How Arsutoria’s Bag Pattern making and Prototyping course enriched a production lead’s technical journey?

Meet Tasha Radzi-Stewart, a production lead with a Fashion Design degree and practical experience, enhanced her skills in pattern making and bag prototyping through Arsutoria School’s 15-week course. She gained hands-on experience with professional tools and advanced her understanding of the full production process, from design to manufacturing.

When experienced professionals seek to deepen their craft, they often turn to institutions that can bridge the gap between practical experience and technical mastery. This spring, we had the pleasure of training a talented production lead from Melbourne’s luxury fashion scene, who joined our Bag Pattern Making and Prototyping course from April 23rd to August 6th, 2025.

With a Bachelor in Fashion Design from RMIT and years of hands-on experience in Australian luxury ateliers, Tasha Radzi-Stewart came to Arsutoria School seeking formal training in pattern making and construction techniques.

Let’s get to know her better.

Tell us about your educational and professional background.

I’m currently working as a production lead and leather cutter in a Melbourne atelier for an Australian luxury label, where all the bags are designed, produced, and sold in-house. In this role, I’ve gained hands-on experience in table work, leather cutting for production, and managing the planning and coordination of the production team.

Prior to this, I worked as a design assistant for a couple of brands, where I developed a strong understanding of commercial design and the development process for women’s wear and accessories. These roles helped build my knowledge of working with off-shore suppliers and navigating product development in a commercial context.

I also worked as a production assistant for a small leather goods brand, where I contributed to the completion of a small-batch production for a well-known Australian label.

I graduated from RMIT in 2020 with a Bachelor of Fashion Design (Honours), where I first began developing my skills in both design and hands-on making.

Why were you looking for this training? And why did you choose Arsutoria School?

I was seeking formal training in pattern making and the production process for leather goods. While I had practical experience, I wanted to deepen my technical knowledge to confidently begin designing and constructing my own bags.

I discovered Arsutoria while researching schools online and was drawn to its strong reputation for excellence in craftsmanship and technical education—it felt like the perfect fit.

What was the most interesting or surprising thing you learned during the program?

The most interesting part of the program for me was learning how to create patterns using Rhino. I already had experience with technical drawing in Adobe Illustrator, which has always been an area I enjoy for its precision and complexity. Learning Rhino took that interest further and helped me develop a deeper understanding of how a bag is brought to life—from flat, 2D shapes to a fully realized 3D product.

How important was for you to work hands-on in the sample room when making prototypes?

Extremely important. I’m a very hands-on learner, so having access to professional machinery and the opportunity to build prototypes myself was invaluable. This was the part of the process I was most eager to strengthen—understanding not only how things are made, but why certain techniques and constructions are used.

How do you feel you will advance in your professional development now that you have earned these technical skills?

This course has significantly expanded my technical knowledge in both bag construction and pattern making. It’s provided a strong foundation for me to move forward with greater confidence in my career—especially within product development and design.

I now have a broader, more holistic understanding of the full production process: from hands-on, in-house making (as I learned at Arsutoria) to off-shore manufacturing, which I encountered in my previous roles. I’m also excited to continue learning through my own making and exploration as I develop my own designs.

In one word, how would you describe your experience at Arsutoria School?

“Enriching”

Tasha Radzi-Stewart holds her prototype bags, which were made at Arsutoria School from April 23rd 2025 to August 6th 2025.

Whether you’re seeking comprehensive technical training like she received through our intensive 15-week Bag Pattern Making and Prototyping course, or looking to focus on specific construction skills through our shorter 4-week Bag Making courses (covering both casual and elegant bag styles) Arsutoria School provides the sample room, machinery, and hands-on experience needed to advance in your career. Discover how our bag courses can enhance your craft and open new professional opportunities.

Jorge Romero and the Evolution of Regina Romero with Arsutoria School

Jorge Romero is carrying forward the rich legacy of Regina Romero, a historic footwear brand founded by his family....

Jorge Romero is carrying forward the rich legacy of Regina Romero, a historic footwear brand founded by his family. With a deep-rooted passion for craftsmanship and innovation, Jorge has chosen Arsutoria School to refine his skills and gain expertise in Italian shoemaking. In this interview, he shares insights into his family’s heritage, his experience at Arsutoria, and his vision for the future of Regina Romero.

Jorge Romero joined the course Shoe Pattern Making & Prototyping in Milan from 7 January to 17 April 2025.

Tell us about you, where you are from, the history of your uncle, Arsutoria School Alumno and when he was here.

My name is Jorge Romero, and I come from Mexico, where my family has been dedicated to the footwear industry for generations. Regina Romero was founded in 1984 by my grandparents, who had a deep passion for quality craftsmanship and elegant design. Their vision laid the foundation for what the brand represents today.

My uncle studied at Arsutoria School in the 1980s, and his time here played a crucial role in shaping our company’s design philosophy. The knowledge he gained in Italy influenced our approach to shoemaking, blending artisanal techniques with innovation—something we still uphold today.

What does it mean to work in the family business and what is your job there?

Being part of a family business like Regina Romero is both an honor and a challenge. It means preserving a legacy while also pushing the company forward with fresh ideas. My role involves overseeing product development, material selection, and innovation, ensuring that our designs stay relevant while maintaining the high quality that has defined us for years.

How is “Regina Romero” doing now? Can you give some data on 2024 growth?

This year has been one of growth and evolution for Regina Romero. We have consolidated our online sales, strengthening our digital presence and expanding our reach to a broader audience. Additionally, we have had the opportunity to open a new physical store, with a vision of launching around six more locations across Mexico this year. This expansion reflects our commitment to making our brand more accessible while maintaining the craftsmanship and exclusivity that define us.

What are the 3 reasons for which you decided to gain training at Arsutoria School

I chose Arsutoria School for three main reasons:

1. Its reputation as a world leader in footwear design and craftsmanship.
2. The opportunity to learn from experts in Italian shoemaking, a benchmark for quality and design.
3. The hands-on experience and technical knowledge that I can directly apply to our business.

What aspect of your training here you find most attractive and/or relevant and how will you apply your new knowledge once back in the company

The most attractive aspect of my training has been the experience and expertise of the teachers. Their in-depth knowledge, particularly in pattern making, has opened my eyes to the endless possibilities in design. We have explored various constructions and styles, learning how to push the boundaries of creativity without limitations. I plan to apply this knowledge to develop collections that combine innovation with our brand’s timeless elegance.

Mexico and Made in Italy, what can we learn from each other?

Mexico and Italy share a strong heritage of craftsmanship and dedication to quality. Italy has mastered the art of combining tradition with contemporary design, while Mexico brings a rich cultural heritage and a growing, dynamic market. I believe that by learning from each other, we can continue to elevate the global footwear industry.Our Plans for the Future

What are your plans for the future

Our plan is to continue expanding within Mexico while also exploring international markets. We aim to introduce Regina Romero to new audiences by leveraging the skills and insights gained at Arsutoria. Our focus remains on delivering exceptional quality while embracing innovation and expanding our presence globally.

Jorge’s experience at Arsutoria School highlights the importance of continuous learning, even for those working within established brands. By combining Mexican tradition with Italian expertise, he is helping Regina Romero evolve while staying true to its roots. In bocca al lupo, Jorge!

Shoe 1-year Diploma Alumnus told us about his internship La Sportiva within the R&D department

Giacomo Dalla Maria June 2023 Shoe 1-year Diploma Alumnus came back to school and told us about his internship La Sportiva within the R&D department. Giacomo feels that the most important skills he learned during his year with us are technical ones along with prototyping and 3D Design ones. Giacomo has now been hired as […]

Giacomo Dalla Maria June 2023 Shoe 1-year Diploma Alumnus came back to school and told us about his internship La Sportiva within the R&D department.

Giacomo feels that the most important skills he learned during his year with us are technical ones along with prototyping and 3D Design ones. Giacomo has now been hired as Footwear Developer Assistant so will continue his experience at La Sportiva, we are proud of him and know this is the first ladder of a promising career.

Thanks to Fondazione Cologni Giacomo had the opportunity to be part of the Apprenticeship program “Una Scuola, un lavoro”.

Here more: Giacomo Dalla Maria – Una Scuola Un Lavoro

Shoe 1-Year Alumnus Anand Zorigt: Pioneering the First Mongolian Sneaker Brand

On March 1st, during the final presentation of the Shoe 1-Year Diploma Program, Anand Zorigt from Mongolia shared his ambitious future plans. Anand, who has been developing a project to launch the FIRST Mongolian sneaker brand manufactured in Mongolia, captured our attention with his vision and determination. We interviewed Anand to learn more about his […]

On March 1st, during the final presentation of the Shoe 1-Year Diploma Program, Anand Zorigt from Mongolia shared his ambitious future plans. Anand, who has been developing a project to launch the FIRST Mongolian sneaker brand manufactured in Mongolia, captured our attention with his vision and determination.

We interviewed Anand to learn more about his history and his future projects.

From Business studies to the footwear world, why did you take the Shoe 1-Year Diploma Program?

I studied finance at the University of British Columbia for 5 years and spent another 2 years working at a private equity firm. Although the experience and the skills I learned in finance was immeasurable, I did not feel corporate environment was a place I would like to stay for the rest of my life. And since the beginning, my end goal was always to have my own company and become an entrepreneur. So, I quit my job and started to look for business ideas to pursue. For while I stayed unemployed, searching for ideas, and one day my father offered me a job at his factory. I immediately took the first offer since I needed money at the time and was able to help my parents as much as I can while I search for ideas to start a business. But once I started my job at the factory, everything changed, I was instantly hooked. As a tech savvy person, the technology, the process that goes into manufacturing shoes was something I would never get tired of. Every day I came to the factory to learn something new about shoe machineries and throughout my study I found about Lineapelle and Simac. After that it was all a beautiful coincidence. I went to Milan to attend Lineapelle for the first time and to search for a place where I can learn how to make shoes from scratch. I found Arsutorias stand and when I talked for 5 minutes, I immediately knew it was exactly what I was looking for. That is why I choose to attend the 1-year shoe program.

What is the name of your company and where is it located.

The company I work for is called “Khos Az”. It is located in Ulaanbaatar; the capital city of Mongolia and our company have been operating there for over 20 years.

Can you give us a brief recap of your company’s history and what does the factory manufacture?

The company is founded by my father back in 1996. But back then it was operating under a different name, “Sinuous” until in 2005 it was changed to its current name Khos Az. It is a factory specialized in manufacturing military and safety shoes. For more than 20 years we have been the constant supplier for the Mongolian military and the mining companies. In 2012, we opened a new section in our factory to make kids shoes to test if there is demand for casual customers. It was quite a successful launch and we realized that there was a market for casual footwear in Mongolia. That is why we are now planning to expand our manufacturing to performance sneakers.

How was your experience on the Shoe 1-Year Diploma?

In one word, the whole experience was “amazing”. What I really liked about this one-year program was that it enabled me to understand shoe making process from both pattern makers and designers’ point of view. As a businessman who was trying to get into shoe production it was essential for me to learn to see shoes from these perspectives. I can now say with confidence that I have become much better at communicating my thoughts and opinions with my own designers and engineers than ever before. But learning technical side of the shoe was not the only thing I gained during my one-year program. Friends, colleagues, teachers everyone I met in Arsutoria have taught me many valuable lessons about the shoes industry and the life that comes with it as well. The connections I made in Arsutoria for me is even more important than the numbers I memorized in school. It cannot be replaced. I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a fundamental knowledge about shoes for any kind of purpose.

How did the school support your skills development?

Before I came to Arsutoria, I did not have any prior firsthand experience on building a shoe. So basically, each day at Arsutoria I was developing a new skill. Every day after the theoretical lesson follows a practical test to confirm what we have learned throughout the day. This approach made it easier to understand the shoe making process as we were doing all the tasks firsthand. We learned how to stich, use the stitching machines, and all the machineries necessary to build a shoe. But it did not stop with only the machineries, we also learned how to use computer programs that can design and build shoes in 3D. If I list all the micro detail of what we have learned throughout the year, it’s not going to end. This one-year program taught me skills that helped me to become a better shoemaker and better a businessman.

Tell us a bit more about your launch sneaker project, is it true that your company will be the first one in manufacturing sneakers?

It would be a lie if I say there haven’t been any sneakers made in Mongolia in the past. Cashmere companies and local clothing brands have made sneakers, but the main difference is that they are companies focused on different things and sneakers is just a small part of it. Our company is the first and only sneaker focused company in Mongolia.

Are there more long-term projects that you would like to tell us about?

So far, the sneakers project has been the biggest project I have ever worked on. I believe the next few years of my life will mainly revolve around this project. In the future, we are planning to sell our products in different Asian and North American cities. So, expanding our market to foreign countries might be our next big project after this one.

Fabricio DaCosta: Shoe One Year Diploma

Meet Out Talents: Fabricio DaCosta, a seasoned designer, fuses diverse cultural influences into his work, shaping an eco-friendly and socially just future for fashion. With roots in Rio de Janeiro and a global expansion, his designs exemplify a commitment to a greener industry. Immersed in Milan's design culture twice over two decades, Fabricio's profound appreciation for Italian craftsmanship influences his creative spirit, fostering a passion for aesthetics, precision, and innovation.

Students are the real treasure of Arsutoria School. Bound to the school by a sense of belonging and sharing, they are the spokesmen of its values in the whole world. This is how “Meet Our Talents” was born, from the desire to give visibility to our most talented students.

We would like to introduce Fabricio DaCosta, a student of the 2023 Shoe One-Year Diploma Program. Fabricio DaCosta, has worked in product and fashion design blending diverse cultural influences into his creative style. He started in Rio de Janeiro, expanded through Europe, America, Asia and Africa, and now, he’s committed to a future where fashion embraces eco-friendliness and social justice. His designs prove this mission: shaping a greener, more ethical path for the industry.

Fabricio’s connection to Italian design tradition has played a pivotal role in his journey. Having immersed himself in Milan’s design culture not once but twice in the past two decades, he acquired a profound appreciation for the country’s craftsmanship. Milan’s design legacy influenced his creative spirit and instilled a passion for aesthetics, precision, and innovation. This Italian education has been a cornerstone of his design philosophy, infusing his work with a timeless elegance and a commitment to quality that remains unwavering.

His story belongs those who have embarked on the journey of in-depth learning in footwear production. To successfully establish a shoe brand, it is essential not only to excel in marketing and storytelling but also to comprehend the fundamentals of the product. A comprehensive educational program, such as the Shoe One-Year Diploma in Milan, Italy, proves crucial for acquiring the practical and theoretical knowledge necessary to successfully navigate every stage, from design to production.

Individuals undertaking this educational journey not only gain a solid understanding of materials and processes but also become capable of innovating creatively. After a year of intensive study, it can be confidently stated that investing in comprehensive training is the key to being well-prepared and excelling in the footwear industry. With the right foundation, the dream of creating a brand of sustainable and comfortable shoes becomes not only possible but achievable.

Good luck, Fabricio DaCosta!

Giulia Iannaccone, accessories designer

The students are the real treasure of Arsutoria School. Bound to the school by a sense of belonging and sharing, they are the spokesmen of its values in the whole world. This is how Meet Our Talents was born, from the desire to give visibility to our most talented students and former students through a […]

The students are the real treasure of Arsutoria School. Bound to the school by a sense of belonging and sharing, they are the spokesmen of its values in the whole world.

This is how Meet Our Talents was born, from the desire to give visibility to our most talented students and former students through a space that tells their study paths.

The first story we would like to tell you in this section is that of Giulia Iannaccone, a very young girl with clear ideas who is determined to make her dream come true: to become an accessories designer.

Giulia’s path at Arsutoria School

Born in 1996, Giulia has always had a strong passion for the world of fashion and accessories. After a three-year degree in Fashion Design at Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in Milan, she decided to specialise in leather accessories, obtaining a One-Year Accessories Diploma from Arsutoria School.

Despite her family’s initial scepticism, Giulia enrolled in the course in September 2019 and for a whole year pursued her path with determination and enthusiasm, moving easily from the pencil, through which she shapes her creations, to a modeller’s bench, where she meticulously carves out every single detail of her prototype and follows the entire development process in the school’s lab.

Her aim is to learn, literally by getting her hands dirty. She wants to understand how shoes and bags are designed, how the different components are assembled and sewn together and to discover everything that is hidden behind this fascinating world of Made in Italy.

With curiosity and a lot of motivation she follows all the modules of the course, alternating lessons in our labs with remote lessons. She delves into all aspects of shoe design, as well as leather goods: from the design, to the model, through to the creation of the prototype.

And it is because of her enthusiasm and dedication that Giulia was selected by the school to take part in MICAM Milano’s international In My Shoes contest. Together with her classmate, Giulia presented the Orango Sneaker project to the jury as a symbol of a very important environmental message.

Thanks to this project, she won the second prize, giving her the chance to see her most innovative prototype made.

Profession: accessories designer

Although Giulia’s intensive training course has only just ended, she has already started working with companies and her story has been selected by Regione Lombardia for the campaign “La moda raccontata dai suoi professionisti” (“Fashion told by its professionals”), created to inspire young boys and girls to embark on this stimulating career in the world of footwear and leather goods.

At the end of her training, Giulia wanted to thank the school and the teachers and did so in a long post on her Instagram profile, which we would like to share with you.

“This picture is not perfect, it is a post that will interest few and perhaps bore many, but for me it is perhaps the most important. For the last few years I have been working and studying. But today I am taking off my pupil’s robes completely. This does not mean that I will stop learning, because as in any profession you never finish, but for me it is the end of a cycle that has lasted for many years. This photo fully represents my stubbornness in pursuing a dream that only I believed in a year and a half ago. Then I met you, we worked hard but you also taught me a lot just like the best masters do and that I was lucky enough to meet. Every day I went from shoes to bags, from industrial machines to 3D software, from pencil and ruler to dies and hammer with a speed and versatility that I didn’t even imagine I could have. Most of all, I have spent so much time with you and within these walls that, although I know that my work with you does not end here because we have projects together, I leave this role as a pupil with so much love and melancholy. When I think of myself a year and a half ago, I was a different person, you gave me the tools, the confidence and you believed in me as perhaps no one has ever done before. You gave me projects that were bigger than me, but with your hand on my shoulder I was able to successfully complete them. When you hear people say to you: “you are a war machine” or “don’t you ever get tired?” and I didn’t feel tired at all, you understand that you have found your way. The most important thing is that you have given me direction and great confidence in myself. I will be forever grateful for all of this. @arsutoriaschool”.

We thank her for these beautiful words and we wish her the best of luck for her future. Ad maiora!