For many, “Stefan Tailor Shop” is the one found on George Vraca Street. Mr. Stefan has worked in this location for many years in a row, until the summer of 2019, when he decided to move his tailor shop to Voluntari Neighbourhood, on the groundfloor of his house. Except for the address, his services are the same. Only the newly added customers changed. The know-how of the master kept all its qualities intact.
Comuna Voluntari, strada Someș, nr. 34
“Cizmăria mea”, located close to the train station, has been opened for no longer than 2 years by Mr Sabin and it is part of a Craiova-based franchise with the same name. Mr Sabin is a courageous workman who after he realized that working in a big company is no longer fulfilling, has reviewed his options and decided to do something that he truly likes. Hence the shoemaking business. Young, active, Mr Sabin is to be given as an example in the artisans community and even outside of it, when it comes to what does it imply to follow a career.
Bd. Alexandru Ioan Cuza, nr. 51
On Dimitrie Cantemir at number 20, in the workshop that is here for 20 years, now clients come to Ms. Maria, who works here for the past 8 years. There are not many staircases to climb and that makes the workshop very convenient. The neighbours are gathering at the ground floor to chat. At the tailor shop like on social media. In the workshop clothes are made from scratch, custom made, and multiple fixings. The new clients are often coming to the workshop through recommendations, having heard from each other.
Bd. Dimitrie Cantemir, nr. 20
Imagine a 10 square meter room with a long table, 5 workplaces on one side, 5 workplaces on one side. 90 cm each. This is how craftsman Constantin began his apprenticeship at UCECOM for becoming a jeweller. Although initially he felt disconcerted by the uninterrupted 8 hours spent on a chair, over time he got used to it and acquired the meticulousness and patience required for this craft.
Calea Moşilor, Nr. 268
Right across Hanul Berarilor, very close to Natiunile Unite Sqare, in a building that seems from long ago each morning is sitting in the doorway Mr Oscar, a leather worker doing this job over 60 years now. Together with his cat, the kraftman speaks dearly about his kraft that was passed on from his father that has worked in the same shop. Here the cat goes meaw while the Mr Oscar works at a leather wallet or some leather belt.
Strada Apolodor, nr. 2
Mrs. Silvia repairs coats, purses, shoes, and on top of that she also knows how to dye them. She has been working here since 1995, but she learnt the craft in highschool. Together with Mrs. Elena, with whom she sometimes collaborates, they fill up the workshop with smiles.
Strada Slanic, nr. 4
The Romanian press has written a lot about “La Nicu”-Hatmaker. Mainly because Nicu is the one person you end up to if you want to know how hats are made or what does it take to work as a hatmaker after you’ve surpassed 90 years old. Here in the workshop hats are made in all sizes and shapes. For theatre plays, movies, special ocasions or just for daily wear. Wooden heads without expression are sitting still on the shelves. They are not there from the last Holloween to scare off the clients, but to help Nea Nicu to create the perfect fitting hat for those who step inside his workshop. The English Pasage, where the workshop is located is a turistic atraction not only for the those who seek adventure, but also for those who want to have a nice talk with Nea Nicu and to see what new hats have appeared in the counter.
Pasajul Englez
This shop of repairing pens is the only one that is left in Bucharest. It is like a treasure for the modern man that still uses pens. Mr Mircea, repairs pens, glasses and rides the bike daily. He is a regular for the media being the only one that still practices this kraft. The nibs (tip of the fountain pen) that have been seen by Mr Mircea have varied deeply from regual school pens to nibs as precious as jewery owned by important politicians that used them to sign hig level papers. Mr Mircea remembers how long the line of people was in front of his shop in Ceauşescu’s regim. The kraft is inherited from his father, everything being coverd in secrecy, because the know how was passed only between family members. Although he is sorry to say this the kraft has ened in the family with him. The number of clients has dropped but the good part is that the quality of the pieces that are waiting in line on the counter has risen.
Strada Colţei, nr. 6
Română
