9 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
9 October 2026
AI in Fashion
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Footwear

Castañer

Spain

Castañer is a Spanish footwear company founded in 1927 by Luis Castañer and his cousin Tomás Serra. It is known for espadrilles, including the wedge espadrille made for Yves Saint Laurent.

Facts
Country of originSpain
Founded1927
FoundersLuis Castañer and Tomás Serra
Signature productEspadrilles
Segment
Premium
Categories
Footwear
Sales channels
WholesaleE-commerceOwn stores

What is Castañer?

Castañer is a Spanish footwear company best known for espadrilles. According to a retailer's brand profile, it was founded in 1927 by Luis Castañer and his cousin Tomás Serra, growing out of a small family workshop. The family's espadrille-making is said to go back to 1776, when Rafael Castañer, the first family espadrille maker, was born.

History

In 1936 the company survived the Spanish Civil War; because soldiers wore espadrilles at the front, it was nationalised. In the late 1960s Lorenzo and Isabel Castañer met Yves Saint Laurent in Paris, who commissioned what the profile calls the first wedge espadrille in history, turning a traditional peasant shoe into a runway style. The company has since worked with various fashion houses.

Products and positioning

The range listed by the retailer includes espadrilles, boat shoes and loafers, all made in Spain, in sizes 40 to 46. Examples include the Pablo espadrilles in several canvas colours and the Nacho penny-loafer-style espadrilles.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Castañer from?

Castañer is a Spanish brand whose shoes are made in Spain.

Who founded Castañer?

Castañer was founded in 1927 by Luis Castañer and his cousin Tomás Serra.

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