Keitaro Takano’s love affair with shoes started at the age of 24. He learned from several very well known Japanese shoemakers (Nobuyoshi Seki and Atsuzou Makita) for about 10 years before starting his own bespoke label Clematis Ginza in 2008
Having trained primarily in Japan, Takano shares his journey of learning from the finest Japanese craftsman and also his first few encounters with bespoke clients
With a wealth of experience working with customers from all walks of life all over the world, Takano shares his thoughts on how he manages relationships with various different types of customers (afficionados, shoe lovers, casual shoppers) and also to shed light on how the typical relationship between clients, retailers and artisans have evolved over the years
Gary Tok, a bespoke shoe aficionado, shares his anecdotes with various different bespoke shoe maker all over the world, how he first started diving into the world of shoe, and how his relationship with various shoe makers have become much more than just a simple bespoke shoe commission