Elena Ferro managed to transform something associated with rural life, such as clogs, into a fashion accessory, adding a high degree of innovation to a traditional product. In their workshop in Merza (Vila de Cruces, Pontevedra) they work on reinventing the craft by integrating design and ergonomics with the aim of safeguarding the signs of Galician identity.

You are the third generation of a family of zoqueiros. Did you ever think "What am I getting myself into?"

Of course not! Since I was a child, the place where I developed best was always in our workshop, first shadowing my aunt and my father, although I soon learnt the ropes and began to put my hands to good use. The path in my trade has always been upward, always wanting to learn and improve every day, both in the final result of the pieces and in the atmosphere of the workshop.

Reinventing a product in disuse such as clogs in a piece of handmade fashion and authorship is a milestone. How is this achieved?

With a lot of hard work and dedication, added to my passion for the trade. It was no mean feat, but after 15 years of unsuccessful experiments, the clogs flourished. It is a source of pride for me and my family to see the dignification of clogs made possible.

Its creations have a lot of tradition, but also incorporate innovation and design. How does it work?

It is very easy to create from tradition: the base, the most important thing, is already done. I am simply a transmitter of adapting a shoe from the past to the present times and that is what tradition has always been doing. The most recurrent thought of tradition is to think of the past but for me it is always alive. We continue to make clogs where the most important thing is that they are warm and do not let water in them, just as we did several centuries ago.

Do you think that today's consumers increasingly value the origin and manufacturing process of a product?

Yes, for sure. For me it is important that they know where the clogs came from, what they were used for and where, that they know the history of the one they are buying. That makes them value the product more.

What does it mean to you to be part of Artesanía de Galicia (Galician Crafts)?

A great backing and support. The projection that we Galician artisans have nationally and internationally thanks to Artesanía de Galicia would not be possible for us individually. We are the envy of a sector that in many places is forgotten.

Where does the future lie in Elena Ferro's work?

To continue learning in order to do my job and that of my colleagues as well as possible, and above all, with my feet on the ground.