Call for applications
until September 30, 2025
Atelier Chaussures Patricia Cruz - Shoe design and development
Shoe specialist Patricia Cruz opened her boutique-atelier at the Viaduc des Arts in 2022. An expert in computer-aided design (CAD) and passionate about sneakers, the craftswoman combines innovation and eco-responsibility in each of her designs. After teaching the art of footwear to fashion students, she now offers workshops open to all, where you can make your own pair of sneakers with the " Fabriqué à Paris " label.
Patricia was introduced to bespoke manufacturing by master bootmaker Michel Boudoux at theMaurice Arnoult Association. In 2008, she opened her first workshop, making prototypes for students at ESMOD and ENSAD. For several years, she has been a trainer at the Lycée d'Alembert, a school at the cutting edge of semi-industrial equipment, where she hones her expertise and specializes in CAD. This career path enables her to combine craftsmanship and innovation to offer models that can be customized and repaired. " I focus on sneakers because that's what I prefer to make: there are so many pieces, it's like a puzzle. But I also make sandals and ankle boots," she explains.
Patricia pays particular attention to responsible manufacturing, aware that footwear, made up of mixtures of stitching, gluing and assembly, is one of the most difficult fashion products to recycle. "To make up for this, she says, is to make high-end, durable and repairable shoes from the materials we have on hand . She passes on this approach to her students through an eco-design module, raising their awareness of the importance of research and innovation in the sector.
" When you deeply love what you do, you find solutions, and that gives you the responsibility to go further," she points out.
Patricia has also learned a lot from her students at Lycée d'Alembert: " These young people live fashion. I didn't pay much attention to it, but I began to be sensitive to it and to have a more specific eye. In fact, it was while observing their enthusiasm that she came up with the idea of offering manufacturing workshops open to all. During these sessions, she guides participants through the customization of their shoes - materials, colors, yokes... - and accompanies them every step of the way.
" Shoes are fundamental. They keep you upright and your feet on the ground. When you do things with your own hands, that's when you become aware of time ," emphasizes Patricia.
At the same time, the designer is developing a collaboration with Amerindian craftsmen in Brazil, paying homage to her ancestors. Using her skills in digital modeling, she enhances their traditional wood pyrography technique by transposing it onto leather, and donates part of the profits to the craftsmen.
Customizable sneakers " to receive the Fabriqué à Paris label in 2024
The "Shoe Kit" label Fabriqué à Paris in 2025
Practical information
Atelier-boutique
53 avenue Daumesnil, 75012 Paris
By appointment
06 21 82 77 51 - contact@atelierchaussures.fr
