Castaner

Bringing you exquisitely made handcrafted shoes since 1927, Castaner are the shoes that the elegant women of the world choose for their feet. Castaner firmly made its way into the hearts of Grace Kelly, Penelope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson with their range of boots, sandals and shoes. The Castaner online shop at Stylight has the latest designs, trends and styles in this season's colours so you can perfect your most elegant look.

Live The Espadrille Legacy With Castañer Shoes

Ideal for breezy summertime fashion and Mediterranean-inspired ensembles, espadrilles have fascinated us for generations. They’re deftly made with rope and canvas, and there’s no label more expert at doing this than Castañer. You may love your espadrilles, and you may love your Castañe even more, but do you know what went into making your beloved shoes?

Read on as you discover the evolution of the espadrille, from humble peasant shoe to high fashion accessory, and where Castañer fits into it all.

The History of the Espadrille

The shoe has its roots in northern Spain, in the mountainous Pyrenees region between Spain and France, where it was a cheaply made shoe for peasants from the 14th century onwards. It derives its name from the material used to make the soles, a wiry grass called ‘esparto’ which grows in the Mediterranean region.

The Origins of the Company

Castañer officially capitalized on the civilian popularity of this shoe by launching their espadrille-manufacturing company in 1927, when Luis Castañer and his cousin Tomàs Serra established the brand’s first workshop. When the Spanish Civil War erupted, the Republican government nationalized the company, stating that espadrilles, which were worn by Spanish soldiers, were assets to the military.

The Yves Saint Laurent Factor

In the early 1970’s Lorenzo and Isabel Castañer, now at the helm of the company, attended a Parisian trade fair. Little did they know it was also attended by French haute couture designer Yves Saint Laurent. As luck would have it, Saint Laurent had been searching in vain for someone who could realize his vision of a wedged espadrille. And so began a historic partnership which propelled Castañer, and espadrilles, to the forefront of high fashion.

Espadrilles went from being traditional footwear for Basque field workers, to a luxurious shoe gracing the feet on runway models. Invest in the company that made that happen.

Opt for Castañer shoes and know what espadrilles are really all about.

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