First Visit to Mario Minardi
When I arrived from the office about an hour ago, I was physically exhausted and worn out. Normally, in a Monday like this, I will spend the rest of the night by sitting on my beloved couch watching the DVDs that I just bought last weekend, whilst being accompanied by ice cold soda and a bag of chips, and just shut my self off the world and its problem.
But no, not tonight. Tonight I have news too important to be hold and joy too important not to be shared.
Remember in my previous post that I found that Mario Minardi is made in Indonesia, and that I found an email address that I decided to contact ? Well, they replied, a gentleman comes by the name of Handiman Ali extended his invitation to visit his workshop, which is not far from my workplace. An invitation I’m gladly accepted and happily executed today.
Entering the gate of his workshop, I was received by a young gentleman, which happens to be Handiman Ali himself (he preferred to be called Handiman). He brought me to his meeting room where further conversation ensued.
We quickly started the discussions from historical perspective, Handiman quickly guide me on brief history of his company, much of it can be found on the company website (don’t get put off by the website design, in my pinion the website has not done justice of capturing the whole soul and full potential of the brand).
What quickly captured my respect for him was his passion for shoes and dreams for his company, and to his credit he listens too.
Being a huge fans of the brand ever since I owned my first one (now I have two, and so is my Dad, and my younger brother), I quickly expressed my concern on how the design of the shoes has been dramatically change in the last few years, some for the good some for the bad. I also raised the issue on how I found it difficult to find a red line that connects Mario Minardi’s line up from different seasons, and the difficulties that I encounter when I’m trying to find a refresh of the Mario Minardi classic product such as the simple smart black loafer. It also annoys me , I told him, when I realized that it’s really difficult to find simple classic man shoes such as oxford, derby, monk strap in Indonesia, and that I have to go to Singapore to get one for my dad, or spend fortune to get it at more established brand like Zegna, Boss or Salvatore Ferragamo.
I also showed him my beloved J. Holbens semi brogue brown wing tip, which I acquired some months a go from Linea Plaza Senayan. Like an expert he is ( he’s been working in the factory since 1998) he studied the shoes with care and attention.
To that, I further highlighted that knowing Mario Minardi’s quality, experience wise, I have no slightest doubt that Mario Minardi should have no problem producing one of the classic shoes. To this comment he grinned and barged me with his idea and plan (which in my opinion, deserves an entirely new post)for the future of his company. He also managed to impress me when he listed out some of the famous shoe brands (you will never guess) that outsourced the production to his workshop.
When I enquired about the possibility of enhancing the brand by opening a showroom and offering made to order shoes, he smiled and commented that he observing that possibility and has not ruled out the idea. To this remarks I smiled in return and offering him to commission my first bespoke shoes, to which he agreed.
Mario Minardi asembly line where shoes assembled with care and attention
When I first emailed him, I expressed my interest on having a tour on his workshop and witness the artisans in actions. Unfortunately, I came at a wrong time today, and the workshop was practically empty when I get my tour. It was during this plant tour that he showed me a beautiful, an absolute gorgeous, Goodyear welted – full brogue black wingtip oxford. Looking briefly on the shape, stitches and leather texture, it could be easily compared with the like such as Ferragamo, Church’s or Loake.
An adorable brogue black wing tip
He was also kind enough to introduce me to Marco, one of the company’s lead designer who oversee the product design and development.
To summarize the whole experience and knowledge that was acquired today in this short article would be very difficult. To say that I’m happy, and feels the joy, and all sort of euphoria, of finding and knowing that my favorite shoe maker, is actually Indonesian and in very short distance from where I live, is an understatement. And to knowing and imagine the future and possibilities that lies ahead this bright and prospectus company is priceless.
Now reality hits. Admittedly I might be a little bit biased when talking about Mario Minardi, knowing fully that I’m an unashamed fans of the brand. But hey, as my blog tag proudly announced, this is an opinionated blogazine, meaning I am entitled to have my own opinion and is not required to be fair at any given time. But make no mistake, in weeks to come, as soon as my feet measured and until my first bespoke shoes finally delivered and my feet slips in it, I’ll be the fairest, harshest and toughest judge ever. Mark my words.
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seems like a cool trip and meeting the guy too
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Michelle,
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Marco and Handiman really look like ‘handymen’! I mean they look so handy (and well-versed) with shoes. Sadly enough, shoes are beyond my cognizance so I can’t contribute much to this post discussion.
But certainly I must turn to Mario Minardi before checking other brands IF someday I really need a pair. It’s a valuable lifetime investment to buy such hi-quality leather shoes. With enthusiasm you’ve shown them, Marco and Handiman must appoint you Mario Minardi’s brand ambassador! Haha, I mean it!
You are correct when you said quality leather shoes is a life time investment, these shoes (Mario Minardi included) will last literary a life time when we give them proper maintenance and care (I’ll have a post about this soon).
Naturally every man should have at least at the very minimun 2 pairs of a shoes (excluding snickers), so that he can wear each alternately, every single day – this will give the other pair one day rest. Such treatment will prolonged the age of the shoes.
Personally, I’m dreaming of having at least half a dozen pairs, one for each day of the week.
There is a common quote that “good shoes are more important that good suits” and oh…have I have ever told you ? “women do notice your shoes, so should you”
What?Good shoes are more important than good suits? You gotta be kidding? Haha…
I mean, shoes are things I least consider in terms of fashion and dressing since shoes are mostly hidden by our pantaloons. But well, I think you made a point..sometimes people take a glance at our shoes, but still..not that much..haha.
A dozen pairs for the whole week? I’d love to, but when I hate polishing all of them.
No I’m not joking, browse the internet, you’ll find much, much more experienced and knowledgable sartorialist will say the same thing. There is nothing, nothing more disconcerting, that to look at the guy who wears expensive designer suits but ill fit it with cheap low quality shoes. If you dont believe me, ask women around you, there is a reason whay they care so much about footwear than we do.
Gotta be honest with you, I’m not too keen on polishing shoe as well. At least, not at the beginning, but after a while, I found the exercise pretty relaxing, its like this, some people like to feed birds, some likes to take care of their car, for me, I enjoy polishing my shoes, after all, I spent more time wearing my shoes then driving my car right ?
Well, I’m agree with Rihan. Good shoes really show who you are. If you really care and respect yourself, you would indulge yourself with a pair of superb quality shoes.
Could you imagine the pain you feel if you wear a poor-made-shoes and must walk some distance ?
I’d rather throw those shoes and walk in bare feet.
I’m very concern that most of fancy shoes (for boys and girls) that flood market have low quality material and poor made. To quote my friend whom expert in fashion and style “hanger appeal stuff” which refer to fashion stuff that neither have good quality material or good workmanship, only fancy stuff. They would last only for 4-6 months and they would fall apart.
It’s kind of sad since I still have and wear my 8-years-old Mary Jane Aigner and 7 years-old Bally pumps. (Please read this informative book “Deluxe : How Luxury Lost Its Luster”. The author, Dana Thomas explained why her 4-years-old Prada dress has much better quality than upcoming season Prada dress)
My hubby (and also my father) wears Mario Minardi as his daily shoes. The leather is supple, the pattern is generous and those shoes are well-made.
I’m very proud that Mario Minardi is Indonesian brand.
Congratulation Rihan !! Enjoy your shoes.
PS. Do you mind to give me the contact number of Mario Minardi? My hubby would love to have one pair of custom made shoes.
@amasvaritas
I feel you. Those fancy shoes are made for look not for quality. Brand like Zara is never cattered for mid or high end quality product, its a start up product for a beginner. While the suits and shirt quality are acceptable for the price range, the shoes are not.
I remember a friend of mine bragging how he got his branded shoes in sale for approx. IRD400k, predictably in less then a year the sole was damage, and its disheartening too see that the sole was glued, not stitched as any good quality shoes should.
My recomendation to my dear readers stand, if you looking for shoes, get it from shoemaker not from fashion label. Even the Singaporean Andre Valentino or Indonesian Mario Minardi are fare much much better then those “we have it all” brand. If you do enchanted with the brand, go one notch higher (Massimo Dutti rather than Zara).
And no, it’s not sad at all, pair of good shoes should last a life time. And a gentleman should have at least two pairs of working shoes, so that he can wear it alternately (I intent to have at least four). This will ensure that the leather will have time to rest, and sweat/water can have time to dry, before the next wear.
p.s. for Mario Minardi contact I’ll inform you in separate email. Cheers.
I googled for “mario minardi” and found this blog – very informative. I bought a pair ankle boots of this brand just last weekend (in Singapore). I might have reconsidered buying it if I had known it was made in Indonesia … but I really really liked the few desigs of the ankle boots that I saw. I bought the design which the shop had for my shoe size, and I left the shop with my feet in them, keeping my Nike shoes in my backpack. I have been wearing it everyday to work since then, and I am very glad I bought them. I paid S$230 for them, is that a good deal?
Hi Soo,
Thanks for your visit and comments. For S$230 you’ve got a pretty good deal for a shoes with the quality like Mario Minardi. Needles to say, its probably 15-20% cheaper if you bought it in Jakarta, but that of course entirely different case.
Other things that I would like to point out is please don’t be put off with fact that it is made in Indonesia. The shoes are very well made, the materials and construction are of good quality. You will be surprise to hear what sort of European and American brands that outsourced their shoe productions to Mario Minardi.
Now I understand that you are wearing your shoes for several days already, but I have some suggestion that will prolonged your shoe usability. Better late then never:
- Before you exposed the shoes to further abuse, please clean and polish the shoe now. This first time polish will act as protection for the leather from cuff, dust and water.
- Brush the shoe lightly after each use (you can use tissue too), this will ensure that you remove and foreign objects that may intrusive to leather
- Polish your shoe at least monthly (biweekly is recomended), polish will help cover and fix any fresh cuff, give a new shine, and give your shoe leather a character that is unique. You can use leather cream too, this will help nourish the refresh the leather.
-Finally, I would strongly recommends to alternate your shoes (don’t wear it two days in a row) this will ensure that the shoe recover, and the sweat or water dry properly.
With such care your shoes can last for years (if not a lifetime).
Off course some part will be worn off after some use (such as back heel, out soles), in such case, simply send your shoes to cobbler and he will fix it and your shoes will almost like new again.
Hope that’s helpful