Since the 80s of the last century, women's espadrilles have been marching on European catwalks, and celebrities, regardless of age and status, have popularized comfortable Catalan shoes, walking along the streets and beaches of European cities.
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Homemade slippers worn by girls in poor Spanish villages and French miners could hardly ever claim the title of world famous footwear. The era of postmodernity made its own request to the creators of modern brands - the girl of the XXI century was taught to want everything at once: practicality, moderate cost of goods, a claim to originality and a hint of femininity. The result of these conflicting female desires will be discussed in our article.
A bit of history
The universal espadrilles were sewn by hand: a piece of canvas or cotton was sewn onto a jute surface. The product was worn on bare feet. The invention belongs to peasant craftsmen who lived in Spanish Catalonia, it dates back to the XIII century.
Initially, the technology looked like this: the base was woven from rope threads, smeared, a piece of homespun cloth was sewn to the resulting flat surface with thick threads. The product was fixed around the ankle with a rope. The sole rope was woven from a grass called esparto: it was distinguished by its thinness and rigidity.
Over time, esparto was replaced by jute, whose fiber was distinguished by its high strength. In the 17th and 18th centuries, homemade products could be bought in the center of shoe production - the city of Moleonte. The most famous shoemakers who set up a factory business on a national scale are the Castagnier brothers: it was they who invented the rubberized sole for the needs of the Spanish infantry.
The peak of popularity came in the 80s of the last century. At this time, espadrilles became the symbol of the Riviera and a must-see for the cruise collections of the fashion houses Hermes, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Dior.
The brand returned to the world catwalks several more times, starting with the show of the Gucci men's collection in 2006, then the trend was seen in the spring-summer shows of 2009, 2011 and 2013.
Varieties
Simple and uncomplicated espadrilles have undergone significant transformations since they became popular among modern fashionistas. The trend towards a variety of shapes and colors continues: there is no doubt that in the near future designers will surprise us with interesting novelties, but for now we will consider the main directions that are found in online stores and on the shelves of mass markets.
Flat sole
Classic models, like many years ago, are sewn only with flat soles, although they no longer use straw and bundles for these purposes. For her, rubber is used, thanks to which the slippers keep their shape well and do not wear out for a long time. They are suitable for those looking for a comfortable pair for long walks or walks in dry warm weather.
Wedge heel
While poor Spanish girls were content with homemade flat slippers, rich ladies could afford fabric shoes. wedge... Thus, they combined elegance with convenience, and also emphasized their status, because the wedge said to others: this lady is not engaged in hard physical labor.
Platform
If wedge espadrilles are a pretty graceful popular phenomenon, then a pair on a platform looks bulky and not very comfortable to wear. The massive heavy sole makes the women's bow rough and earthy, especially when combined with a fabric surface and a light summer sundress. If you still opted for a platform model, pair it with denim shorts and a tight shirt.
Lacing
Not too feminine choice: lace-up slippers are reminiscent of cheap sports sneakers. Among the pluses: the shape remains longer, and due to fixation with lacing, it is better to stay on the leg.
What are fashionable slippers made of?
It is worth remembering and taking into account several important points before you go for a new thing.
- A woven pair goes well with lightweight clothing.
- The leather upper and rubber base are perfect for warm but rainy summers.
- The suede option looks great in combination with denim shorts or a jacket.
- For hot dry summers, there are no restrictions at all.
Important! Do not buy a cheap pair for which the seller or store does not have a quality certificate. Using the method of public opinion polling on the relevant Internet resources, it is easy to select an inexpensive but high-quality brand, whose products will not have to be thrown away after the first cleaning.
Textile
Hot dry days offer no alternative: the textile surface allows air to pass through, which maintains comfort even when walking for a long time. This option is the most inexpensive and practical in comparison with products made from natural materials.
Lace
Flowing sundresses skirts and blouses do not go well with rough leather or suede slippers. Lace covering in delicate shades is perfect for a romantic and feminine look.
Suede leather
Look impressive when combined with jeans or cotton shorts in sand or blue shades. You can find velor models, which are a good alternative to dense, rough suede.
Leather
It would seem: what does leather have to do with light summer shoes, which are usually worn on bare feet? Nevertheless, modern girls prefer this option. On a rainy or cold day, the leather variety may well take its place in the summer arsenal.
What clothes are combined with
Not a single wardrobe designed for a sultry time will lose its reputation in the vicinity of Catalan slippers.
Here is a list of basic clothes with which you can easily combine espadrilles:
- Long sundresses pastel shades with floral patterns, as well as flying dresses with wavy or geometric patterns. Midi length is undesirable: contrast is better.
- Silk dress shirt, elongated T-shirts.
- A skirt of any loose fit made of cotton, linen, chiffon, viscose or denim. The exception is skirts made of tweed, wool and skin of a tight cut.
- If you have long, slender legs, choose short denim shorts with the right fit.
- Small straw handbag or, on the contrary, voluminous wicker a bag.
- Large wrist bracelets.
- Short overalls.
- Wide-brimmed straw hat tied with a ribbon.
- Shopping bag in soft leather, suede or denim.
- Bright clutch bag with a chain or thin strap.
- Skinny jeans and a white top. Exception: flared trousers.
Interesting! In the 20th century, the braided invention of Catalan peasants was preferred by representatives of the creative bohemia: Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway. Hollywood divas of the 50s also introduced him to their arsenal. Catherine Deneuve, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren have repeatedly appeared in $ 8 shoes in public and even in films.
Trends 2018
Minna Parikka and Ludwig Reiter have presented an original silver version this season. Light colors are easy to find in the Roger Vivier, Diesel and Santoni collections. The House of Chanel did not think long and put its trademark emblem on the toe, on which it completed its contribution. Christian Louboutin followed the same path and applied its own symbol in the form of an applique, but Tory Burch placed a gold-plated buckle in the same place.
The unconditional favorite of the season is black and white, blue and white or red and white ornament. Striped prints look organic with plain clothes in soothing shades. And among the youth environment, bright decor is welcomed: multi-colored drawings, floral ornaments, shiny sequins and contrasting colors.
Fashionistas are crazy about ballet ankle ties: perhaps this is the only type of lacing that adds charm to our legs. Ballet ribbons are ideal for beach events where over-the-knee clothing is appropriate to create a visual accent on bare legs.
The version with a closed front and heel looks neat and relevant: one of its types reminds of the beach, vacation and hot, serene days. Special feature: somewhat coarse rope base.
Stylish looks
- If you've opted for the popular drop-shoulder top, complement it with a light white knee-length skirt and embellished espadrilles.
- A flared light short skirt is combined with an openwork blouse and a model decorated with a small floral pattern. To liven up the look, complement it with a small raspberry shoulder bag.
- The bright red color goes well with pale sand or cream tones of dresses, as well as with a red cotton sundress sun-flared.
- Basic bow: a white quality short-sleeved cotton T-shirt, classic jeans and beige fabric bottom.
Care
Traditional Spanish shoes can be called comfortable, but hardly practical, especially if we are not talking about a promenade along the boulevard in Zurich, Monaco or Milan, but about a completely prosaic hike on dusty off-road. Needless to say about wet weather and its companions - puddles and mud.
Cotton top gets dirty very quickly and requires careful handling and frequent washing. For mass production, global brands prefer a fabric called "canvas" - cotton with the addition of polyester: it is characterized by increased wear resistance and water-repellent properties.Despite the advantages, canvas tends to get dirty and lose its appearance on a par with cotton. In addition, under the influence of moisture, the jute base deteriorates and quickly becomes dirty.
Big mistake! Even in the case of significant dirt, do not wash your espadrilles by hand or in the washing machine: spending minimal effort on cleaning, as a negative consequence, you will get deformed shoes with soggy jute soles. After such a test, the steam is unlikely to last long.
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with several universal cleaning rules that will help preserve the appearance of your couple, regardless of their style, coverage and other features.
Cleaning: basic recommendations
- Use a soft bristled brush for cleaning. Remember: rope material deforms easily, so be careful.
- Wipe the dirty area of the fabric with a damp, thick cloth. It shouldn't be too wet, but damp enough to absorb dirt that hasn't been removed during dry cleaning.
- For stubborn dirt, it is necessary to purchase a care product for cotton or canvas fabrics in advance in a specialized store. It is sprayed onto the contaminated area of the sneaker and left to dry in a cool, humid place where direct sunlight is excluded. When the surface is dry, carefully remove any residues and dirt with a soft-bristled brush.
- Spot spots are removed using a special eraser or pencil.
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To summarize our lengthy discussion of classics that are trendy, but not too practical: before you go for trendy espadrilles, think about the fabric, style and color based on your taste and the weather conditions of the region where you live. Inquire about the brand's reputation and the quality certificate for the products presented. And finally, follow the care and cleaning rules so that the well-chosen espadrilles can please you next season.