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The sole mates

Trendy espadrilles
Last Updated 25 September 2016, 18:29 IST

Popular for their easy slip-on nature, with the added twist of a woven jute rope sole (the primary feature), espadrilles are taking this season by storm as many fashionistas are cosying up to them. Be it the bright colours or the funky prints, these shoes are definitely becoming a must-have in one’s winter closet.

Shoe designer Radhika J says, “Though espadrilles are known for their flat soles, today the shoes are seeing different avatars —  like wedges, platforms and pumps. The upper part of the shoe is made of fabric or canvas. This means there are a lot options in terms of colour, style, pattern and prints.”

Espadrilles, she points out, are very much in because of their casual, chic look. They are fun and comfortable. These shoes, she says, are as great for winters as they are for summer or spring.

Ankle strap, peep-toe, ankle-wrapped and heels are some popular variants among shoe fanatics. “Laced-up footwear with jute soles, like that of a gladiator, is favoured. The moment one sees the sole, one recognises that it’s an espadrille. It is the comfort factor and the unique look that makes it the talk of the town,” explains Radhika.

The revival of espadrilles rides on the trend of people switching to comfort clothing. With handcrafted products garnering attention in the Indian market in the recent past and jute being a popular natural fibre in the country, many can be seen flaunting these shoes.

Not just women, even men have an inclination towards these jute soles. They no longer shy away from experimenting with trends. In vogue are the loafer-styled ones, where the sole is jute and the upper part is made up of navy blue canvas or dark brown leather.

So how can one complete the look? “Espadrilles are related to fun clothing, so teaming them up with shorts and regular T-shirts or any casual wear — jeans or a dress — works,” says Radhika.

Arshi Wahab, a professional, says that when she buys footwear, she doesn’t merely pick up whatever looks pretty. For her, comfort matters the most. “The ones I buy have to be stylish and comfortable for long hours. Espadrilles, I have noticed, give me better grip and correct posture,” she adds.

Arshi points out an important aspect of the jute soles — their biodegradable nature. She says if anyone wants to do their bit for the environment, this can be the way to go.

Also while girls usually avoid flats while dressing for an occasion, this trendy option has many ditching their heels.

“These shoes are in vogue at present. They are absolutely stylish and, at the same time, cute,” says Shalini Chopra, fashion blogger at ‘Stylish by Nature’. 

Some of the must-have espadrilles she lists are those with juicy colours. Even dark wine, red and gold are trending and so are cotton prints, solid colours and stripes, she adds. She recommends nautical and coloured ones as ideal.

“These shoes are a good break from heels for many and people are more open to jute soles as even celebrities are seen wearing them,” Shalini observes.

The best part about these shoes is that they can be worn with both Indian and Western wear, though only on casual occasions. Since the base is made of a natural fibre, espadrilles are best set aside during the rains as jute tends to loosen up when it gets wet. “They are mostly use-and-throw kind of footwear and one shouldn’t expect them to last long,” she points out.

Tracing their roots, the fashionista shares, “Espadrilles were popular in Spain and France in the 14th century and today we see a revival of them. They are gaining some serious
fashion momentum at present.”

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(Published 25 September 2016, 16:16 IST)

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