The Castañer family have been making footwear since 1776, with Rafael Castañer creating sandals by hand in his Spanish workshop. At this time, the brand created shoes for farmers and soldiers, with the company’s espadrilles worn during the Spanish Civil War. Over 150 years after the family began handcrafting footwear, the Castañer brand was officially created in 1927 by Luis Castañer and his cousin Tomàs Serra. From the 1960’s, the label began moving from utilitarian designs towards a focus on fashionable styles. Yves Saint Laurent enlisted Castañer to create the very first espadrille wedge, which launched the brand into even further success. Designing the now iconic Carina style, the espadrille wedge quickly became an everlasting summer staple, solidifying the brand as the go-to for warm-weather footwear.
With summer at the heart of Castañer designs, the brand exudes a relaxed, holiday spirit. Their use of natural materials adds to the laid-back feel of the footwear, with quality the leading principle of the brand. Traversing India and Bangladesh for the highest quality, 100% natural jute, Castañer uses time-honoured techniques to create their shoes. The jute is hand-dyed and then plaited by a machine invented by Tomás Serra in the Castañer Atelier nearly 100 years ago.
Effortless styles of classic wedges, sandals and espadrilles are offered in an array of neutrals and brights. Castañer produces shoes for men and women, as well as a beautiful bridal collection. Their classic style is timeless and elegant, wearable from day to night. Whether in chic lace-up sandals or contemporary style trainers, Castañer shoes are perfect for holidays or for evoking the feeling of them.
Castañer collections are found on their online store, and through Net-a-Porter, Farfetch and Matches Fashion. The brand also has stores across the world, in locations of France, Spain, Greece, Chile, Columbia and Aruba.