Recommendations fo Warsaw

[pchong]

Dear All,

I will be making a trip to Warsaw to visit Kielmann for some bespoke shoes, and would be spending a day or so in the city. I am arriving on Sunday Sept 4, and leaving early Sept 6, with Sept 5 being the day I have made an appointment with Kielmann.

Would you recommend any other practicitioners of the bespoke arts who are worth a visit in the Polish capital? Appreciate suggestions.

Cheers.

[bengal-stripe]

Never been to Warsaw, but the other celebrated shoemaker is Tadeusz Januszkiewicz (no web presence), same street as Kielman:
http://www.grailtrail.ndo.co.uk/Grails/shoe.html

Bespoke shoemakers in Warsaw (no idea whether they are good, bad or indifferent)

Tadeusz Januszkiewicz
ul. Chmielna 10 / Warszawa
+48 22 827 9360

Brunon Kaminski
ul. Nowz Swiat 22 / Warszawa
+ 48 22 826 7024

Jan Kielman
ul. Chmielna, 6 / Warszawa
+48 22 828 4630

Jan Wiel¹dek
ul. Marsza³kowska 41 / Warszawa
+48 22 621 5407


I did save an article on Januszkiewicz and I’m posting it here, as I cannot find it on the web anylonger:

If the Shoe Fits
12 January 2005

Custom made shoes are a rarity today, although they are still sought by those for whom comfort is a priority and cost is no object.

Tadeusz Januszkiewicz, probably the best and most experienced cobbler in Warsaw, can make any pair of shoes for demanding customers. He says he cannot really complain about a lack of work. "Customers know me and recommend me to their friends," Januszkiewicz said. "I work for entire families. It is a tradition. Some people have ordered shoes for years and their children continue the tradition."

Custom shoes represent a totally different quality and class and most importantly, they provide a totally new level of comfort. "Such shoes are adjusted to the bone structure of the feet," said Januszkiewicz. "Every point of the foot is supported, the feet are rest and do not tire."

Each customer chooses a style and material and the shoemaker draws an outline of the foot and records its measurements. Finally, the customer selects the style of the tip as well as the kind, style and height of the heel. The shoemaker's job begins with fashioning and sanding wooden lasts, then he cuts the leather, nails and finally sews. Depending on the shape of the foot, the shoe is adjusted orthopedically-a necessary preventive measure.

The approximate cost of a pair of men's lightweight shoes at Januszkiewicz's shop at 10 Chmielna St. is zl.1,500. The price depends, naturally, on the material and finishing technique. There are many kinds of leather available, from calfskin-the most popular-to exotic skins of reptiles and ostrich, with interesting and attractive textures. You can also order horse riding shoes, made of specially oiled leather at a cost of around zl.2,000.

Admittedly, only entirely hand-sewn shoes guarantee full usefulness. "I put all my heart into making the shoes and I vouch for their durability," Januszkiewicz said. This is without a doubt true, because figures such as ambassadors of France and Japan have used his services. Januszkiewicz says his main customers are not predominantly Polish but German and English. The latter most appreciate the shoemaking tradition and can afford such luxury shoes. Sometimes, the shop is visited by Spaniards and even Americans.
Przemys³aw Molik