Lucio Picone: scarpe fatte a mano Made in Tuscany

The story I'm telling you is one of love, passion, dedication, and determination. It's about Lucio Picone and his bespoke shoe workshop, another example of excellence in craftsmanship and...handmade which does so much credit to our wonderful Tuscany.

Arrival at Pieve a Nievole on a torrid July afternoon.
We're dying of heat, but Lucio Picone he opens the shop an hour early for me! Love makes the world around!

Lucio leaves with his family from Frasso Telesino, in the province of Benevento, to arrive in Tuscany in 1970, at just 10 years old. At 15 he began working in a shoe factory in Monsummano Terme and after 30 years of hard work and dedication, carried out without sparing himself and with unpaid overtime, expressly requested from his boss only because of his great desire to learn as much as possible, he decided that the time had come to risk everything to make a dream come true, the dream he had carried in his heart all his life: to open a artisan workshop Of handmade shoes.

He resigns, with all the doubts, fears, and uncertainties of someone who leaves a secure job, where he had already achieved a prestigious position, to begin an uncertain path and life proves him right!

Even before opening his business, he had already bought a machine and spent his nights in the garage (does this remind you of anyone?) preparing samples to display when the shop opened.

This is the story of Lucio Picone, a master, an artist, a Tuscan icon, a man who was never satisfied, so happy and with a heart so full of joy that, with the enthusiasm of someone who has realized his dream, he wishes everyone can do the same.

His message is to believe in yourself, to never give up, to find your own path, to pursue your dreams because, and I say this, it takes courage to be happy! And as Virgil says: "Audaces fortuna iuvat”!

His shop, opened 10 years ago, after only 6 years, has led him to become known and appreciated by prominent figures in the world of sport and entertainment, to participate in broadcasts on the national network and to create partnerships with loyal and prestigious customers such as Gianfranco Vissani, who dedicated a space to him in his restaurant in Baschi, in Civitella del Lago, or with the Giusti Cave of Monsummano, where Lucio exhibits his creations.

He tells me, enthusiastic and with a twinkle in his eye, that he goes to bed at night eager to get up in the morning to resume his work, to continue creating. He speaks of his affection for his origins and his subtle regret every time one of his creations leaves his workshop.

His shop is a corner of history, of ancient details and deep-rooted values and I, captivated by such passion, capture this energy with my Nikon, while he jokingly asks me if I want his Canon.

Lucio Picone has about sixty in his shop models and its customers can choose the shape, color and leather and take home a unique, tailor-made piece, created specifically for them.
Between the shop counter and the shoe model display, there are some beautiful belts which complete the creations of this old-fashioned workshop.
His next goal, he tells me, is to be able to teach in a school and pass on to young people a profession that can bring so much satisfaction.

…who knows why, maybe it's the name, maybe it's the concerts that are setting the squares on fire these days, but as I write I'm listening to the most beautiful pieces of Lucio Battisti And Lucio Dalla and I don't know how I manage to think, write and sing at the same time!

Dear Lucio Picone, I'm happy to share your generous message: may it reach everyone loud and clear!
Thank you for your precious time and for the kindness with which you welcomed me into your little kingdom.

📍FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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👉 Emiliano Santarnecchi, a young researcher chosen by Harvard University

👉 Angelo Mirabelli, trusted real estate consultant

👉 Virginia Oldoini, the Tuscan woman who made Italy

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