Have you ever celebrated something by "launching the espadrille"? People in Spain never cease to surprise me with the things they get up to, including this yearly espadrille launching festival, celebrated in the Cervera village of La Rioja. If I've learned anything in my four years of writing the Spanishoegallery Blog (it is hard to believe, but the blog is celebrating its fourth anniversary this year), it's that Spanish shoe makers know a thing or two about people and about happiness.
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.
Women’s leather shoes by Jose Saenz Shoes from Arnedo in La Rioja, Spain, have a very distinct style and attitude. Working in a shoe making town, side by side with
Shoe shopping in Chamberí is a very pleasant experience. Small, centrally located, this Madrid neighborhood is within walking distance from the posh Salamanca. Yet the vibe is different. Chamberí is low-key
The La Rioja-based Neosens brand is known for its innovative approach to footwear and the "metropolitan" fashion style. The "Moravia" sandal is also in trend: clogs are back. It is a cross between a clog and a sandal. The well-tanned deep cognac tinted leather is oh, so pretty... The "Moravia" looks comfortable, sturdy, whimsical, and swanky at the same time.
Continuing with the boot topic in the run-up to the holidays, here is a tremendous pair of winter boots by Jose Saenz, an Arnedo, La Rioja, company. I've been watching Jose Saenz for a while. The impression I am getting is that this brand has a confident, sporty and technology-oriented personality.
The espadrille – that classic of Spanish summer wear – is so popular that there are scarcely any women’s shoe brands, from mid-level to luxury, that do not have espadrilles
Neosens belongs to the brand family of the Art Company based in Quel, La Rioja. It’s an incredibly prolific family of brands, with no less than eleven different labels united
Vidorreta is an espadrille-maker based in the village of Cervera del Rio Alhama in La Rioja. The Vidorreta family began transforming its jute-fiber specialized business into a full espadrille design and production facility in the 1970s. The company's message is simple: espadrilles are real, fashionable shoes, not travel souvenirs, and wearing them is good for you.
