Fab 40: Espadrilles

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.

www.camper.com (opens in new tab)

www.chiemihara.com (opens in new tab)

www.menkes.es (opens in new tab)

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

Read the Article: Aspid Supercar (opens in new tab)

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

Read the Article: Hotel Consolacion, Aragon (opens in new tab)

Espadrilles, the stylish Spanish footwear of choice

Read the Article: Espadrilles (opens in new tab)

Studio House Acoran II, by Gyp Arquitectos

Read the Article: Studio House Acoran II, by Gyp Arquitectos (opens in new tab)

Recycling centre by Hidalgo Hartmann architects

Read the Article: Hidalgo Hartmann (opens in new tab)

Hotel Ferrero, Valencia

Read the Article: Hotel Ferrero, Valencia (opens in new tab)

Villa Julia Playhouse, by Javier Mariscal

Read the Article: Villa Julia Playhouse, by Javier Mariscal (opens in new tab)

Ultzama Equestrian Centre

Read the Article: Ultzama Equestrian Centre, Navarre (opens in new tab)

Valdermorillo House, by Padilla Nicas

Read the Article: Valdermorillo House, by Padilla Nicas (opens in new tab)

Women's Institute Mostoles, by Nodo

Read the Article: Women's Institute Mostoles, by Nodo (opens in new tab)

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

Read the Article: Pamplona Fiesta Posters (opens in new tab)

Muralla by Ricardo Bofill Architects

Read the Article: Ricardo Bofill Architect (opens in new tab)

Dior Couture, by Ricardo Fumanal

Read the Article: Ricardo Fumanal (opens in new tab)

The Lab Room Spa, Madrid

Read the Article: The Lab Room Spa, Madrid (opens in new tab)

Trestle table by Spanish designer, Tomas Alonso

Read the Article: Tomas alonso, Designer (opens in new tab)

Erotic publishing from Spanish creative, Luis Venegas

Read the Article: Luis Venegas, Publisher (opens in new tab)

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

Read the Article: Wind Farms (opens in new tab)