Jane Klain women´s espadrilles - multicoloured

WOMEN´S ESPADRILLES AS LIGHT AS SPANNISH SUMMER

Women´s espadrilles have strong historical ties to the regions of Catalonia and Basque country dating back as early as in the 13th century. The word derives from the Catalan "espardenya", referring to esparto grass, a plant used for iconic sole of the shoe that was originally used to make ropes and basketry. Originally peasant footwear, easy to put on, worn by farmers, dancers and soldiers while rich and noble people wore leather boots or silk slippers. Type of footwear =social status.

Espadrilles, the urban worker´s footwear were also worn by Catalan soldiers in the Spanish Civil War. It was not, however, a contemporary fashion. The shoes wore out rather quickly (and needed to be replaced more frequently), but they were still cheaper than army shoes. 

The original production process was very complex. It required many craftsmen to produce the individual layers of the sole, then there was another craftsman called alpargatero who made rope soles and finally the sewer who sewed the upper part from fabric. Despite the hard work it was definitely worth - the final shoe was light and flexible - perfect for hot climate of Pyrenees and active style of life of its people.

LOVED BY YVES SAINT LAURENT

Originally peasant footwear, then urban worker´s footwear, the espadrilles were very popular especially in the French Atlantic coast of the Basque Country and Spanish Mediterranean coast from Granada to Girona, where many men and women wear them during the spring and summer months. Designer espadrilles are now widely available. They are usually manufactured in France, Spain and South Asia. Modern espadrilles are predominantly for women, though some men's shoes are made in this style. 

The soles of espadrilles may be flat, platform, or wedge shaped made of natural fiber. Uppers may be made from nearly any substance and may have open or closed toes, open or closed backs, and can be slip-on or tied to the ankle with laces. Thousands of varieties of espadrilles can be found, from inexpensive bargain brands to high priced designer brands. 

Women´s espadrilles became fashionable in the United States in the 1940s. Lauren Bacall´s character in the 1948 movie Key Largo wore ankle-laced espadrilles.

Wedge-shaped women´s espadrilles were first popularized by French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. At a trade fair in Paris in 1970, he came into contact with the Spanish espadrille manufacturer Castañer. Yves Saint Laurent had been looking in vain for months for someone to make him a wedge espadrille. Castañer managed to interpret Yves Saint Laurent's vision and the wedge espadrilles were an instant hit.

The espadrille style was revived in the United States in the 1980s, due to the success of Miami Vice series.  The shoes were worn by the character Sonny Crockett alias Don Johnson. That was but a success! 

J LO DANCED IN ESPADRILLES TO THE TOP

In the 1920s espadrilles were popularized thanks to many important figures from culture, sport and fashion. Their ambassadors were Picasso, Salvador Dali, J.F Kennedy, Jennifer Lopez or already mentioned Yves S. Laurent. Robelshoes.eu e-shop knows about their lightness, functionality and casualness very well and therefore speaks for them. Your next summer model is waiting for you!