The following information outlines key aspects of ordering, availability and delivery.
How can I purchase a piece?
The House offers pieces across three registers.
A selection of finished pairs is held in the atelier and ships directly.
Most pieces are produced to order, made in the client's size, in our Italian workshops, following confirmation of the order.
Bespoke commissions, where the client requests a new design or a substantial alteration to an existing silhouette, are reserved for established clients of the House and are not initiated at the point of order.
Following an enquiry, we confirm availability, the production horizon, and the steps involved.
What does made to order involve?
Each made-to-order pair is produced in Italy following confirmation of the order. Materials are selected, the construction begins, and the pair is finished by the artisan responsible for that style.
Production time depends on the piece. Simpler styles take two to four months. Pieces involving natural stones, diamonds, hand-set embellishment, or precious-metal work require four to six months. The horizon reflects material sourcing, the nature of the construction, and the standing waiting list of the atelier.
A made-to-order pair is finished to the same standard as a piece held in the atelier. The only difference is that it is built once the client has chosen it.
Are bespoke commissions accepted?
Bespoke commissions are reserved. The House accepts a small number each year, exclusively for clients with whom a relationship has been established over time. A bespoke project is not initiated at the point of order. It begins as a private conversation, conducted within the discipline of the House’s aesthetic.
Material, silhouette, and construction are developed in dialogue with the atelier, not specified by the client.
The horizon for a bespoke piece is set by the work itself, and is rarely under twelve months. Bespoke pieces are not produced in editions and are not entered into the standing collection.
How do the pieces fit?
All styles fit true to size and are developed on a narrow last, conceived in-house to achieve a sharp, defined silhouette. Clients with a wider foot are advised to select half a size up.
Detailed measurements are available in the size guide. For further guidance, please contact us.
How can I commission a piece for bridal?
The atelier produces made-to-order pieces for weddings, civil ceremonies, and the occasions that surround them.
Existing silhouettes may be commissioned in materials suited to bridal: silk satin in a chosen tone, pearl-toned outsoles, genuine pearl or diamond details, white-jade embellishment, and other natural materials selected for the occasion.
Bridal commissions follow the standard made-to-order process. The horizon depends on the piece and the materials specified, and is confirmed at the point of order. Clients with a defined date are advised to enquire four to six months in advance.
What materials are used, and how are the pieces made?
Each pair is handcrafted in Italy by specialist artisans. Construction may require thirty hours or more of manual work, depending on the complexity of the piece.
Leathers, silks, and metalwork are sourced from Italian suppliers. Stones are exclusively natural, precious or semi-precious, faceted and set by hand in Italy. Diamond embellishments are natural, of VS+ quality, set in 18-karat gold or 18-karat white gold.
The House works only with suppliers whose conduct matches their craft. Working conditions, the origin of leathers, and the sourcing of stones are reviewed before any material enters the workshops. Leathers from endangered species are not used.
Production runs are intentionally small. Repetition compromises the level of finish the House requires.
How high are the heels?
Standard heel height across the collection is 105 millimetres. Flats are also offered.
Heels are designed for line and silhouette first. Comfort is tested, and accounted for in the construction of the last and the internal structure, but it does not lead the design. Heel height is not customisable.
What are the lead times and how is delivery handled?
Direct-purchase pieces are prepared within two to three working days and dispatched shortly thereafter.
Made-to-order pieces follow the production horizon agreed at the point of order. Bespoke commissions follow the timeline confirmed in writing.
Each pair ships fully insured, in the House’s packaging.
How does international shipping work?
Pieces ship from the Netherlands.
Within the European Union, no additional duties or taxes apply. For destinations outside the European Union, duties, taxes, and customs charges are the responsibility of the client and are not collected at checkout.
For destinations not currently covered at checkout, alternative arrangements are confirmed individually.
May I return or exchange a piece?
Returns and exchanges are accepted within fourteen days of delivery on direct-purchase pieces. Items must be unworn and returned in their original condition, with all packaging and components.
Made-to-order and bespoke pieces, produced for the individual client, are final sale.
How is pricing determined?
Prices are set by the House and remain consistent across authorised channels.
Made-to-order and bespoke pieces are priced individually, in line with the materials, the time required, and the complexity of the work. Final pricing is confirmed at the point of order.
How should the pieces be cared for?
Each pair is built from materials that respond to attention. We recommend storing pieces in a cool, dry environment, in the original dust bag and box, away from direct sunlight and prolonged moisture.
Light cleaning may be carried out at home with a dry, soft cloth. For deeper care, including leather conditioning, embellishment cleaning, and sole replacement, the House offers a maintenance and restoration service.
Repairs and restorations are considered case by case. Please enquire for further information.
May I view the collection in person?
Access to the collection is arranged privately, by appointment, through trunk shows hosted at partner boutiques and salons, and through authorised personal stylists who represent the House to their clients.
Appointment requests may be sent through the contact form. The format of the visit is confirmed individually.
How do I contact the House?
For order support, sizing, and aftercare: support@taro-ishida.com.
For press, editorial loans, and stylist requests on shoots and publications: press@taro-ishida.com.
For boutique partnerships, personal shoppers, and stylists representing private clients: partners@taro-ishida.com.
How can I be sure a piece is authentic?
TARO ISHIDA pieces are sold exclusively through the House and through authorised intermediaries.
Pieces presented as TARO ISHIDA may appear through unauthorised retailers, resale platforms, and private sellers. The House does not guarantee the authenticity, condition, or provenance of any piece acquired outside its authorised channels.
Authentication requests on items acquired through unauthorised channels are reviewed at the discretion of the House.