We've seen how royals of Europe always stepped out in public in a stylish fashion. However, during spring and summer, one thing that always caught our attention is their trend of wearing espadrille wedges!
From the Duchess of Cambridge, the Countess of Wessex, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, to Queen Letizia of Spain and her two daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, espadrilles are the prominent fixtures in their summer wardrobe.
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| Castañer Carina espadrille wedges. Kate Middleton's favorite brand |
Espadrilles are royal women's essential summer footwear choices. It's ideal to wear for the warm atmosphere. Apart from the comfort it offers, espadrilles are sustainable clothing that can be re-wore whole year round.
History of Espadrilles
Spain is considered the birthplace of the espadrilles. No wonder Queen Letizia favors this footwear fashion.
It originated in Catalonia areas of the Pyrenees. According to Costume Society UK, The term espadrille comes from the Catalan word ‘espardenya’, which refers to esparto grass, an indigenous southern European plant used in the making of espadrilles.
The esparto plant is traditionally used in the making of ropes and baskets, as well as providing the material for the iconic sole of the espadrille. It is a coarse plant, thus well suited for practical shoes.
Espadrilles are usually handcrafted by high skilled artisans in countries like Spain but nowadays they are sold almost everywhere in the world.
Espadrilles began its popularity in the 1970s when French designer, Yves Saint Laurent enlisted Castañer to help him architect a heeled version of the famous woven shoe.
Castañer, a label founded in the city of Bañolas in 1927, continues to produce espadrilles. The brand is known for its high quality products.
Royals' Favorite Summer Footwear
The Duchess of Cambridge and The Countess of Wessex are just two of the British royal family members who love to wear espadrilles. Kate and Zara Tindall favor the Spanish brand, Castañer Carina, due to its comfort and durability.
Swedish royal women wore these espadrille wedges this summer
However, the most prominent royals of Europe who are regularly spotted wearing this gorgeous summer footwear fashion, are the Spanish royals, Queen Letizia and her daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia.
They championed Spanish brands and helped local footwear brands to be known outside Spain. This summer season, they have been spotted wearing a series of espadrille wedges in different styles.
Why do the royals love to wear espadrilles?
While the world's leading royals have their own style and taste in fashion when it comes to shoes, they seem to agree that espadrilles are a must wardrobe staple for the summer season.
- Espadrilles are comfortable to wear especially during warm weather.
- This summer footwear fashion is perfect for any outfit, may it be a dress, jeans, pants, or smart casual attire.
- It is an ultimate smart-casual shoe, and because it is made of a plaited fiber sole and a canvas or cotton fabric - it makes them cool to wear.
- It's so chic and fashionable to be worn during the summer season because it can always go with the floral or any summer dress design.
- “I think espadrilles are so popular because of their versatility,” said fashion stylist Laurel Hunter.
- Luxury brand designers have given espadrilles a modern spin, giving this summer footwear style a more fabulous appeal and look for stylish women.
- It fits all ages and can be worn any time of the day.
- Espadrilles give women that extra bit of height without the pain of wearing a strappy stiletto sandal
- With sustainable fashion being increasingly popular for the royal family, fast fashion is not an option - and classic pieces that work time and again, like espadrille wedges, are more appropriate.
- Fashion stylist Desriee Tiwalade commented: “Espadrilles are an all-time favorite during spring and summer. They are such a staple and essential piece to have in your shoe collection - espadrilles will never go out of fashion.”
- “The perfect style of espadrilles to have this summer season would definitely be a mid wedge for a casual look,” Desriee recommended, adding that the low heel can then be dressed up for the evening without having to get changed.
- Color is important too; Desriee’s choice would be for “a neutral camel and an orange, as both colors work so well with all skin complexions”.
Here are the best royal summer look for espadrilles this year
Royals of Europe rocked the spring and summer with their stylish espadrilles. And almost all royal houses in Europe have at least one or two members wearing espadrille wedges during public engagements.
The Duchess of Cambridge and The Countess of Wessex packed pairs of chic espadrille wedges during their separate Caribbean Tour with their respective husbands early this year.
Kate re-wore her favorite Castañer Carina espadrille wedges (a Spanish brand) while Sophie brought two pairs of espadrille during the royal tour, a pair of gray espadrille wedges and white espadrilles both from Penelope Chilvers, a British brand.
But while other royal ladies in Europe, such as Kate, The Duchess of Cambridge, and Sophie, The Countess of Wessex are regularly spotted wearing this fabulous summer footwear, it is Queen Letizia who has an extensive collection of espadrilles.
She is really the queen of espadrilles, showing fans how they should be worn and be matched with an outfit.
She has been wearing espadrilles this summer many times, pairing them with anything from formal dresses to summer midis and elegant jumpsuits and trousers.
Her two daughters, Leonor, the Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofia also chose espadrille wedges as their summer footwear fashion. And just like their mother, the royal sisters favored Macarena Spanish brand.
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