woven straw, rattan and wicker. Casta er has been known to also combine materials such as seersucker or patent leather into their sandals. History 1927 The Casta er Company, as it is today, was founded in 1927 by Luis Casta er and Tomas Serra. It was the developing result of an initial espadrille workshop, whose business goes back in their family to the year 1776, when the first espadrille maker Rafael Casta er was born. They are very proud to have spanned four different centuries. 1936 The company went through many difficult times, such as the Civil War in 1936, when it was nationalized because its production was of military interest. Soldiers were sent to the front lines wearing espadrilles and in the 1950 s the company faced a major crisis with the arrival of vulcanization and injection and the creation of the well-known 'Chirucas'. 1960 In the mid 1960 s, with their parents, Lorenzo and Isabel, already running the business, and during a Trade Fair in Paris, the foremost designer of the time, YSL, ordered a high-heeled espadrille, a real novelty which had never been produced in all the centuries of the espadrille existence. This was the launching point of the company, as it is today. In fact, the espadrille suddenly changed from a shoe for country folk to a luxury fashion footwear article. 2006 Through those years, Casta er has been gradually growing and the collection now includes Casta er sandals, Casta er shoes and Casta er boots. Exports to countries such as Japan, the EU, the USA, Switzerland, South Africa, Hong Kong, Taiwan etc., currently make up 60% of their output. Their articles are bought by high fashion customers in these countries and they are found in the wardrobe of film stars, glamorous ladies and famous people. Moreover, Casta er manufactures for some of the most prestigious brand names in the world of fashion and luxury products. Casta er has reinvented the espadrille, a 200 year old item, and kept it fresh in a time when everything seems so 10 minutes ago.