Catuxa Fernández Viñas & Ignacio Aldanondo Segovia

Aldanondoyfdez

Shoemaker

Comfort zones

Catuxa and Ignacio respect traditional methods
Each pair of shoes requires over 50 hours of work
All the components of their shoes are handmade

Architects Catuxa Fernández Viñas and Ignacio Aldanondo Segovia were always passionate about shoes and their evolution throughout the centuries. In 2011 they attended a shoe making summer course which led them to train with master artisans Josep Cunillera (“Pitu) and Carlos Piñol in Barcelona. After five years they became full-time artisans and opened their workshop. Their background encouraged them to search for balance between contemporary design and traditional craft. Each pair of shoes is carefully designed and handmade, both are adamant about achieving the utmost quality, paying attention to every single detail of the process. No stock is foreseen, reducing the amount of waste in material to achieve a timeless and long lasting product, unique in design and comfort.

Interview

What kind of shoes do you make?: Ignacio: We have designed many styles, 28 in total. Each pair is handcrafted and can be personalized as far as colour of the leather and sole, according to a client’s wishes. We also develop bespoke shoes.
What are your special skills?: Catuxa: We follow each stage of the process, we design the shoe, create the pattern, cut the leather and sew. Thanks to this, we can control each step and learn where mistakes take place and react accordingly. We enjoy the slow pace of the craftsman's work.
What is something well made for you?: Ignacio: For us the craft of shoemaking is sculpting the different pieces of leather that we place on the last to create an object that has high functional requirements. We are sticklers for perfection, even for the hidden parts of the shoe, always keeping comfort for the wearer in mind.
What are your sources of inspiration?: Catuxa: We have always been passionate about the history and evolution of shoes throughout the centuries. However, our main source of inspiration is the craft itself, the construction and the structure of a shoe, and traditional techniques.

Catuxa Fernández Viñas & Ignacio Aldanondo Segovia are master artisans: they began their career in 2012 and they started teaching in 2017