-off.
This is a special finishing process whereby each element of the shoe is made the same colour as the upper. First of all, the Master Artisan uses a brush to paint the welt, then the sole edge, buffing with wax to bring out the colour. Lastly, he paints the sole to match all the other elements.
This type of technique is used for various different shoes, from quintessentially classic to highly original models, as it enables the creation of shoes that combine a passion of detail with the light-hearted spirit of those who know how to be stylish without “taking themselves too seriously”.
The Blake construction technique employs a special machine which simultaneously stitches the sole, lining, upper and insole together in order to produce a more durable waterproof outsole. This type of construction can be divided into: Blake Leather and Blake Cowhide.
The Blake Leather technique provides flexibility and lightness, making it suitable for summer collections, and these shoes feature a natural cork insole with a leather outsole. The Blake Cowhide technique provides more structured results and requires a slightly thicker leather insole.
You can always identify shoes made with this construction technique, thanks to the visible row of stitching inside the upper attaching the outsole.
This particular construction technique, which guarantees outstanding quality, was invented by the Englishman, Charles Goodyear, in 1832. With this technique, the welt – a soft strip of leather that runs along the perimeter of the outsole – is stitched to the insole and the upper and, subsequently, to the outsole.
In this way, the body of the shoe guarantees superior waterproof properties, ensuring better durability.
A cork filler is then inserted into the space created by the welt construction, making the shoes breathable while helping preserve the shape of the last and also allowing the shoes to adapt to the foot of the wearer.
Goodyear construction, which has become more and more sophisticated thanks to the use of increasingly innovative machines and materials, enables the creation of well-constructed, comfortable shoes that are long-lasting.
It was back in the Sixties that Renzo Rossetti was the first person to introduce the legendary “tassels”.
At a time when everyday living in Italy was still very basic, this original decorative element represented a veritable revolution.
The innovative detail was used in a distinctive manner from the outset: it took all of Renzo’s determination to convince important Italian personalities to wear his tasselled loafers.
Today, the tassels are the distinguishing feature that identifies the Brera loafer, an iconic Fratelli Rossetti model which is reinvented each year with new colours and leathers.
Fratelli Rossetti collections make extensive use of woven leather and fabric.
Weaving leather or fabric in different shades results in unique creations of superb craftsmanship. In addition to classic basketweave designs, Fratelli Rossetti also created a special technique whereby selected areas of the upper are cut into fine strips which are then woven through: the result is a cool, very soft shoe which is perfect for the summer season.
The upper is made from a single piece of leather in which the artisan creates precision cuts and perforations, subsequently interlacing fine strips of the same leather or a different material in order to create the woven design.
