BENITA, A TRADITIONAL AND INNOVATIVE DESIGN

Last year, Naguisa celebrated its 10th anniversary in a special way. To commemorate this significant occasion, we decided to organize a shoe contest open to everyone. Among all the participants, the Benita design , created by Ana Lubiano , emerged as the winner.

Benita perfectly combined craftsmanship and innovation, two fundamental values ​​that have represented Naguisa over these 10 years. On a jute sole, a modern espadrille silhouette rose. Instead of using leather, Ana opted for a recycled TPU upper, on which rested comfortable adjustable cotton straps and buckles printed in 3D with PLA, a 100% biodegradable material.

In the autumn, after announcing the winner of the draw, the design team contacted Ana to begin developing a prototype of Benita. In this project, it was Sofia, in charge of the espadrille collection, who led the process, working closely with Ana to bring the winning design to life. The aim was to transform the Benita concept into a tangible and functional prototype, ensuring that every detail met Naguisa’s quality standards.

For the design buckles, the team decided to collaborate with our dearMaria Laspiur , with whom we had launched the Shell, Fish, Float and Oyster accessory collections in 2022. Maria Laspiur's experience and talent in accessory design were added to the project, ensuring that the 3D printed buckles with 100% biodegradable PLA were functional, durable and aesthetically appealing.

As the development of the prototype progressed, the design team was faced with technical challenges. Extensive testing was carried out to ensure that the materials used were suitable, comfortable and durable. Finally, after months of hard work and dedication, Benita's prototype began to see the light of day!

Want to know more? Join us in this short interview with Ana, where the designer of Benita delves into the creative process, the challenges she has faced and the inspirations behind the design.

What inspired you to create Benita’s design and how did you relate it to Naguisa’s vision?

As for the name I chose for the model, the inspiration came from my grandmother and the type of footwear I always saw her wearing, non-stop, during the summers in the village. The most direct connection with Naguisa is in the sense of being a comfortable and functional shoe, but it lacked the extra of design, of course. On the other hand, I always associated Naguisa with its espadrilles and that rural air that esparto has closed the circle and the idea.

What challenges did you face during the development of the Benita prototype?

The most difficult part was developing the buckle and figuring out how it could actually work. Although the base was a standard buckle, like those found on the closures of some backpacks or clothing items, adjusting its function to a constant movement, such as walking and a different anatomy, the foot, was a bit more complicated. The idea of ​​being a 3D printed piece might not help much in its operation, but Maria did a great job adjusting dimensions, thickness and design to get it closer to something feasible.

How did you integrate craftsmanship and innovation into the design of Benita? What was your approach to balancing both elements?

The mix of craftsmanship and innovation is seen above all in the use of materials. The esparto base is part of the craftsmanship of the piece and the monochrome body in recycled TPU with 3D printed buckles, of the innovation. For the body I wanted more novel, even experimental, materials that would give the sandal a more modern look, since the design was simple and based on comfort and good support for the foot. I think that balance comes from contrast. I wanted to make a difference between a rougher base, with a heavier appearance and in a neutral tone, with a coloured, shiny and light body.

What did it mean to you to win the Naguisa footwear competition and have the opportunity to see your design come to life little by little?

Just winning was exciting, but then, when the sandal was starting to take shape… Sofia and Claudia were super involved and made me a part of the decisions that were being made. When we started choosing materials, talking about the right thickness of the straps or seeing the different buckle options that Maria was trying out. I saw how it was becoming something real and it was very nice.