Arts et Metier

Classic designer vintage .

As admirers of vintage and quality , we sometimes wonder what makes the distinction between something that looks good but isn`t and something that looks good and is .

A Chanel Haute Couture jacket takes up to 1,000 hours to make.

Vogue has followed the process of making a Haute Couture jacket from sketch to runway : https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/inside-the-chanel-ateliers

As with many metiers and specialized craftsmanships , the dressmakers at Chanel tell that the young apprentices lack dedication and patience to learn the trade .

The explanation could be our fast moving culture, which we, by the way believe is a fast moving phenomenon and time will point us back in the direction of appreciating the craftsmanships . When a Kardashian can appreciate a vintage item, there is hope for the exit of the use and dismiss culture .

Christian Louboutin has two, highly dedicated, cobbler workshops, one in Paris and one in London , and the young employees are proud of their , highly , specialized work of repairing damaged shoes and bringing them back to life .

To become a French cobbler , for instance , you will study for 5 years at the Compagnons du Devoir school .

It was common for the European craftsmen to pass on all their knowledge and skills to their children as apprentices , who could continue the work in the shop and keep the business going , as the parents got older . Unfortunately , many young people prefer fast work with fast money , making it difficult to find a genuine shoemaker , if you don`t happen to live in Paris or London .

When you own a quality item , there are precautions you can make to prolong the lifespan of the item .

As the cobblers at the Christian LouboutIn workshop , Minuitmoins7 , say : If you just walk from carpeted floors into waiting cars you might not have to prepare your shoes for daily use , but if you take them for an occasional stroll on a pavement , it is very wise to get a rubber sole attached , to your new shoes with leather soles .

In general , we suggest to have your shoes repaired at a shoe repair workshop and your keys repaired at a key repair shop . And to have your clothes dry cleaned at a dry cleaning specialist , not a laundry shop ( unless of course you send your jeans out for cleaning ) .