‘Others make shoes, I create them’

By Umer Nangiana/Staff ReporterAvant-garde trendsetter Italian artist Doriano Marcucci is in town with his precious collection of shoes. “The only of his kind shoe designer” is showcasing his completely hand-made shoes created from world’s finest leather, studded with real diamonds and gold braids.Marcucci provides the option to completely customise the shoes, and creates them for celebrities, kings, heads of states, governments and other important personalities from across the world. Featuring a pair of shoes as valuable as QR1mn, the event was launched at the Ferrari showroom at The Pearl-Qatar at an Italian-themed night organised by Alfardan Sports Motors and the Italian Chamber of Commerce. “The collection of shoes in this showcase is inspired by Qatar and the shoes are specifically designed keeping in mind this country. All shoes, from designing to creation, are completely handmade by me,” Marcucci told Gulf Times. He has chosen Qatar as his first destination in the Middle East region. Marcucci comes from a town in Italy, Montegranaro, which is world famous for its shoes. Even from there, however, Marcucci claims he is the only one presently involved with artistically designing and creating tailor-made shoes from some superior quality leather and ornaments. “From the design to completion stage, it takes months to finish a pair of shoes and I do it with love and passion,” said the Italian, who prefers to be called an artist. “Others make shoes, I create shoes,” he added while talking about inspirations for his designs. Marcucci said he takes inspiration from different objects at different times. He has been trained in creating royal designs by the legendary Italian master Basilio Testella. Some of Marcucci’s collections of shoes are displayed in museums. The Italian luxury shoemaker said he works with his soul and hands. His creations are 100% hand-made, embroidered with gold, braids and precious diamonds. His clients’ list includes kings, presidents and famous leaders from around the world. In 2014, he was awarded a Diploma of Excellence by the University of Camerino for his unique art. He is a trendsetter in elite leather goods fashion world.“The tailor-made Italian luxury products have a great appeal in Qatari market and this is why we chose Ferrari showroom as a location,” said Palam Libotte, chairperson of Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar.Last week, they organised an Italian Opera night at Maserati showroom at The Pearl-Qatar and two years ago they had a collection of bridal wear and evening dresses showcased in the same Ferrari showroom. Libotte recalled that the “Italiano Maestro,” Marcucci found them, the Italian chamber, as he was looking for a reliable source to introduce him to the Qatari market.“He was looking at Qatar and then he asked the Italian embassy here for somebody reliable to introduce him to this country. As we are a governmental organisation, we decided to represent him,” Palma said. Working the precious stones on the shoes is something not easy to be found. He is the only Italian designer who is doing this. “We hope to put with him in contact with a strong partner, an agent, who can give him a platform of clients,” said the Italian chamber chairperson. Among the people who attended the opening night for Marcucci’s collection was Hussein Alfardan, the chairman of Alfardan Group. The night also provided the Ferrari lovers a rare opportunity to test drive the Ferrari California T with Pilota Ferrari, the world famous team of Italian driving instructors coming from Maranello. “This event reflects the exclusive lifestyle of the world of Ferrari,” said Charly Dagher, general manager of Alfardan Sports Motors. Marcucci’s collection will remain open for public viewing until today at the Ferrari showroom.