84 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {home & design} SHOEMAKER cobbling a legacy words by JENNIFER JORY ABOVE: Eugo Gombosed makes custom lasts for handcrafted shoes. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: EUGO GOMBOSED Artisan, philosopher and entrepreneur—shoe craftsman Eugo Gombosed unites all of these roles at his European-style atelier in Burlingame. A third-generation shoemaker, Eugo carries on his grandfather’s legacy of creating custom leather shoes and goods. “The Bay Area is a vibrant intersection of art, technology and design,” Eugo points out. “However, the tradition of true handcrafted shoemaking, particularly full bespoke work, is quite rare in this region.” His passion for his craft also offers a life lesson on making a job meaningful. “I may work with leather,” he says, “but I see my true work as something else: creating pieces that hold emotion, spirit and story.” In the beginning of his career, Eugo studied law and practiced as an attorney. But his family’s artistic roots, which originated with his grandfather in Mongolia, drew Eugo back to the time-honored tradition. “It isn’t just a skill,” he emphasizes. “It’s something that lives in my blood—a tradition, a way of seeing the world, a set of values.” Heeding his calling, he enrolled in the London College of Fashion where he refined his skills in the bespoke craft. “My journey has been a fusion of many things: law, heritage, European craftsmanship and human-centered design,” he clarifies. “My core mission is to understand the meaning of true craft and to create real value with my own hands.” While studying in London and creating his own footwear de-
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