Elevating Spain’s Traditional Espadrille Technique Into Fashion Shoes, 'Flabelus' Paints a Magical World

As summer approaches, the espadrilles that are perfect for creating a cool and stylish look come into play.

Originally born as work shoes for farmers in the region along the border between France and Spain, their history and traditional techniques are being carried on by 'Flabelus', company established with the aim of preserving these. The company uses espadrille techniques to produce shoes as fashion items.

The founder, Beatriz de los Mozos, started Flabelus as a side business in 2020 while working as a sales manager at a startup. She poured all her energy into expanding the brand as a global business and hired her first employees in December of the same year. Now, Flabelus is sold at major department stores and concept stores around the world, including Japan, and has four flagship stores in Madrid (2 stores), London, and Paris.

Beatriz speaks of her dream to position espadrilles, which are often associated with being worn in summer resort destinations due to their breathable material and structure, as "fashion items that can be worn all year round."