In summer, they are one of the favorite shoes of women all over the planet and will always find a place in their holiday suitcase. The reason for the appearance of espadrilles was the rural shoes of 1322, which today appear on the windows of the largest fashion houses around the world.

A few days ago, during a food and shopping trip in Palma de Mallorca, photographers spotted Queen Letizia with her daughters, as well as their grandmother, the former Queen Sofia of Spain, in a light summer dress that was combined with lace platforms – espadrilles.

They first appeared in the regions of Catalonia, the historical region of Occitania in France and the Basque Country and were named after esparto, a tough, wiry bamboo-like grass used to make ropes and baskets. These were peasant shoes from the 14th century, worn by both men and women.

They came into fashion in the United States in the 1940s when Hollywood stars “succumbed” to their unique style. Rita Hayworth in the 1947 film The Lady of Shanghai and Lauren Bacall in the 1948 film Key Largo with the famous ankle shoe.

Ten years later, Grace Kelly wore them in coral in High Society (1956) and paired them with a shirt and shorts in Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief (1955).

They were first popularized by French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent when, at an exhibition in Paris in 1970, he contacted Spanish manufacturer Castañer and they created high-heeled espadrilles embroidered with wedge-shaped gold thread and satin ribbon.

Founded in 1927, this Spanish family business is a favorite of Kate Middleton, who favors handmade espadrilles in neutral tones. Countless collaborations with international houses and iconic designers.

Despite the design, the iconic summer shoe is renowned for its stability thanks to its unique chunky heel with or without a strap, making it ideal for everyday wear. They come in a rich palette of colors and their woven details bring a distinct natural style to every outfit and every occasion.

Source: RES-EMI