Our legacy
Handmade espadrilles in Barcelona: the legacy of La Manual
A craft that is passed down, cared for and remains alive in Barcelona since 1940.
Nargis
Nargis is a natural craftswoman. She enjoys paying attention to detail and puts all her care into her work. Her dedication is a source of inspiration for all our artisans and inspires hope for the future of our craft.
Asilde
Asilde is the heart and soul of La Manual. She began learning the craft in 2003 from the master espadrille makers of La Manual and built her own path from the ground up. Today, she manages our workshop and is a fundamental part of our brand’s success.
Aurora
Aurora has a special gift for finding the perfect espadrille for each customer and exudes friendliness and good humor. Our shop has a warm and welcoming atmosphere thanks to Aurora, who goes beyond the role of sales assistant and brings warmth and humanity to the work.
Jordi
Jordi is our master espadrille maker, the keeper of our artisanal heritage and our go-to expert in everything related to the profession. He started when he was only 17 years old and hasn’t stopped since. He has over 40 years of experience in the industry.
By Asilde
Espadrille tradition: handmade espadrilles made in Barcelona.
Mrs. Emilia was an entrepreneur
A creative woman who, in 1940, acquired a small espadrille workshop on Brosoli Street. Her intuition led her to believe that this humble footwear, used by farmers in the fields, had immense potential. And she was right.
That intuition continues to guide every decision made at La Manual today.
Setting trends, from Barcelona to the world
La Manual Alpargatera is one of Barcelona's historic workshops for handcrafted espadrilles, renowned for its reinterpretation of a traditional design and its international reach.
From our workshop, the art of espadrille making has evolved without losing its essence: handmade techniques, natural materials, and a way of working that respects the time, form, and function of each espadrille.
Over the years, our handcrafted espadrilles, made in Spain, have been featured in the world of fashion and culture, solidifying Barcelona's position as an international benchmark for artisanal craftsmanship.
Our artisanal quality enjoys international renown. Significant personalities such as Salvador Dalí, Oswaldo Guayasamin, Jack Nicholson, Tyra Banks, Penélope Cruz, Ralph Lauren, Jean Paul Gaultier, and even Pope John Paul II have worn, and continue to wear, our espadrilles with delight.
La continuidad con un nuevo enfoque
When Joana Martinez sold her first pair of espadrilles in the store newly established by Mrs. Emilia, she was a young shop assistant and never imagined that one day she would be in charge of perpetuating the dream; always maintaining the original essence.
