April 1st has come and gone, but the buzz around fishy and wacky innovations continues. A skilled artisan hailing from the Basque Country is contemplating the launch of a unique collection of espadrilles made from trout skin. As espadrilles are a symbol of the region’s craftsmanship, the trout skin espadrilles from Banka are set to make waves in the world of luxury.
To bring this distinct collection to life, Jean-Jacques Houyou and his wife, experts in the art of espadrille-making, work tirelessly in their family-owned factory called Donquichosse. With a rich history spanning over a century, this small factory in Mauléon is the birthplace of espadrilles.
Houyou reveals, “Twenty years ago, we experimented with making espadrilles from salmon skin, resembling Japanese flip flops. However, the opportunity to work with trout skin never presented itself until now. As far as I know, this is the first of its kind in the market,” proudly exclaims the Basque artisan.
The Banka trout skin espadrilles will be released in a limited edition, with a sole model exclusively designed for women. The collection has already garnered considerable attention and demand through word of mouth.
To get their hands on a pair of these innovative espadrilles, buyers will need to either visit Mauléon in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region or head to a small store in Osses. The price range for these unique espadrilles will be between 120 and 130 euros, allowing customers to indulge in the comfort and luxury of this footwear during the summer season.
Jean-Jacques Hayou and Danièle, his wife, offer a wide range of colors to choose from – including green, blue, cherry red, camel, ochre, gray, and navy. “The most challenging part is finding two skins with the same imperfections that lend each pair its originality,” explains the creator.
It is worth noting that only the upper part of the espadrille is crafted from trout skin. The lining, on the other hand, is made from “full-grain” goat skin, with a layer of latex sandwiched between the sole and leather. Every step in the creation of these unique espadrilles is meticulously handcrafted by a team of ten skilled workers in the Mauléon factory.
Did you know? Around 4 million pairs of espadrilles are sold annually in France, with 1 million of them being made within the country.
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For more information on espadrilles and their historical significance, visit this link: espadrille history
