Meet the brand... Castaner
Iconic footwear doesn't come with much more of a heritage than Castaner - creators of the original fashion espadrille shoe. Worn by Hollywood and real-life royality alike, the classic design has not dated in nearly 100 years... as part of our regular 'Meet the brand' series where we share more about the independent, European footwear brands we stock, this week we share the story and style of Castaner...
The history
In 1927, Luis Castañer and his cousin Tomas Serra founded the brand's first workshop - soon after during the 1930s Spanish Civil War, the Republican Government nationalised the company and soldiers were sent off to war wearing '7-ribbon espadrilles'.
By the 60s, and under the helm of the next generation the brand took a more fashion focus, adding colour to the linen uppers for the first time - gaining popularity outside of Spain for the first time.
The pivotal moment for the brand came in the 70s during a trade show in Paris where their quintessentially Mediterranean brand caught the eye of Yves Saint Laurent, who had been working on the idea of a wedge heeled espadrille - and so the partnership was formed!
Since then, Castaner has created espadrilles for the likes of Hermes, Louis Vuitoon, Chanel, Tom Ford, Fendi, Oscar de la Renta, Lanvin and many more luxury fashion brands, all the while
The make
Still handmade to this day using all natural materials in Spain; the natural jute sole is hand-plaited on the same 100 year old machines as they were invented. Whilst the cotton linen upper is still hand-stitched to the jute sole on many of the designs.
The style
Choose from the classic flat espadrille, rising up through 6, 8 and 10cm wedge heels. With a range of designs, from strapped sandals with a rustic frayed edge detail, to an elegant closed almond toe. The colour combinations are endless, from natural jute coloured soles, to tonal black on black for a modern feel.
Wear with cropped jeans, boho maxi dresses, denim cut-offs, this season's Prairie dresses... the options are endless.
The perfect summer sandal as the wedge heel makes them easy to walk on cobbled streets, sandy beaches, on summer lawns at weddings... with the natural breathable materials making them ideal for a summer climate.
As Worn By...
Castaner have been worn by iconic women across the decades, from Catherine Deneuve, Grace Kelly and Rita Hayworth right through to Penelope Cruz, Chiara Ferragni and the Duchess of Sussex.
