The first pair of Espadrilles I bought was in 1983. It was during a trip to the States with my mom. I wore this pair of 1 1/2-inch lilac espadrilles for a long time as it was so comfortable. Over the next couple of years, different styles came out. But I had a hard time finding the ones that came from Spain, just like the ones I had.
Over the summer I promised myself to find out where I could purchase them. I searched the Net one day and found the site www.espadrilles.com. How I was wowed with so many new and more fashionable espadrilles. From the simple flats and wedges I knew of before, I discovered now an array of different styles. From plain colored flats to wedges with polka dots, ribbons, simple straps to the ones that criss-crossed around your ankles. I just wanted to get every pair I saw. I was just amazed at how much these favorite shoes of mine have evolved through the years.
Better I had the chance of meeting the two ladies who were partners in the business. We met up and I was offered to be an industrial partner. I was so thrilled as I had never been part of any business venture, and to top that, it was for espadrilles. The shoes that were so kind to my feet.
What are Espadrilles?
Espadrilles are traditionally flat shoes, produced in natural colors. The soles are usually made out of straw, wood or rubber. They may be flat, platform or wedge-shaped, and can be made of natural fiber or synthetic fiber rope, or flexible synthetic materials cast to resemble rope. The tops are made out of fabric, usually canvas or cotton. Espadrilles were originally made by hand and are still relatively easy to find.
Where did Espadrilles originate?
Espadrilles were originally made in France and Spain. The term espadrille is French. “Espardenyes” is Spanish. Espadrilles were produced in the Catalonia region of Spain, and also in the mid-Pyrenees in France.
Why are they called Espadrilles?
Its name comes from esparto, the Spanish name for the plant that the shoe soles are made of. Currently though, espadrilles are made out of other materials in addition to the traditional esparto and cloth. Because they are made out of fabric and plant matter, they are best worn in hot, dry climates like ours.
Why are they so comfortable?
The answer is in the soul of its sole. The natural fibre sole moulds to the contours of the feet and lets the skin breathe. No wonder my feet loved them. A couple who own a store in France say that their best sales tactic is to get someone to try them on. People come in, slip their feet in and say, “Ahhh, pure relief.”
When were Espadrilles first made?
A style of shoes believed to be similar to espadrilles was discovered in a Spanish cave. It dated back almost 4,000 years, but espadrilles really took off as a style in the 1200s where they were worn by soldiers for centuries.
Espadrilles moved from functionable to fashionable in the 1960s when a special order of shoes for the Parisian festivities were made by the most celebrated designer of that time, Yves St. Laurent. He asked for an espadrille with a heel, which had never been done before. Suddenly it was the rage!
Sophia Loren also glamorized it in the same year when she paraded the pages of glossy fashion magazines in high-heeled espadrilles with boldly colored ribbons criss-crossing her calves. Don Johnson’s character, Sonny Crockett in the 1980s hit TV show Miami Vice wore them with his suite. Other aficionados include actors like Jack Nicholson and Michael Douglas. Even Pope John Paul II wore it.
Today it is worn by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Heidi Klum and Paris Hilton and produced by fashion designers like Ralph Lauren, Pare Gabia and Donna Karan.
(Visit us at Sueño de Espadrilles on the fourth floor of the Podium.)