Fashion is a very changeable lady, but we can say for sure that her trends are spiraling, and that which has been forgotten for many centuries, returns to the catwalk. Live evidence of this is espadrilles. The name is derived from "esparte", which means the grass from which the ropes are made. The word is complicated, but modern fashionistas know that espadrilles are women's sandals, the sole of which is made of natural material. Currently, jute is most often taken as the basis.
The history of this modern incarnation of fashion has its roots in Catalonia, whose inhabitants already in the 13th century flaunted with might and main in such sandals. At first glance, women's espadrilles are not very strong and durable, but as soon as you get to know them better, some facts immediately open that will easily dispel all doubts. It is known that such shoes were originally part of military ammunition. And all because in hot weather they were very welcome, and they spent a minimum of effort and money on their production.
By the 15th century, “soldier fashion” reached Portugal, where espadrilles were especially popular with peasants, three centuries later sandals appeared on the territory of France, where they were first made fabric upper. Most often it was cotton or linen. As you know, the French are trendsetters recognized around the world, so it is not surprising that they complemented them with a reliable sole and original ornaments.
However, despite all the “trips”, they remained the most popular in their homeland, in Spain. It was there that at the end of the 18th century, Rafael Castanier, the founder of a whole dynasty of shoe makers, began to produce these shoes. Espadrilles to this day remain the "chip" of this brand.
In the last century, for these sandals came another dawn. It happened in the 60s, when the Castaner factory was on the verge of collapse. It was then that at one of the exhibitions, the owner of the shoe house, Isabela Castanier, met with experiment follower Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the simplicity and convenience that these Spanish shoes combined. Therefore, without hesitation, he proposed to start producing it in high heels, which caused a real sensation and pulled the factory out of the debt hole.
Modern espadrilles are very different from the shoes of the Spanish military and peasants. A riot of colors, a durable rubberized sole and a variety of materials - this is how these shoes can be characterized. On the one hand, it seems strange that the shoes of the poor have become so popular that even Hollywood stars wear it, but on the other hand, it is natural, comfortable and sits perfectly on the foot. Espadrilles are lightweight and therefore perfect for those who have to move a lot, and the variety of colors makes it easy to choose an outfit for them.
It is known that such shoes were preferred by Salvador Dali and John F. Kennedy. The royal family also does not neglect simplicity and comfort, Kate Middleton often appears in public in espadrilles. In this millennium, such shoes were appreciated. It is also popular among men, although, of course, female espadrilles are more common. Photo does not convey all their beauty. Since this summer shoe, it is recommended to wear it with shorts, light dresses and sundresses. The most successful option is a denim capri. Men can afford to wear them even with suits (of course, not with all).
In the end, I want to warn you. Espadrilles for women, as well as for men, are worn exclusively on bare feet!