Video

We Are The Makers

"We Are The Makers" is the first in a series of videos commissioned by The Strand Arcade. In this video, Andrew talks about his experience understudying master craftspeople, the heritage of The Strand Arcade and how both these experiences have informed his craft.

Director Lester Jones has created a film for the A.McDonald shoe collection. A continuation of Jones' work within contemporary branded content (focusing on fashion, art and culture), "Odyssey" is beautifully crafted narrative-driven film.

This video is a day in the life of A.McDonald shoes walking the streets of Sydney. The film takes its point of view from the shoes, each shot a skit on the way the shoes interact with the various street architecture. Cinematography by Monique Easton.

A day in the life of A.McDonald Shoemaker

Filmmaker Thomasz lablanca tilts his keen eye toward capturing a day in the life of the A.McDonald workshop. This film is part of a series on craft artisans where Thomas brings the atmosphere and activity of the crafting workshop for all to see.

Attaching leather toe-puff to shoe. I generally use 1.6mm leather side that has been skived hammered to compress leather fibres then sanded into shape.

Clicking and cutting bison leather for derby boot upper.

Cutting the upper, skiving the upper and folding the upper piece edge in preparation for closing (stitching )the upper pieces.

Sanding / inking / waxing the sole edge on oxford shoes. The sole, heel and sole edge are sanded into shape.

Attaching heel to desert boot. I use a pre-built heel with a 5 mm rubber top piece.

Nailing the heel and inserting the insole sock. These are the last steps in completing the boot. Buttress nails are used to secure heel attachment inside the shoe.

Andrew McDonald speaks with Dumbo Feather Magazine about shoes and design philosophy. Taking the viewer through each step in the making process, he explains his rationale for handmade shoes and the benefits their wearer.