Given the mercurial nature of fashion, it’s a given that things change. In today’s climate of brands springing up weekly, it’s hard to imagine a lot, if any, apparel labels in today’s market still around in 100 years.

Thus, reaching this milestone is no minor feat. 2025 marks Spanish shoe brand Pedro García becoming the latest centenary label to join other Spaniard-founded labels such as Loewe, Balenciaga, and Lottusse in this exclusive club. FashionNetwork.com spoke to Pedro García III, the founder’s grandson and creative director who runs the company with CEO and sister Mila García, on how this small family brand has become a giant in luxury footwear.

The brand held a New York presentation during New York Fashion Week, introducing a collection to commemorate the occasion rooted in casual elegance it’s known for just ahead of its retail debut both online on its e-comm site and sites in 48 countries, as well as its physical retailers in 28 countries. The Essentials Collection encapsulates heritage and timeless elegance in forward-thinking, minimal, barely-there sandal silhouettes. Most styles feature Swarovski crystals, a partnership the brand has had for 25 years.

“We’ve experimented with materials for decades to create a more modern decorative language. The appeal of a shoe isn’t determined by its height; flats can be as stylish, edgy, and sophisticated as heels. The crystals support their philosophy, ‘Think party, wear daily,’ García said, adding, “Sophistication shouldn’t come at the expense of comfort; we experiment with new materials, finishes, and techniques that lead to innovation and enhanced comfort.”

Those familiar with the brand also know that, practically speaking, Pedro García shoes are perfect for navigating Europe’s cobblestoned streets and paseos. “Many of our American clients tell us they specifically seek out our shoes for their European vacations,” he added.

The company began with deeply local Spanish roots in the Alicante region of Spain, known first for the espadrille-making region thanks to the esparto grass that thrived there. The area evolved into a more refined footwear production hub during the Second Industrial Revolution. Pedro García Amat opened a shop in Elda in 1925, producing leather baby shoes a few years after introducing shoes for children ages 10-15.

In 1934, Pedro’s son Pedro García Vidal was born and grew up in the factory, ensuring an heir to continue the brand. He officially joined the family business in 1953, and according to García, the 3rd took the company on the trajectory that has kept it going since.

“Our father expanded it, laying the foundation for what it is today. He played a key role in ensuring the business endured with a vision and strength to grow it, successfully navigating the transition from the first generation to us,” continued García. “More than teaching us to be shoemakers, he showed us entrepreneurship and its risks. He encouraged us to think big. We transformed it into a contemporary brand with a distinct identity.“

After Pedro the First had added men’s shoes to the line, Pedro the Second introduced women’s shoes and a new factory to make them in; opened international sales to America, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany and helped establish the First National Footwear Fair in Elda. (American shoemaker Stuart Weitzman has also produced in Elda since 1986.)

In the last decade, the family’s fourth generation joined the company: Zahara García as its marketing and communication director and Candela Albert García as marketing project manager and e-commerce optimization.

“Each generation has contributed to the company’s steady evolution. Now, with the fourth generation, we feel more energized than ever to continue this journey we love,” he added. They’ve also remained independent.

“There have been discussions with different entities over the years, but we remain a family-owned business, producing in our factory in a small Spanish city, with an international vision and a firm commitment to excellence, artisanal values, and the Made in Spain philosophy. Of course, in a family business, emotions inevitably intertwine with the company, sometimes leading to difficult moments.
But in the end, the positives far outweigh the challenges,” he continued.

Its international vision is present in 48 countries, with physical retail in 28, and the U.S. topping the list as its most important market.

“Our most significant focus is digital, with significant investments in strengthening our e-commerce platform and developing new digital strategies with retail partners and continue to grow globally,” García continued.

Its physical retail strategy remains through partnerships with key clients. The brand has short, and mid-term plans to develop dedicated corners and pop-ins at premium retailers worldwide.

Specific to the anniversary, short-term plans include in-store events with majors worldwide, such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Selfridges, El Corte Inglés, and Level Shoes, among others. Among the presentations that immerse customers in our brand’s design and craftsmanship will be a New York event co-hosted by Rickie de Sole, VP and Fashion Director at Nordstrom, and Gala González, our global ambassador. The commemorative book “Seasons: A Journey Through Spain with Pedro García” will be centric to these events.

“The book captures the essence of our brand through a beautifully curated adventure across Spain with imagery by Daniel Riera. It offers a deep dive into our visual and cultural archives, collected over journeys and seasons, that showcase Spain’s rich artistic and craft traditions.The book invites readers to embark on this journey with us, reflecting Pedro García’s design philosophy, craftsmanship, and values that have guided us for a century,” García added.

The book may sum up the first 100 years but plans to go on for another 100.

“We remain committed to our artisanal values, our region, its people, and the preservation of talent. We don’t believe in fast fashion. Instead, we create timeless, high-quality products designed to withstand the test of time.”