Mauricio Osorio, Custom Shoes

Mauricio Osorio came to this country from the tropics of El Salvador 30 years ago, and he has devoted the last 25 years to Western Costume. A genuine craftsman, for Mauricio shoemaking is a long family tradition - his grandfather, father and 5 brothers all share the same trade. As the oldest son in his family, Mauricio brought his brothers to the United States. A master artisan, he can make anything in leather, from shoes and boots to belts and handbags, in addition to metal armor and jewelry.

It is inspiring to watch Mauricio custom create a shoe from a costume designer's sketch because we know there are few shoe makers with his abilities. The actors lucky enough to work with Mauricio have their feet traced and a model, called a "last," custom-made so the shoes Mauricio ultimately creates will always fit perfectly. Though piecework is customary in modern shoe making, Mauricio's shoes are constructed as one complete process, which is what makes the Custom Shoe Department at Western Costume so unique.

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