Students flock to Florence to learn art of shoemaking (2)

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Forget the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo, shoe lovers from around the world are descending on the Italian city of Florence to learn the art of shoemaking. (CNTV)

Master shoemaker Angelo Imperatrice said, "The craft is essentially dead because of all the administrative issues. Billing for example, even for small jobs. Some shoemakers I know can’t event read or write, so you can imagine. When you have to declare VAT, issue invoices, so they say no, no, no. I am quitting."

While Italians appear to be shying away from Angelo’s expertise Mashizan, quit his job in television in Singapore and hopes to launch his own brand of shoes soon.

Singaporean student Mashizan Masjum said, "My target audience is really professional women who are stylish and classy and elegant. Wouldn’t it be ideal to get an A-lister to wear your shoes and say ’who are you wearing?’ and you’re wearing a pair of Mashizan’s you know!!!"

Italy is celebrated for its leather industry and these students will hope some of that expertise rubs off on them, as they put their best foot forward and branch out on their own.

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