Q&A
Q: How did you get into footwear? Tell us about your background and your current business? Patxi Sota: My history in the world of footwear began when I was only six years old, when I remember going on a long trip throughout Spain with my father and my brother to visit suppliers and manufacturers of leathers, soles and components.
By the time I was 23 I had to make the decision to abandon my dream of being a professional cyclist and fully join the family business. I was lucky to have all the support to train in design and product development (I went to the renowned Cordwainers College, London) and to have the best teachers within our own company or “family”.
Currently, after 25 years and seeing how El Naturalista has evolved and gone from being a tadpole to having its four legs and being able to reach more than 50 countries, I believe that the most important thing is to reach the largest possible audience by transmitting our intentions to be part of the change.
El Naturalista has been thinking in a sustainable way since its inception, trying to make every small gesture count for the future. Speaking of the future, I have to say that we are very excited about our new “Life Concept”
store and franchise project where we can offer and communicate the values of our brand in a more personal way.
Q: You guys are celebrating the El Naturalista 25th Anniversary, what makes this brand so iconic? PS: Honesty, we have been making designs inspired by nature for 25 years, trying to make our collections innovative, providing the maximum possible comfort, without forgetting eco-innovation.
At El Naturalista we always think that the only footprint that should remain on the planet has to be the footprint of our soles and that is why we try to make our shoes as sustainable as possible.
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Q: When someone sees the El Naturalista brand for the first time, what would you like their first thought to be? PS: It has something different – a wow, look this sole seems to be a bark from a tree, this other one a sushi mat! That surprised reaction inevitably will make you take it in your hand, try it and check the comfort.
Q: How are you finding the footwear sector in general right now? How do you ensure the El Naturalista brand remains a reference brand in the sustainability market? PS: I believe that as a brand and shoe manufacturer we can be one of the most sustainable on the planet. Since the birth of El Naturalista, designing and manufacturing
AUGUST 2023 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • 15
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