Missoni Castañer collaboration is a wonderful gift to all shoe lovers. The two companies have what is a called a natural creative synergy. Missoni is a legendary Italian label known for its famous "psychedelic" zigzag pattern that is iconic of the late 60s and the 70s. Castañer, very popular in Italy, has time and time again come out with a number of espadrille collections featuring amazing artisan-grade textile patterns. So, one could definitely say that the Missoni Castañer collaboration is a match made in heaven.
It was Castañer's big birthday the other day - the iconic Spanish espadrille firm is 90 years old. I have professed my love for this brand countless times on this blog. One of the most popular Castañer models these days is the "Carina" espadrille wedge. The brand is currently running a draw - every day until April 16, 2017, you can win a pair of "Carinas" by going to Castañer's FB page or through their website. If you don't win, there is a very attractive version of the "Carina" espadrille currently being sold on FarFetch.
High-end bags are not limited to a few very well-known names. Unless, of course, you regard high-end handbags as status symbols indicating that you "have arrived", as Samantha from "Sex and the City" famously said. You may or may not remember, but the episode with the uber-exclusive bag actually backfired for her. Still, what do we mean when we refer to a bag as "high-end"?
What better way to celebrate Spanishoegallery Blog's third birthday than with my new namesake Castañers! The textile collection blew me away when it came out (see post here). That's what I call classic Castañer magic: taking ordinary ingredients and making something extraordinary out of them. My namesake "Ann" espadrille is a prime example: the tender pastels of the fabric seem to have come out of an Impressionist painting. The combination of "apple foam" pink and jade green is simply irresistible.
The Spanishoegallery Blog is three years old! Anniversaries (and this one is a milestone of sorts) make you think. This blog was started as a gut reaction to discovering that most shoes I liked in stores and online were Spanish. Not just "Made in Spain", but of actual Spanish conception and design. Back then I did not much wonder why, but simply dove into the project, trusting that the answer will come later. So, what is my take away from three years of blogging? Why Spanish shoes?
Espadrille is a great summer favorite. The traditional Spanish rope sole slipper is down to earth informal, pretty, and flattering. Authentic espadrilles can only be found in Spain, where people have spent centuries, literally, sewing them for themselves and their neighbors. Outside Spain, the most basic and affordable Spanish espadrilles are sold by Espadrille Store based in Montreal, Canada. The espadrilles are made in Cervera del Rio Alhama, La Rioja. Local artisans work as a team using traditional craft techniques and equipment.
Fascination with white shoes has been with me for a long time. Independent of bridal fantasies, I think that there is something about white shoes that is dear to a girl's heart. It may be the promise of summer romance, of carefree time, of dancing....
Castañer is one of my favorite "Made in Spain" firms. This winter's collection is an homage to Parisian fashion and style. The large weft and warp pattern of this "Marigold" ankle boot reminds me of Chanel suits. This weaving technique creates a wonderful texture.
The Chelsea boot is making ever greater strides in women's shoes. Most Spanish brands I follow included it into their Fall-Winter collections this year. The Chelsea boot owes its appearance on the contemporary fashion scene to the bohemian set of artists, musicians, and other creatives who tended to hang around West London's Chelsea district in the 50s and 60s. And you know artists and musicians - they can't help becoming fashion icons! So from that time on the Chelsea boot became a fashion item.
It's not even the middle of August yet, but the Fall-Winter collections are already replacing the summer inventory, which is being sold off at ever increasing discounts. I could not possibly cover all the sales that are going on at the Spanish (and not only Spanish) shoes and accessories brands right now, HOWEVER....I can't resist covering the current summer sale that is happening on the Castañer website. Despite a seemingly limitless number of brands that are following the espadrille trend, the demand for Castañer's high-fashion espadrilles (and for many other Spanish-made espadrilles) is not likely to be affected. Castañer's long-standing association with world-famous fashion houses, its very distinct design philosophy and strong brand identity, its commitment to quality and a correspondingly high price point put it in a league of its own. In short, Castañer espadrilles have long become iconic objects of desire. And currently, this summer collection is being sold off at 30-50% discounts through the Castañer online store, as well as Net-A-Porter.
