Emblematic of the Basque Country, the espadrille is a sandal made of jute or hemp that can be worn on sunny days and symbolizes the summer season.
The origin of the sneaker
While archaeological excavations have shown that shoes with rope soles were used about 4000 years ago, the more modern form of sneaker dates back to the 13th century. It seems that the Spanish infantrymen of the king of Aragon wore this type of sandals. But it was not until the eighteenth century that a real manufacture of espadrille is organized. Two centuries later, the headquarters of production firmly established in the municipality of Mauléon located in the Atlantic Pyrenees. The sandal team in turn the military of the Catalan-Aragonese crown, priests and minors. To meet growing demand, young women arrive from the Aragonese valleys to make their shoes. They are called "swallows".
A Spanish singer in 1900. Credit: Getty
The evolution of the sneaker
The Spanish tradition wanted each region to be recognizable by the color of its sneakers. The Sardanes dancers, for example, were wearing white sandals while the Emporda region was symbolized by white espadrilles with ribbons. But to cope with the evolution of clothing society, creators must reinterpret the sneaker to enroll in modernity and bring a second wind. Fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent was one of the first to reinvent the sandal in the 1960s by adding a heel. The success is such that all women rush to buy this model that is tied at the ankle with ribbons.
Yves Saint Laurent espadrilles. Credit: Getty
The espadrille, a must for fashion
Worn by the great figures of haute couture, espadrilles are exported worldwide and are acclaimed by many celebrities who contribute to develop the reputation of this shoe canvas "made in France". There are countless figures from the world of cinema or the art scene posing with these now famous sandals: Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway or Salvador Dali. The leading brands of luxury and ready-to-wear from Hermes to Zara through Christian Louboutin or Chanel, all offer their own models.
Humphrey Bogart with his wife Lauren Bacall. Credits: Getty
The sneaker today
In the early 80s , the industry faces competition from China. Despite the harshness of this competitiveness, craftsmanship and craftsmanship are still the main assets of the sneaker. Moreover, Mauleon still remains the capital of the espadrille and holds nearly 65% of French production. In order to make it last, designers constantly innovate and offer a range of eclectic products, able to meet all desires. United, colorful, printed, embroidered ... Sneakers are available in a multitude of models and materials.
Blake Lively with a pair of sneakers on the set of the Gossip Girl series. Credits: Abaca
