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fter 160 years, Carmina has accumulated a vast range of styles and lasts, the traditional models used to handcraft the shoes. All of the production takes place in the two-floor factory in Inca, a larger and more modern production space they opened twenty-two years ago that continues the traditions essentially as they have been for generations, adapting with the times and technology. On the top floor, in addition to offices and meeting rooms, is where the details are done—such as hand-stitching, performed mainly by women—while downstairs is where the cutting, moulding, gluing, and packaging take place. Machines whir and there is a buzz of energy about the place, a sense of things moving fluidly in their place and getting done. "We have an internal training programme for young artisans. We need the techniques we inherited not to be lost and for new generations to be able to join the craft with solid learning. Many artisans who began their profession in the factory have retired as masters," says Sandro.

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Carmina doesn't work with seasonal or biannual collections, but they constantly incorporate new designs, new lasts, or variations that respond to store demand and the team's creative direction. As Sandro explains, "Our base of patterns and lasts is so extensive that simply moving through the house's collections, completely current models keep emerging." The creative direction of Carmina is led by Marlene Albaladejo, who also runs her own design company and showroom, La Pecera. In addition to overseeing all of the collections and the creative process, Marlene's insightful in-store designs—such as wooden shoe lasts as door handles and incorporating elements of the brand's industrial past with contemporary design—ground the brand's distinctive aesthetic.