The Clara Barcelo Story
Born in the 1980s, in the vibrant heart of Argentina, Clara Barcelo was destined for creativity. The eldest of five siblings, Clara’s world was woven with color and texture from the very beginning. Her parents, initially immersed in chocolate manufacturing, pivoted when her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit took over....
Clara Barcelo's Design Philosophy
Clara Barcelo’s design philosophy revolves around a unique blend of artisanal craftsmanship, modern aesthetics, and a deep appreciation for individuality. Each piece created by the brand reflects a commitment to durability, innovation, and timeless style. Here are the key elements of Clara Barcelo's design philosophy.
Artisanal
Craftsmanship:
Clara Barcelo shoes are meticulously handcrafted, blending traditional techniques with modern designs for unique, high-quality footwear. Hybrid stitching combines machine and hand-stitching for precision, while Goodyear welt construction ensures durability and ease of repair. The brand uses eco-friendly leather crafting methods, including hand dyeing and tanning, to achieve exceptional finishes.
Modern
Aesthetic:
Clara Barcelo’s designs feature modern, stylish aesthetics that stay aligned with current fashion trends while maintaining a unique identity. The brand uses sleek, contemporary silhouettes, bold color choices, and vibrant combinations. Unique embellishments like metallic finishes, unconventional materials, and intricate patterns add a modern edge to each collection.
Individuality and
Expression:
Clara Barcelo encourages wearers to express their individuality through footwear. With a variety of styles and colors, the brand caters to different tastes, allowing customers to find shoes that reflect their personal style. Many designs make bold fashion statements, perfect for those who want to stand out and make a lasting impression.
Comfort and
Functionality:
Clara Barcelo shoes prioritize ergonomic design, offering a comfortable fit and support for all-day wear. The brand skillfully balances aesthetics with practicality, ensuring each pair is not only stylish but also functional and durable.
Quality Materials &
Construction:
Clara Barcelo uses premium leather for longevity and luxury. Committed to quality, the brand integrates sustainable practices into its production process, reflecting environmental and social responsibility.
Timeless
Elegance:
Clara Barcelo designs blend contemporary style with timeless elegance, ensuring the shoes remain stylish for years. Their versatility allows them to transition seamlessly from day to night, complementing a variety of outfits and occasions.
Brand Ethos
From Art to Enterprise
Tomas grew up in Argentina as one of nine siblings, learning early on how to navigate life’s challenges and develop a deep sense of independence. When his father passed away, Tomas was just 13, and that experience fueled his determination to stand on his own feet and carve his own path. By 17, he had already...
Clara & Tomas
The Clara Barcelo growth story in Argentina
Bill Brewster: Guiding Clara Barcelo’s Global Expansion
Bill Brewster brings a strategic vision to Clara Barcelo’s North American and global growth, drawing on his extensive background in operations and ad technology. During his tenure at Canoe Ventures, he led initiatives in technology and business operations, driving innovation in the evolving ad tech landscape. Bill also served as Chairman of Shattuck-St. Mary’s, strengthening the institution’s international reputation for excellence. His consulting experience with Olinda Solutions focused on scalable operation, product and market development, and team building—expertise he now applies to elevate Clara Barcelo’s artisanal footwear brand.
Mission
Clara, Tomas, and Bill envision Clara Barcelo as a brand that makes high-quality, exclusive footwear accessible and inviting. Each pair of our limited-edition shoes is crafted with unparalleled artistry, but the brand’s soul is approachable and authentic. We are proud to offer something truly special without creating barriers or a sense of elitism. Clara Barcelo is about real people appreciating real craftsmanship, fostering genuine connections in a world that values both style and sincerity.
The Launch of Clara Barcelo
Clara Barcelo debuted in a boutique showroom, connecting directly with retail and wholesale clients. This hands-on approach laid the foundation for rapid growth, creating lasting relationships with multi-brand stores and customers alike.
First Stores Open in San Isidro (2012) and Recoleta (2013)
Our first flagship store in San Isidro, followed by Recoleta, solidified Clara Barcelo’s presence. Strategically located, these shops became go-to destinations for high-quality, artisanal shoes.
A Game-Changer: Tomás Joins as Partner
With Tomas on board, Clara Barcelo gained new vision and structure. His strategic leadership optimized operations, positioning the brand for bigger and better growth.
Office and Warehouse Expansion
As demand surged, we opened an office and warehouse to streamline logistics. This move enhanced inventory management and ensured quicker service for both our stores and wholesale clients.
Going National: Franchises Open Across Argentina
With new franchises in Tucumán, Rosario, Pilar, and Palermo, Clara Barcelo expanded its footprint across Argentina, reaching a broader audience and strengthening its brand identity.
E-commerce Debut
Clara Barcelo launched, expanding our reach across the country. Our move into online retail allowed customers nationwide to experience the elegance of Clara Barcelo from the comfort of their homes.
New Headquarters and Store in Francisco Berra
The move to our new multi-functional space in Francisco Berra brought together our showroom, office, and warehouse. This upgrade enhanced operations and improved the in-store experience.
Full Control of Our Digital Presence
We took charge of our online store, launching a fully managed website. The result? A better shopping experience and a closer relationship with our customers.
Pandemic Pivot: Online-First Strategy
When the world paused, we adapted. Despite franchise closures, we kept our main stores and online platform thriving, offering our customers the Clara Barcelo experience even during lockdown.
Rebranding for a New Era
Our 2024 logo and brand refresh embraced new trends and connected with a younger audience. This fresh identity marks the start of our journey toward global expansion.
