Today we can see espadrilles all over world, at the most exclusive fashion shows and haute couture boutiques. The espadrille is part of the fashion scene and is frequently associated with Barcelona. The truth is, Catalonia is one of the places where the tradition of espadrilles as a sign of identity has been most strongly preserved.
To a great extent, this is due to the work of a small artisan workshop, La Manual Alpargatera, which made the FIRST FASHION (or designer or “fantasy”) ESPADRILLES in 1940. Until then they had been considered a piece of folklore that was incompatible with the sophisticated world of fashion.
All this changed when La Manual Alpargatera opened in 1941: espadrilles with heels, embroidered motifs and designs made according to the same criteria as the creations of the great couturiers of the day. Espadrilles soon become a key addition to their collections, and names such as Pertegaz and Santa Eulàlia added matching espadrilles to their designs.
Thirty years later, in 1970, Yves Saint Laurent brought the espadrille to a wider audience and brought out a range own under his own label. La Manual Alpargatera remains true to its principles of tradition and innovation and is the last surviving bespoke espadrille-maker in Barcelona. Many consider La Manual Alpargatera a must-see on any visitor’s list. A unique, iconic shop, a genuine product, a Barcelona experience.
In recent years, new espadrille shops have opened around the city but what sets La Manual Alpargatera apart, and makes it unique, is the balance between tradition, creativity and conservation. These are the hallmarks of La Manual Alpargatera.