Rope-soled, espardeñas – or espadrilles for those on the other side of the Pyrenees where the shoes originate - have been our summer footwear of choice this year, and we’re tempted to see in another season using them as slippers. They might be lightweight, but esparilles are in fact much more durable than your average fashion footwear: made in Catalonia since the 1300s, espadrille makers both ancient (Casa Hernanz and Castañer), and modern (new brand Mymu) have between them shod many a stylish bod over the years.
The democratic shoes hitting the high street in Spain, in general, are far from plain. While Italy has long been associated with the quality cobbler, the long running Spanish brand qualities are – as with the espadrille – comfort and classic design. Camper, for example, with its Jaime Hayon designed flagships and boutique hotel, has made walking into a lifestyle business. Chie Mihara, with its natural leathers and modest heels, vies only with Menkes’ bright flamenco styles when it comes to perfect dancing shoes.
Fab 40: Espadrilles


Established by Ignacio Fernandez Rodgriquez in 2003, Aspid Cars has brought the Supercar to Spain

Established by Ignacio Fernandez Rodgriquez in 2003, Aspid Cars has brought the Supercar to Spain

Established by Ignacio Fernandez Rodgriquez in 2003, Aspid Cars has brought the Supercar to Spain

Established by Ignacio Fernandez Rodgriquez in 2003, Aspid Cars has brought the Supercar to Spain


The Cubic rooms of Aragon's Hotel Consolacion perch high above Aragon

A high-design boutique hotel, Consolacion sits atop a rocky ravine in North East Spain


Espadrilles, the stylish Spanish footwear of choice

Espadrilles, the stylish Spanish footwear of choice


Studio House Acoran II, by Gyp Arquitectos

Recycling centre by Hidalgo Hartmann architects


Recycling Centre, Barcelona by Hidalgo Hartmann

Recycling Centre, Barcelona by Hidalgo Hartmann


Hotel Ferrero, Valencia

Hotel Ferrero, Valencia

Hotel Ferrero, Valencia

Hotel Ferrero, Valencia

Hotel Ferrero, Valencia

Hotel Ferrero, Valencia

Hotel Ferrero, Valencia

Hotel Ferrero, Valencia

Hotel Ferrero, Valencia

Hotel Ferrero, Valencia


Villa Julia Playhouse, by Javier Mariscal



Valdermorillo House, by Padilla Nicas

Valdermorillo House, by Padilla Nicas


Women's Institute Mostoles, by Nodo

Women's Institute Mostoles, by Nodo


One of the 2009 Pamplona Festival's high-colour posters

One of the 2009 Pamplona Festival's high-colour posters

One of the 2009 Pamplona Festival's high-colour posters

One of the 2009 Pamplona Festival's high-colour posters

One of the 2009 Pamplona Festival's high-colour posters

One of the 2009 Pamplona Festival's high-colour posters



Muralla by Ricardo Bofill Architects

Fabrica by Ricardo Bofill Architects


Simil Jesus by Ricardo Fumnal

Work for GIles Deacon by Ricardo Fumnal

Artwork for Mango by RIcardo Fumnal


The Lab Room Spa, Madrid

The Lab Room Spa, Madrid


Trestle table by Spanish designer, Tomas Alonso

Trestle table by Spanish designer, Tomas Alonso


Erotic publishing from Spanish creative, Luis Venegas

Erotic publishing from Spanish creative, Luis Venegas


Wind farms help keep things running at the Aire de Bardenas Hotel