In a little store in Ghaxaq, Tony Abdilla works away on shoes and bags, as he has been doing for the past 50 years. In town, he’s affectionately known as Toni l-iskarpan (Tony the shoemaker) and is always willing to help with any repair you might need – all with a big smile on his face. #NannuVibes

Abdilla Shoe Repair posted this video interview with the 72-year-old, and we simply couldn’t resist sharing it. He touches upon the fact that while there are some other shoemakers and repairers, the numbers have dwindled and not many are entering the industry.

His main work includes shoe repairs and work on bags, and he’s even had some commissioned by important people on the island. “One time I had a commission for Bishop Gonzi, and another time for Madonna,” he says. He worked on shoes for Madonna bits and bobs for the bishop and belts for ex-Prime Minister Dom Mintoff.

Tony shares that back in the day he used to create all sorts of original stuff, but nowadays he just focuses on repairs. Here’s what he had to say about today’s shoe fashion. “Shoes nowadays are nicer to look at and smarter while shoemaking back in the day was never ending!” he admits.

Check out Tony in the video here: