The Bite Magazine - Summer 2019 - Issue 25

bite shoe La Mision Magnanni L ess than a mile away from the Magnanni factory, where exquisite and fine men’s shoes are created, lies the Cas- tle of Almansa, one of the best conserved castles in the province of Albacete. From afar, it is considered one of the most breathtaking views in the town of Almansa, perched high on a rock called Cerro del Águila and almost reaching the sky. It is perhaps because of its intricate beauty that this magnificent historical edifice from the 14th century which towers over the town like a mother protecting her young is admired and refer- enced so much by Spanish shoe brand Magnanni. Given an insight into the ingenuity of founder Sebastián Blanco Aldomar, who after working in shoe factories from the age of 12, decided in his early forties, he would open his own compa- ny, we can appreciate this bold move. With just five employees, working on the first floor of a house, he started the business in 1954. Two years later, he partnered with Antonio García Pastor to form Blanco y García S.L., which would later become Blanco Aldomar S.L. The two men worked closely with their customers who were invited to overview the production and development of their products in the factory. It is always interesting to watch a master cordwainer at work: from smoothing down a wooden last before using it to form the shoe, to sketching the design on paper, and then with extreme precision stitching the shoe and finally dyeing it to the desired colour before stepping back and admiring his handiwork. Of course, there are several processes in between when making so- phisticated and artistic shoes such as those made by Magnanni that will stand the test of time. It is without any doubts that a More than shoes to be worn on the beach or to a formal event, Mag- nanni shoes are remarkable pieces of art that should be admired and revered as Jada Brookes finds out.