Not intimidation, but respect

When I asked if his father would be working his whole life, Paolo smiled and said, "He's the kind of person who suits a workshop." Even from a distance, you'd think so. His proud posture shows no signs of decline whatsoever. It tends to be overshadowed by his father, but Paolo's potential is not to be underestimated.

The workshop, employing 10 craftsmen, has a production capacity of just under 20 pairs of shoes per day. Silvano's right-hand man, Ferruccio, passed away 10 years ago, but Paolo has now admirably taken over his role. Paolo first gained attention in Japan with an original design he created at the request of Isetan Men's. His talent was evident in every line he drew. His collection, which is based on classic styles, highlights the artistic sensibility he inherited from his father.


Whenever I visit Isetan Men's, I find myself gazing at the section filled with conservative shoes. I choose hand-stitched shirts that touch my skin, but I don't particularly insist on craftsmanship for jackets and other items. The freshness of those shoes is probably a result of the balanced sense of a modern artisan.

The reason the business is currently on hiatus is because he's taken on the task of working with Gatto, a legendary Roman craftsman. Apparently, he was approached by the current head of the family, Vincenzo Gatto, to take over the business.

Paolo explained the reason for the hiatus, saying, "My collection, which is heavily classical, overlaps with Gut's. There were also capacity issues." He showed no signs of regret. He prioritizes the future of his workshop over his own fame. Of course, this cannot be discussed without mentioning the presence of his great father, but he doesn't seem intimidated. He laughed and said that they argue all the time.


"Everyone around me said my father was crazy. But even as a child, I thought his unwavering belief in himself and his straightforward approach were cool and admirable. Now that I'm an adult, I know there are people all over the world who appreciate the shoes my father makes. Working for him is something I'm proud of. I do love singing, and I've thought about becoming a singer at one point (laughs)."

His modest demeanor, devoid of even a hint of ego, is a testament to the deep-seated respect and admiration that radiates from within.

The world my father pioneered was wonderful. I don't want to surpass him, but rather I want to steadily walk the path he paved for me—this good son never forgot to respect his parents until the very end. I'll patiently wait for the day I step onto the stage.

Text: Takegawa Keiji
Photo: Suzuki Shimpei

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