Castaner

Opened in the Catalan town of Bañolas in 1927, the Castañer workshop industrialized the popular Spanish espadrille thanks to the ingenuity of its founders Luís Castañer and his cousin Tomás Serra. The latter, a mechanic, designed the machines that could braid and sew the iconic jute sole, and to which the brand owes its unparalleled quality. By the time the new generation took to the helm of the family business in the 60s, they were being comissioned by Yves Saint Laurent to make the first wedge espadrille in history, transforming the shoe into the fashionable runway style that we know and love today. Using the best quality jute and the same time-tested techniques, Castañer continues to produce the summer shoe par excellence, boasting actors, models, and it-girls among its faithful followers. More than just a shoe, the Castañer is an icon in footwear.