THE MANUFACTURE
The process of making a shoe is very long. From conception to packing, it takes about six months.
And depending on the model, it is possible to count up to 120 different steps.
All PIERRE HARDY shoe collections are made in our workshops in Europe : the shoes with a leather sole in Italy and the sneakers in Portugal.
Once the models have been designed and the materials chosen (the "creative process"), the collections are thus produced in accordance with a demanding manufacturing process.
The making of a shoe is therefore made up of several stages requiring unique expertise and know-how.
It is the basis of all shoes; it defines a model's fit and comfort. This is the shape that allows the shoe to be made in 3D.
Formerly made of wood, and following technological advances, it is now made of plastic.
Our shoe lasts have been developed and refined over the years, it is a work that evolves over time. It is our most valuable asset and the foundation for making a PIERRE HARDY shoe.
This is the first stage of development. The model maker shapes the drawing and creates a "shell", that is to say a replica cast on the "last" in a thin and rigid plastic on which he can draw, put the design on shape. It is on this shell that he will take the designer's drawing and organize the design of the pattern of the shoe. At this step, he will then define all the useful information such as seams, perforations, etc.
The role of the model/pattern maker is very important because it is he who interprets the designs of the models. He transforms the designs into
volumes and patterns. With the years and the experience, he knows the intentions perfectly and really gives life to "the PIERRE HARDY aesthetic".
The pattern is then handed over to the cutter.
Cutting is precision work that requires expert hands to maximize the use of leather while maintaining a high level of quality. The leathers are thus cut by hand using the traditional method.
The leathers selected by the PIERRE HARDY studio are inspected down to the smallest detail and studied in order to use the best parts. These leathers supplied by our Italian tanneries are natural materials that have lived and therefore have peculiarities such as wrinkles or scars.
Stitching, assembly, sole... The mounting of a shoe requires many operations and therefore consists of assembling all the components necessary for the manufacture of the shoe.
The future shoe thus passes from hand to hand, from the stitching of the upper to the adjustment of the sole and heel.
This is the key step in the manufacturing process where the shoe comes to life; the conclusion of a meticulous work of very high quality which requires a particular know-how.
The last step that happens when the shoe leaves the production line is that of the finishing or more precisely, of the "pampering".
All the small details are inspected and reworked if necessary (edges, seams, linings ...) so that everything is impeccable.
Finally comes lacing, waxing, and then, packing.