Alexandru Ilinca is one of the most appreciated craftsman in Romania. The artisan carries on the craft of making “opinci”, antique leather shoes.

He was born in Orleşti, in Vâlcea County, Oltenia Region, where he learned to made opinci from his father. He practiced tailoring for almost a lifetime, until he retired and returned to make opinci. He often went to fairs where he noticed that there were no opinci for sale, to complete the folk costume, thus, Alexandru Ilinca began to make the traditional opinci again.
Because he loves ancestral customs and wants to carry on the craft learned from his father, the craftsman still participates in many fairs or exhibitions to make this craft known. Even if people no longer wear opinci, the craftsman is happy that many come to learn from the secrets of this craft.

His leather shoes reached important guests of Romania such as: Joe Biden, Emmanuel Macron, Charles, The Prince of Wales.