When it comes to trades, shoemaking is as steady as they come.
After all, a pair of shoes is something we all need.
You can live off the grid and be self-sufficient, but sooner or later, you'll find yourself in need of a sturdy pair of shoes.
It's uncertain whether it was this realization that led Daniel Day-Lewis, the acclaimed Hollywood actor, to leave the glamorous and highly lucrative world of movies behind and embark on a new career as a shoemaker in Florence, Italy.
In the mid-1990s, right after wrapping up filming for The Boxer, Day-Lewis quietly retreated to Florence to pursue his newfound passion for shoemaking.
It's unclear how much time he spent honing his craft during the following five years, as the star himself said, “It was a period of my life that I had a right to without any intervention of that kind.”
During his time in Florence, Day-Lewis formed a close bond with Stefano Bemer, a renowned master craftsman often likened to Leonardo da Vinci of dress shoes.
Under Bemer's guidance, Day-Lewis dedicated at least 10 months to learning the art of shoemaking.
Bemer's bespoke leather brogues were highly sought after, with prices starting at $500.
If you happened to buy a pair during the late 1990s, you might unknowingly be walking around in shoes crafted by one of the most decorated actors of all time.
It's important to note that Day-Lewis's venture into shoemaking was not for a role.
Although famous for his method acting, he did not take on the role of an Italian shoemaker that prompted this career shift.
He simply desired a break from Hollywood, so he moved from London to Florence with his wife and child to immerse himself in the shoe factory world.
While Stefano Bemer sadly passed away in 2012, his namesake company continues to thrive.
The company's website emphasizes that Day-Lewis and Bemer were brought together not only by their shared love for fine leather brogues but also their commitment to perfectionism.
The website's ‘About' section states: “DD Lewis and Stefano shared the same passion for their respective forms of art: one would not simply play a role, but rather ‘become' his character; the other would not just make shoes, but rather bring his ideas to life.
If you have seen the former acting and the latter making shoes, you know what I am talking about.”
Although I never had the chance to witness Bemer's shoemaking skills firsthand, I have been fortunate enough to see Day-Lewis's mesmerizing performances on screen.
It's truly awe-inspiring.
One can only imagine the level of perfectionism and dedication displayed by this dynamic duo as they worked on a pair of wing-tipped Oxford shoes, their craft illuminated by the gracious hue of artistic excellence.
Eventually, Daniel Day-Lewis was drawn back to the world of acting by an enticing offer to star alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorsese's epic film, Gangs of New York.
Despite his time away from Hollywood, Day-Lewis hadn't lost his touch and delivered one of the most memorable performances of all time as Bill ‘The Butcher' Cutting.
