Some things just go together. And there is no surer harbinger of the arrival of summer in Provence for me than rosé in my glass and espadrilles on my feet. This is how it has been since 2005, when we finally took the plunge south away from the grey of Paris and I have never thought twice about it.
That is, save for earlier this year when I realized that one of my regular sources for espadrilles had changed purveyors and were now offering goods that were made in Bangladesh. Of course, this made me wince for several reasons. But then I thought of a little shop that had opened in the rue Jouvene last year.
Jute. I had first heard about them from my then neighbor, the charming Alex of La Cuisine du Comptoir, who was sporting a smart pair in a suede midnight blue.
But every time that I passed by the tiny boutique, I either didn’t have the cash (for they don’t take credit cards) or it was swarmed with customers.
All too soon, I could recognize their certain style on the best dressed young things around town.
As winter rolled in, I regretted deeply not having bought a pair for myself. Would the store reopen in the spring?
Happily, Ian and Elena, the Britannic-Spanish couple behind the company were back with the arrival of the almond blossoms and I knew that my time had come to invest wisely. After all, I wear them every single day, weather permitting!
It was Ian who was in the boutique and he graciously explained to Remi and I the different sewing techniques and use of materials. As soon as I tried on one of their desert boots in tan suede, I knew that this was a whole other kit-n-caboodle than the stiff rascals that can be bought on market day. For my second pair, Remi pushed me towards a lime green slipper cut. That each pair is handmade was obvious in that the first that I tried weren’t right and yet the second were perfect. Ian explained that each of the small team of sewers that work for them in Spain have a slightly different stitch, hence the variable. I loved imagining someone not so very far away was taking such care to keep one tradition a part of our everyday living history. And a walking one too. How far will my Jute espadrilles take me? Only time will tell. And certainly, before then, I will be back for more…
Jute
Magasin des Espadrilles
rue Jouvene near the corner of rue Tour du Fabre
13200 Arles
www.jute-arles.com
Their website will be operational in September and yes, they speak English.
Until then, feel free to contact ju********@***il.com
Prices: roughly between 25€ for a basic canvas pair to 50€ for suede and 60€ for the amazing toile print above.
All well worth it…
PS. I am sorry for the quality of the photos but I still haven’t found my battery charger for my camera since the move! Hopefully soon…
Some weeks ago I saw a documetary from which I learned that the traditional katalonian Espardenyes are also worn by men. And they showed how the sewing machine did the soles stich. Oh my, I would not want to put my fingers anywhere near that machine. (:
They all look nice! But in this part of Europe they start to molder before you wear them twice.
I think that I might need to go back for more… 😮
As it should be! I can totally see you in one of these with the wedge heels…trotting around Malte!
I am not a fan of pinning because of what has done to Remi's income as a photographer! But what is done is done and thanks for asking. 🙂
Perfect for running around TF non?
Yep, have to wait until September. I will give a shout out here when it is. 🙂 Glad the photos are ok enough…
I bet if (once their website is running) you sent them your measurements it could work! They are awesome…
I adore these! I love this art become more easily available. I found a shop who made these to order in Biarritz that made your color with heel height. I said they should be online but they just looked at me funny so it is nice to see a shop give people a chance to purchase these who aren't there!
I'm going treat myself to the toile pair as soon they are available on line…so cute!
Rosé in your glass and espadrilles on your feet? How perfectly Provence! Oh, I want the toile pair. Love, love, love (I feel a painting coming on)! How lovely to discover something so beautifully handcrafted. Thanks for sharing your secret with us, Heather.