Aigner Journal

Worn by peasants and soldiers, bohemian artists, glamorous movie stars—and it girls twirling in the desert at Coachella—the espadrille endures as the iconic summer shoe. Its origins date back to 14th-century Basque and Catalan regions of Spain, where artisans fashioned the flat soles from esparto, a rope material woven from fibrous native grasses. Uppers made of breathable cloth were attached by seamstresses, and the result was a flexible, durable and affordable shoe perfect for warm climates.

Lace-up versions were created for traditional Spanish dancers. The utilitarian shoe eventually spread to neighboring France where the name “espadrille” was coined, then throughout Europe, and over to South America. During the Jazz Age, Ernest Hemingway and his socialite friends Sarah and Gerald Murphy popularized the shoe (which they wore with striped sailor jerseys) as they cavorted in Cap D’Antibes. Lauren Bacall vamped in ankle-laced espadrilles in the steamy film “Key Largo” in 1948, sparking a run on the style in the States.

Etienne Aigner’s Summer 2018 collection includes three different design directions on this quintessential classic that works with shorts, sundresses or a flowy pant. For an elevated look that works for both office and upscale parties, choose Vie, an open-toed high wedge sandal in kid suede that double wraps at the ankle in a flirty bow. The resort-ready Wade, crafted in Spain by artisans, features a traditional silhouette and kid suede, linen, or nappa leather upper embossed with the Aigner logo. The flat, round-toed Fiji with its cognac, black or crema nappa leather upper will take you from long summer weekends into fall.