Inside Paraffection: Massaro, est 1894

PARIS, France — Founded in 1894, shoemaker Massaro makes men's, ladies' and haute couture shoes. It was Massaro that crafted Chanel's signature beige and black-toed sandal in 1957. "We have, I think, competitors in different types of collections for men's and ladies' shoes, but not competitors that are able to make ladies', mens' and haute couture shoes. We are able to do everything, which is very good, but it is also very difficult," Philip Atienza, Massaro's managing director, told BoF.

Located just off the Place Vendôme, on the Rue de la Paix, the workshop and showroom share the same premises and are very much interrelated. “My point of view regarding this type of work is really to be able to keep the craftsmanship of the work. The reason why [Paraffection] chose me, I think, is because I am a craftsman. I understand the creation of the shoes, how to design, how to build the shoes, manage the workshop,” continued Atienza.

Around 50 percent of the workshop’s production is for Chanel’s haute couture and Métiers d’Art shows. The remainder was traditionally taken up by crafting custom shoes for clients. However, in order to diversify its revenue stream, the company has launched a ready-to-wear line, collaborating with shoe designer Laurence Dacade.