The Spanishoegallery Blog is three years old! Anniversaries (and this one is a milestone of sorts) make you think. This blog was started as a gut reaction to discovering that most shoes I liked in stores and online were Spanish. Not just “Made in Spain“, but of actual Spanish conception and design. Back then I did not much wonder why, but simply dove into the project, trusting that the answer will come later.
GREAT SHOES COME WITH GREAT STORIES
So, what is my take away from three years of blogging? Why Spanish shoes?
Many reasons, but if I had to pick one, it is the people and their stories. To deliver a really exceptional and inspirational product you’ve got to love what you do. I’ve noticed that people who love what they do also like sharing their passion with others. Beware of brands that have little to say for themselves. Great shoes come with great stories. Now, when I research a brand, Spanish or not, the first thing I do is check out the story behind it. Chances are that if I like the story, I will like the shoes as well.
Here is the story of Lottusse, a luxury leather shoes and accessories maker from Inca, Mallorca, as told by Antonio Fluxá Rosselló (1936-2015), a third generation shoe maker from the influential Fluxá family. The Fluxás also own the hugely successful Camper brand.
Other celebrated Spanish shoe designers and artisans (click on the brand name to find out more):
This is Dino JSJ, a designer based in Cuitadella, Menorca. His signature collection is called Rock Racer Shoes. Dino (Joan) is a highly-skilled craftsman who, like many members of his family, had worked for a number of shoe brands based in the Balearic Islands before launching his own collection. Shoe making is in Dino’s blood. He is a certified master shoe maker educated in Milan. A frequent visitor of Barcelona and the other Balearic islands, Dino loves living in Menorca. His collection is inspired by his love of vintage motorcycles, rock music, and his native island’s way of life. Dino is one of many talented master shoemakers, genuinely in love with their profession, who make Spain one of the best places on earth to buy shoes.
The featured image of this post is courtesy of Dino.
