by InTrieste
At the intersection of tradition and modernity, a unique collaboration is bridging the past and the present in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The Rossetti theater, renowned for its international allure, has turned to local craft skills to outfit its staff in handmade scarpèts, traditional footwear that epitomizes the region’s artisanal heritage.
The scarpèts, integral to the “Scarpetti. I Scarpèts de Cjargne” project, are meticulously crafted by newly trained artisans. These shoes, made entirely by hand—including the sole—are a testament to a rich cultural tradition revived through contemporary efforts. Each pair is personalized with fabrics, colors, and the theater’s logo, symbolizing the synergy between local craftsmanship and cultural promotion.
Francesco Granbassi, President of the Rossetti theater, emphasized the theater’s dual mission. “Il Rossetti is an internationally oriented theater that attracts audiences from around the world but remains firmly and proudly rooted in its regional heritage,” he said. “We feel a strong responsibility to be ‘the’ Rossetti. Our collaboration with the ‘Scarpetti’ project highlights our commitment to preserving and promoting the precious cultural resources of our region.”
This initiative follows a series of high-profile partnerships. Recently, the scarpèts featured prominently in a collaboration with ITS Arcademy – Museum of Art in Fashion, where young designers envisioned the future of this traditional footwear. The scarpèts also made an appearance on “Calciomercato – L’Originale di SkySport,” bringing them into the limelight.
The training program behind this initiative, “Techniques of Artisanal Footwear Making,” curated by Enaip FVG and the Gortani Museum, has proven successful. It graduated 22 new artisans in March, from over 150 applicants. These artisans were trained intensively, spending over 90 hours mastering the craft, much of it in hands-on laboratory settings. Their instructors were women from Carnia, whose skills have been handed down through generations.
Alessia Rosolen, Regional Councillor for Labor, Formation, Education, Research, University, and Family, praised the program. “The scarpèts project is a virtuous example of how yesterday’s skills can become today’s excellence. The recovery of ancient trades adds value to our region, seamlessly blending past and present. The FVG Region is honored to have supported an initiative that brings tradition into modernity.”
Aurelia Bubisutti, President of the Michele Gortani Carnic Museum of Popular Arts, which spearheads the project, sees it as a model for future initiatives. “With Scarpetti, past and future intertwine and converge into a single dimension of material and immaterial heritage. This universal dimension connects people to their roots, allowing their spirit to flourish.”
The scarpèts, a symbol of ingenuity and self-sufficiency, reflect the resourcefulness of mountain communities. Now, they also stand for sustainable fashion, thanks to the meticulous standards of the Scarpetti manufacturing guidelines. This project, which has registered a national certification mark for the scarpèts, underscores a broader vision where culture drives business and creativity.
As the Rossetti Theater’s staff don these traditional shoes, they not only honor the region’s past but also walk towards a future where artisanal craftsmanship remains vibrant and relevant. For more information on the project, visit www.scarpetti.it.
Interviews: Francesco Granbassi, President of the Rossetti theater and Alessia Rosolen, Regional Councillor for Labor, Formation, Education, Research, University, and Family.
