Who's wearing espadrilles?

Sketches by Nalini Arora

A few years ago, I was working on a collection for a brand, and the President of Sales was pushing espadrilles as a category to design for Spring/Summer.

I put together a bunch of sketches ( see above), and others as well that were not so basic. My goal was to add a little fashion flare to the espadrilles we see out there.

After our sketch review, the brand owner said I love these but I feel like I would only wear espadrilles when I’m on vacation. She said, It’s not really a shoe she would wear out and about. She would rather choose a non-jute sandal that she could wear all year long.

I was a little taken a back by that because in the shoe business, espadrilles are something we’re always designing into for Spring/Summer/Resort season. After she shared her trepidation for espadrilles, I started to think, I never really see anyone wearing them, When I have seen people wear them it’s usually on holiday. Maybe I would see someone wear a Christian Louboutin espadrille wedge at a restaurant in Beverly Hills. I had to ask myself who’s wearing these espadrilles that many brands are designing into every season? Are they selling?

I did a little survey on my instagram here. I was curious to hear what people thought. The consensus was that espadrilles are for the summer. But are they? Do they own a pair? Are you wearing espadrilles? Do you own a pair. I’d love to hear from you.

in the mean time, here are my favorite espadrilles I see right now. I love these by Phillip Lim. The non-traditional espadrille option feelsl less limited. These JW Anderson lace up flatforms are so colorful and fun. These are giving me Minnetonka vibes.