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Every pair of figlia®
shoes are handcrafted by skilled shoemakers and artisans.
Based on the design specs, the manufacturer uses only
high quality natural materials such as kidskins, cowhides,
snake skins & local plant fibers combined with manmade
materials like soft durable polyurethane, EVA or natural
rubber soles. The shoes are meticulously inspected at
various stages from start to finish to ensure each meet
the figlia® standard for exceptional comfort, quality,
style and value!
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| Designing of
the shoe |
 One
of the most enjoyable aspects of designing the shoe
is in deciding how the designer, Joey, will want them
to look.
Apart from the choice of styles, there are many other
subtle factors that contribute to and influence its
final appearance. These are: the materials used, toe
shapes, heel height, sole type and accessories. The
designer usually develops more than a hundred shoe styles
for the season. The designer’s winning style focuses
mainly on perfect fitting, comfort, quality and value.
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| Pattern Making
and Preparation |
 The
next stage is the preparation of paper patterns which
will be used as templates from which the various pieces
of leather making up the upper, lining and other parts
of the shoe can be cut.
These patterns are made by the pattern maker using the
last as a guide. Their precise shapes naturally vary
with the design of the shoe. Each component is examined
and analyzed for proper application in regard to the
function and style of the shoes being created (upper
& lining, insoles & outsoles, heel counters,
toe boxes, etc.)
Leathers are chosen accordingly, quality leathers must
be smooth without skin damage, be in the right measurement
and thickness must be soft and does not wrinkle easily.
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| Cutting and Upper Making |
 Using
the paper patterns the shoemaker will cut the various
pieces that will form the uppers. The parts are prepared
- holes punched, eyelets and buckles put in etc - and
glued together prior to stitching.
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| Stitching |
 The
pieces of leather are then sewn carefully making sure
that the stitches are straight and perfect with the
appropriate linings and reinforcements.
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| Lasting |
 The
solid form that a shoe is molded on is called a “shoe
last”. The most important aspect of proper fitting
footwear is the design, volume and shape of the shoe
last.
figlia® shoe lasts are based on international sizing
which are coordinated and fitted with appropriate arches
and patterns.
In this stage, the uppers are stretched and molded with
a moistened stiffener inserted between the upper and
the lining of the insole.
This is the part of the shoes that supports the entire
weight of the wearer and secures the upper with its
layers of linings and stiffeners taunt around it.
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| Bottoming |
 One
of the most important parts of a shoe is the bottom
or the soles. The upper and insole are glued together
and the outer soles can now be glued onto them.
The heel is then built up to the required height and
riveted. All that remains of the shoe making process
is for the maker to tidy up the footwear and add any
ornamentation required.
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| Finishing |
 Finally
the last is removed and the inside of the shoe smoothed
out. A sock, the thin piece of leather bearing the name
figlia® is now then glued to the insole. The shoe
is now finished and can be polished.
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