The new Castañer store in Barcelona smells of Summer, which by the way it’s around the corner. Concieved and brought to life in only 3 months by Benedetta Tagliabue studio, this small shop has an urban and at the same time mediterranean style, just as the Castañer espadrilles. Coming from the traditional Catalan countryside, this casual esparto shoe is making its way into the most exclusive catwalks around the world.

The recently opened flagship store is located in one of the busiest shopping areas of Barcelona downtown. It is a 100 sqm tube shaped space and almost with a pop-up storeappearance. Indeed, it has been designed in a sort of temporary style so it could change in the nearby future.

Inside, the furniture is white and simple: a light tubular structure with MDF painted shelves works as a display system. The slightly weathered parquet floor splashed with orange toned tiles is a way of referring both to the natural and urban sources of inspiration. And more specifically, they are a tribute to certain icons of Barcelona such as Gaudí’s hexagonal tiles in the nearby Paseo de Gracia or the pixelated ceramic roof of the Santa Caterina Market -also a work by Tagliabue-. The colours yellow and orange, distinctive of the brand, are clear reference to the sun and the sand.

On the outside, some of those flooring tiles take over the facade wall gaining volume in order to create a composition for the shop’s sign. A few seasonal flower pots tell passersby that something fresh can be found inside.

Over the white of the walls and display units, the shoe and accessories collection in vibrant colors stands out even more. A small showcase exhibiting the raw materials used in the elaboration of the espadrilles and a wall with old black and white pictures of Hollywood stars wearing esparto shoes are the only decorative elements displayed inside. The seating furniture follows the same style of the shelving system, only with the addition of an antique upholstered sofa.

The espadrilles -espardenyes in Catalan- have become a must for all the urbanites wanting to enjoy the summer flair along the city streets in style. The sophistication and glamour these shoes have gained, formerly used by countrymen and women, have taken them to the most relevant catwalks in the world. It is a fresh, colourful, summery, affordable, warm and versatile footwear, and if made by Castañer, very chic in addition. The catalan brand delivers a piece of the Mediterranean Sea in each of its designs.