Keeping the authentic espadrille making craft alive.
The “vigatane” espadrille, handmade in cotton canvas, with a sole of hemp rope and very long ribbons is typical of Catalonia. Used by the Catalans since times immemorial, the vigatane has become the symbol of their identity. Worn across the region during the traditional dance, “la Sardane”, it has become a timeless fashion accessory for both men and women, is easy to wear and above all very comfortable. This is why deToujours are happy to present it.
The word “espadrille” is a transposition of “espardille” which was borrowed from the Occitan word “espardi(l)hos” or “Spartan sandals” and before that from the old Provençal “espart” itself taken from the Greek word “sparte”. The ancient Greek roots, like the Spartan sandals, are a testament to a time when the Mediterranean region was ruled by Athens, and later by Rome. So it is that in Catalonia, from Barcelona to the Balearic Islands, Cadaquès to the foothills of the Pyrénées, the espadrille has been worn since the middle-ages, with or without the ribbons around the ankles.
Valls Espadrilles These Catalan espadrilles are named after their birth city, Valls, and are traditionally worn by the Catalan police force, the Mossos d'Esquadra, who also come from this city.