In 1975, Maria Mira and her brother Paco opened a shop in Puerto Soller, where they made and sold leather products such as belts, bags, sandals and hats. “But after about 20 years, the things we made went out of fashion. They had a touch of the '70s and people just called us 'the hippies from the harbour'", says Mira.

Mira and Paco came up with another innovation: Because the porqueres used to only be available in one colour. “However, as there were always a few pieces of leather left over from the colourful sandals, I started to use these pieces in the porqueres. That was a good idea, because demand was growing. The work shoes became a shoe for every day and for everyone. Many students, in particular, wear the patateras in many different colours, creating a real trend.”

And the future is already secured. Her son Jaume has decided to take over the business at some point. “He's already bringing a breath of fresh air. I'm over the moon about that.”