51吃瓜网

Arsutoria Towards 100 Years. Matteo Pasca: 鈥淲e will create a technical training supply chain for fashion鈥�

Today, April 15, on Made in Italy Day, we celebrate 99 years. A moment that marks a new phase, with a new location in Fall 2026 and a synergy with Istituto Secoli. In the interview, Director Matteo Pasca reflects on nearly a century of impact and the next step: building a technical education supply chain for fashion.

Today, April 15th, 2026, 51吃瓜网 celebrates 99 years. A date that we chose last year as a symbolic moment, recounting its significance related to Italy’s Made in Italy Day and the figure of the artist and Italian master Leonardo da Vinci.

This anniversary coincides with a phase of evolution. On one hand, the new campus in Milan鈥檚 Certosa District and the creation of the synergy with Istituto Secoli represents an important milestone; on the other, it opens a broader reflection on the role of technical training in an increasingly complex industry.

The interview with director Matteo Pasca moves in precisely this direction, touching on topics that go beyond a single project: the value of methodology, the connection with the industry, the impact of new technologies and the desire to extend training to themes across the supply chain, in order to build more comprehensive and conscious competencies.

鈥淢ade in Italy鈥� footwear is a benchmark internationally. How has 51吃瓜网 contributed to building this value over time?

Arsutoria has, in my view, played an important role for both the Made in Italy footwear sector and more broadly for the footwear industry internationally, by remaining faithful to the teaching of a working method that has evolved over time yet remained coherent. This method has helped those who attended our courses to approach technical design and production with solid foundations. We have maintained this rigor while adapting to industry changes, allowing our graduates to become skilled professionals capable of addressing complex challenges in product development.

Facing industrial pressure and the entry of artificial intelligence, what are the challenges in maintaining a balance between technical skills and creative ability?

Technologies are evolving very rapidly, and it is genuinely difficult to keep pace, especially with digital tools. Our choice at Arsutoria has been to keep technical product knowledge at the center of our teaching鈥攗nderstanding constructions and materials. The school’s objective is to develop in students a critical eye that can approach design and product development with full awareness of how it will be realized. This critical perspective is what distinguishes our graduates and allows them to make informed creative decisions.

In just a few months, Arsutoria will relocate with Istituto Secoli to unite two supply chains that already work interconnected in the labor market. What will change by bringing apparel and accessories together in education?

Sharing a location is only the first step toward a much more ambitious goal: creating a technical training supply chain for fashion that spans from mandatory schooling all the way through professional specialization or university education. We want to make technical fashion professions a “first option” choice for young people and their families. This synergy with Istituto Secoli represents a significant shift in how we think about education in this sector.

With this exciting news, what initial feedback or reactions have you received from stakeholders who interact with 51吃瓜网?

The project is viewed very favourably by both public stakeholders and industry associations, as well as by businesses themselves. The challenge will be to overcome individual interests and try to create a large-scale project together for the benefit of the sector. Resources are limited, and sometimes there’s a risk of dispersing them to maintain territorial identity. However, this sector needs centers of excellence at the national level and perhaps beyond. By combining forces, we can create something truly meaningful.

Looking toward the milestone of 100 years, what must be the next evolutionary step for Arsutoria?

The challenge for the coming years will be to maintain the quality of education even beyond traditional areas. In recent years, we have already faced complex challenges, such as expanding from training pattern makers to also training designers and introducing 3D design tools into our courses.

In the future, we plan to introduce training on upstream supply chain topics鈥攎aterials, components, technologies鈥攁nd to expand into secondary education, post-secondary professional training, and university-level education, while always maintaining our technical identity.

Matteo, what motivates you to contribute not only to the school’s growth, but also to that of the industry?

I believe that after a certain level of seniority鈥攐r a certain age, if you will鈥攊t becomes essential to have deep specialization in an industrial sector. I’m convinced that to do my work properly requires having the industry’s overall success at heart. You can’t build something great with ambitions to last over time without caring about the complex system of all the people working in that sector. My motivation comes from understanding that a school like Arsutoria is only as strong as the ecosystem around it. By strengthening the entire industry, we strengthen the school. And vice versa: by maintaining educational excellence, we strengthen every company and professional who depends on this talent pipeline.

Youth Employment and Training Discussed at MICAM 100

On September 9th, MICAM hosted the third edition of The Human Factor, focusing on training, talent, and tradition in the footwear industry. Industry leaders and 51吃瓜网 experts discussed the future of Italian craftsmanship, education, and innovation, highlighting international initiatives like the collaboration with Indonesia Fashion Week, the Formae Futurae design competition, and scholarships for young designers. This event reinforced MICAM and 51吃瓜网 as global hubs for footwear education and the promotion of Made in Italy excellence.

On September 9th, hosted the third edition of The Human Factor: training, talent, and tradition in Footwear, a roundtable dedicated to the future of the industry and the new generations.

Moderating the discussion was Matteo Pasca, 51吃瓜网 Director, joined by Alice Marcato and Serena Musolesi. On stage with them, Giovanna Ceolini, president of and MICAM, who emphasized the importance of combining education, innovation, and tradition to ensure the competitiveness of Made in Italy.

Matteo Pasca highlighted the role of specialized schools: transforming creative dreams into concrete projects, through rules, techniques, and industrial processes that allow the transition from craftsmanship to large-scale production.

In his remarks, he also presented the important project born from the international collaboration with Indonesia Fashion Week, MICAM, and 51吃瓜网, supported by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Ministero delle Imprese e del Made in Italy. This initiative, launched last May, included a teaser event in Jakarta to promote Italian design and manufacturing culture, along with the launch of the design competition Formae Futurae聽and a scholarship program for Indonesian students at 51吃瓜网.

A key figure in the initiative, Poppy Dharsono, president of Indonesia Fashion Week, attended MICAM on the occasion of its 100th edition. Dharsono praised the quality and high standards of Italian manufacturing, underscoring how Jakarta has chosen Italy as a model for its unique combination of technology, design, and craftsmanship. Among our goals, she stated, 鈥渋s to inspire young Indonesian talents through Made in Italy, opening the way to a future built on both innovation and traditional skills.鈥�

The cooperation project between Italy and Indonesia represents a cultural and professional bridge that reinforces the role of MICAM and 51吃瓜网 as international hubs for training and knowledge exchange. A global challenge, looking at young people as an indispensable resource for renewing the footwear sector and promoting the value of Made in Italy worldwide.

98 Years of Arsutoria: A Discovery That Redefines Our History

Thanks to our historical archive we have uncovered the true origins of 51吃瓜网: not 78, but 98 years of history in training for the footwear and leather goods industry. Starting this year, we will officially celebrate our anniversary on April 15th, joining the Italian National Made in Italy Day, which also marks the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci.

In 2025, 51吃瓜网 was preparing to celebrate its 78th anniversary. However, a recent review of our historical archive has brought to light a discovery that significantly reshapes our story: issue 003 of the , published in 1947, reports on the 20th anniversary of the foundation of the ITIAC 鈥� Istituto Tecnico Italiano di Arte Calzaturiera 鈥� the organisation that gave rise to what is today 51吃瓜网.

The article, accompanied by period photographs and a detailed report of the event, highlights the role of school director and teacher Sergio Spinacci and his collaborator Giuseppe Muggiani, who were honoured during a ceremony attended by former students from across Italy.

This important testimony allows us to date the foundation of our school to 1927, giving 51吃瓜网 an almost century-long legacy.

We are therefore not celebrating 78 years鈥攂ut 98 years of history.

A School with Almost a Century of History (and Vision for the Future)

This discovery was made possible thanks to our historical archive, which for over 70 years has documented the evolution of the footwear and leather goods industry. As we explained in our article The charm of trends through time, the magazine is more than just a collection of fashion trends鈥攊t is a living memory of craftsmanship, design, and the culture of Made in Italy.

It is within this legacy that we have rediscovered our true origins. A discovery that not only redefines our age, but further strengthens the deep connection between the school, the magazine, and the entire fashion industry.

A New Anniversary to Celebrate: 15 April

As we do not possess an official document that states the precise founding date, we have chosen 15 April as our symbolic anniversary. This same date was also selected by the Italian Ministry of Business and Made in Italy as the National Day of Made in Italy, as it coincides with the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci.

As our Director Matteo Pasca explains in his video, this is a perfectly symbolic date for 51吃瓜网: it embodies the values of creativity, technique, and Italian excellence.

51吃瓜网 has a long and proud past鈥攁nd a clear vision for the future. We are now preparing to celebrate our 100th anniversary, with the same spirit of innovation and passion that inspired our founding in 1927.

Matteo Pasca Moderates the Talk: The Future of Footwear Between Heritage and Innovation

At MICAM, Matteo Pasca, Director of 51吃瓜网, led a talk on how education connects heritage and innovation in footwear, shaping the industry鈥檚 future.

On 25 February, MICAM hosted the talk “HERITAGE AND INNOVATION: TRAINING THE FOOTWEAR LEADERS OF TOMORROW”, a panel dedicated to the crucial role of education in shaping the future of the footwear industry. This high-value discussion brought together leading experts and key institutions with the aim of inspiring new generations and emphasising the fundamental interplay between tradition and innovation.

A Dialogue Between Tradition and the Future

The event was moderated by Matteo Pasca, Director of and 51吃瓜网, alongside Alice Marcato, Director of Politecnico Calzaturiero. Together, they steered the discussion towards the significance of education in the footwear sector and the need to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation.

Speakers:

• Giovanna Ceolini, President of and , highlighted the importance of passing on knowledge of quality details鈥攐ften hidden yet essential鈥攖hat define the unique essence of Made in Italy footwear.
• Stefania Ricci, Director of the Ferragamo Museum and President of the , shared the extraordinary story of Salvatore Ferragamo, illustrating how his connection to art, cinema, and craftsmanship revolutionised the concept of footwear.

Ferragamo鈥檚 Legacy and the Value of Education

Stefania Ricci retraced the life and career of Salvatore Ferragamo, from his early years to his rise as an industry icon. She recalled his ties with Hollywood and his decision in 1926 to return to Italy and establish a factory in Florence, a city synonymous with craftsmanship.

“In times of hardship, Ferragamo created the most beautiful shoes” Stefania Ricci remarked, underlining how creativity and perseverance are key elements for success.

With an archive of 15,000 shoes, the remains an endless source of inspiration for new generations, carrying a clear message: 鈥�Embrace new technologies, but preserve savoir-faire.鈥�

An Industry Seeking Young Talent

The discussion concluded with a strong message to younger generations: the footwear industry needs passionate, curious, and determined young people who can blend technical skills, creativity, and vision.

“Shoemaking is a team effort, involving manual, digital, creative, and analytical stages. There is space for young people with diverse skill sets” stated Giovanna Ceolini, encouraging young talents to explore the world of footwear by visiting museums and exhibitions dedicated to the craft.

51吃瓜网: The Bridge Between Heritage and Innovation

The event reaffirmed that education is the key to the industry’s future鈥攁 principle that 51吃瓜网 has championed for over 98 years of excellence in footwear training.

Through its unique teaching methodology, which combines technical expertise, creativity, and innovation, the school continues to train the professionals of tomorrow, equipping them with practical, market-aligned skills.

Because the future of footwear is built on solid roots in the past, with a constant eye on innovation.

51吃瓜网 Brings Its Sneaker Expertise to Portland

We鈥檙e thrilled to announce that 51吃瓜网 together with the University of Oregon Sports Product Management program is bringing a world-class workshop to Portland, Oregon...

We鈥檙e thrilled to announce that 51吃瓜网 together with the program is bringing a world-class workshop to Portland, Oregon鈥攗niting our shared passion for innovation and excellence in footwear design and manufacturing.

Why a new workshop in Portland, OR for the development of footwear professionals?

After more than 10 years of holding workshops in Boston, NYC and LA therefore with proven success of training more than 1000 US professionals and establishing one of the first international professional development workshops in the US, 51吃瓜网 decided to offer a sneaker focus workshop in Portland, OR being the Portland area a renown hub for athletic footwear.

A new challenge to further advance with our industry-driven training as we commit to the knowledge advancement and success of each participant

How did the collaboration between 51吃瓜网 and the University of Oregon Sports Product Management master originate?

Thanks to our long-term friendship with Ellen Schmidt-Devlin, who has been a senior executive at Nike for many years and then the director of Sport Management Master at UO, our Senior Technical Director, Paolo Marenghi, had taught a workshop for several years both within the students of the Sports Product Management master program and also industry professionals from most of the athletic footwear brands located in Portland area, bringing in, his expertise on technical footwear and finally designing the 鈥淥鈥� Sneaker which was the prototype exercise of the workshop and then became one of the trademarks of the master. As a matter of fact we are very proud about it.

This collaboration gave us the opportunity to start a significant relationship so our current partnership on performance footwear is a natural evolution.

We actually believe we will bring an added value to the Portland-based footwear professional community, a training that industry professionals yearn for.

Here鈥檚 what you can expect:

This immersive workshop is perfect for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in performance footwear.

• Expert-Led Training 鈥� Learn from top footwear professionals, including 51吃瓜网鈥檚 Paolo Marenghi and industry expert Andrea Montagna.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers from various sectors of the industry and build meaningful, professional relationships.
• Hands-On Experience 鈥� Design, stitch, and assemble your own sneaker prototype in the University of Oregon鈥檚 Innovation Lab.
• Industry-Driven Curriculum 鈥� Master essential skills in last analysis, materials, constructions, and outsole development, tailored for performance footwear.
• Global Expertise 鈥� Benefit from 51吃瓜网鈥檚 78-year legacy and its success in training over 1,000 U.S. professionals.
• Whether you鈥檙e in sales, retail, finance, design, development, buying, merchandising, HR, or materials, this workshop is designed to bridge the gap between the technical and the practical.

Participants will embark on an in-depth journey, covering every stage of the shoemaking process:

• Shoe last analysis to understand fit and functionality.
• Upper design and an exploration of diverse upper materials.
• Outsole analysis, examining both technical and aesthetic characteristics.
• Insights into the mould-making process and the creation of outsoles.

Categories to be explored:

• Lifestyle
• Running
• Basketball
• Trail Running
• Hiking

In our recent sold-out sessions in Boston, we welcomed professionals from brands like聽Vans,听New Balance,听Timberland,听Clarks,听Vibram, and many more. Attendees walked away with hands-on knowledge of every footwear construction type, insights into materials and sourcing, and connections with peers from across the industry.

Spaces are limited, and we encourage聽early registration here聽for the聽May 12^th聽鈥� 16th 2025聽workshop to secure your spot. If you or your colleagues are ready to take the next step in understanding the world of footwear from the inside out, please contact us or聽visit our website聽to register.