Making History

Diego visiting and learning from the tailors, that use iron molds in different sizes to cut through the sturdy cotton canvas that will be used by the seamstresses to sew our espadrilles.

Diego having a deep conversation with Benedicta and her granddaughter Ixiar, sitting in the cool shade next of their house. Benedicta is patiently passing on her skills and the tradition to the new generation.

The shepherdess, Tía Flores, who in her late eighties, never skips a day to go up into the hills that surround the village to feed her goats, shares her wisdom and philosophical life approach with Diego on her way home. She still sews espadrilles, while she waits on her goats on the hills.

Benedicta sharing a precious moment with her granddaughter Itxiar and with Diego, who both devoutly listen to her captivating storytelling around her memories and her life in the village as an espadrille seamstress.

Vicente, the sole maker, sitting behind his wooden sole turning bench, initiating Diego in the art of hand-rolling espadrille soles out of rope braids.

Teresa and Diego discussing the best technique of espadrille hand sewing which consists in a steady, tight and even stitch. It takes years to master the speed and

Tia Flores, the legendary shepherdess of the village, sitting in the arid hills close to the village sewing an espadrille for Diego, while she shares her wisdom and life philosophy.

Diego standing on one of the hills that surround the village, looking down at the true cradle of espadrille-making. This sleepy little village has succeeded in keeping the hand craft alive throughout the centuries and the globalization of the economy.

Anunciación conversing with Diego about the importance of experience when it comes to make solid stitches that will hold the heel of a wedge espadrille in place.

Tía Flores, the shepherdess, showing the espadrille she has just sewn to Diego, who admires her mastery.

Diego visiting José Luis, the rope-maker. He makes the rope made out of jute grass and recycled fibres recycled fibres from Barcelona. His machines from the 1950s take the single strands of rope and braid them into strands.

Diego, his wife Gabrielle and his two son’s Enzo and Esteban are taking hands-on lessons from Anunciación in the art of espadrille-making.

After eating some tapas with the artisans, taking a break in the village having a fun ride on the traditional old Spanish transport method, the patient donkey.

Diego observing his wife Gabrielle taking lessons in the art of hand stitching espadrilles from the Queen Teresa, in the park.