Handmade Footwear from Hungary’s Leading Shoe Artisans Now Being Offered in the U.S.

March 8, 2010 - PRLog -- NEW YORK, NY (February 2010) – Built for a discriminating consumer by the world’s foremost artisans,
Ildikó Gál represents the very best in bespoke footwear for men.  The first collection of men’s handmade dress shoes, all constructed by third generation Hungarian shoemakers, debuts in America this month.

Towards that end, Ildikó Gál has opened a showroom in New York at 501 Fifth Avenue.  Ildikó Gál (www.IldikoGal.com) is an emerging lifestyle brand that combines modern technology with Old World craftsmanship to produce luxurious products of unsurpassed quality.  Hungarian shoe artisans have perfected their craft over hundreds of years.  

In spite of modern techniques and the changing world around them these craftsmen remain true to this special art form, one that has been handed down through generations. Not only have their methods remained unchanged but so too have the habitats where they live and work.  From small towns and villages in rural Hungary, these shoemakers produce stunning, handcrafted footwear much like their fathers and grandfathers before them.  Now, Ildikó Gál marries that magnificent tradition with the discerning taste of a modern, 21st century palette and is able to make them available to a discerning clientele here in the US.

Constructing a perfect shoe starts with a state-of-the-art scanner that measure each foot from all angles.  The foot scan data is instantly transmitted to the last makers, who create lasts that reflect a customer's unique feet.  Once scanned the data remains in the system so that custom lasts can be made for any future style.

The shoe design is executed completely by hand using traditional methods and the finest skins.
Each pair of bespoke footwear is delivered in a custom fitted wooden box, with custom made shoe trees, silk shoe bags and special polishes.  

A mere six weeks after placing an order, a customer receives his signature Ildiko Gál handmade shoes.  Priced competitively (retail starting about $2500) when compared to the best handmade shoes in the world, Ildikó Gál footwear is made to last.  The brand is designed to be sold in leading couture fashion retail stores as well as through its New York-based showroom location.

All finished footwear is stamped with the artisan’s signature and each pair is unique, a true work of art.