LA SANDALE ESSENTIELLE CAMEL – Atelier Aliénor

Description

The problem with espadrille

Before creating Atelier Aliénor, I never wore espadrilles. Being born in the sunny south, they are part of our culture! I didn't find them flattering on my feet and I was desperately looking for more discreet materials than colored canvas. Not to mention the rope that would hurt the foot...

So for years, I turned to leather sandals. Except that most of the time, sandals are made with a very rigid leather that hurts the foot.

That's why I wanted to reinterpret the famous Basque shoe to create an espadrille that is both comfortable and elegant, arousing envy in a simple glance.

The shape, the choice of materials and colors, while making the promise of an incredible comfort... I had to review all this to make you start the summer on the right foot!

DESIGN

Timeless and minimalist

A highly desirable espadrille that goes with everything, with a minimalist spirit that focuses on the material.

Our espadrilles are embellished with beautiful materials so that you can wear them with jeans or a dress, on vacation or in the city.

QUALITY

A refined French leather

The beauty of leather is essential to enhance the creative vision and the work of the hand. The exceptional leather comes from one of the most famous French tanneries.

It has been tanned with hot oils for 6 generations, which gives it a great suppleness and an incomparable shine. Thus, the leather will not harden with time. It is so thick that it will not stretch but will develop a beautiful patina.

SUSTAINABILITY

Conscious production

The secret of a product that lasts lies in the choice of materials... and its manufacture.

I only work with natural materials of good quality and controlled origin. The tanneries I work with are labelled Leather Working Group. The label guarantees that their production processes are respectful of the environment and animal welfare.

Our leather is a by-product of the food industry.

Repairable espadrilles

«Luxury, is what can be repaired», said Jean-Louis Dumas Hermès.

Since our espadrilles are entirely handmade, they can be repaired if one stitch would untie.

... and to be resoled

The main reason why we get rid of espadrilles is because the sole is too worn-out.

What if we offered them a second life ?

The leather I chose has a very good resistance in time: its thickness allows it not to stretch nor to slouch. Why throw it away when it is in good condition?

I'll be able to resole your Atelier Aliénor espadrilles.

The espadrilles of your life?

A leather insole

I added a leather insole on top of the natural jute outsole: no irritation , and breathable shoes.

A supple, hand-worked leather

To fully enjoy the suppleness of the leather, I work the edges of the straps by hand. They are rounded and sanded before applying a tinted rubber to soften the slices and not to hurt the foot.

Because your health matters to us

The leather of the insole and liner is in direct contact with your skin and contains zero chemicals. It is a leather tanned exclusively with plants (extracts of quebracho, mimosa, chestnut).

It means no risks of allergies or other skin problems.

You're not only wearing a pair of espadrilles...

Together, we protect a precious know-how.

QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE

What size should I order?

If you have a normal foot, I advise you to choose your usual size.

If you are in-between sizes, I invite you to order the next size up.

And if you have wide feet or on the opposite very thin feet, do not hesitate to contact me to enjoy the free tailor-made service. Because every women should have the right to shoe!

How do I take care of this leather?

The leather has been treated with oils to make it resistant to water and surface stains. Simply massage the leather to remove them.

However, I advise you to take care of it by applying a cream to waterproof, nourish and soften the leather.

Why would you use leather? Is it sustainable?

The use of leather by sustainable brand is controversial.

I know that for many people, the question of animal suffering is the most important one.

I respect the values of everyone but I'd like to explain why we use leather.

Shoe is the item that is the most challenged. After a few years of experience, the material that appeared to be the most robust was leather. Unfortunately, I'm sure many of you experienced having a hole in the front of your espadrille made of canvas after one season (the big toe usually tears the fabric).

Leather is solid enough to be worn often, is waterproof, breathable, absorbs humidity and odours while being comfortable.

Sourcing leather is crucial. We only work with French tanneries and an Italian tannery for golden leather.They are all a member of the Leather Working Group. This label guaranties that the leather is tanned in compliance with sustainable practices.

The leather I use is vegetable tanned, using extracts of quebracho, mimosa, chestnut. It is the most sustainable practices that exists today.

Where are made your espadrilles?

I craft all of our espadrilles à la main dans mon atelier de Biarritz.

I select the most beautiful parts of the skin and then cut the leather out with tools. Then, I work the leather by hand before sewing it to the rope sole.

I learnt this know-how thanks to one of the last family-owned workshop in the south west of France.I worked with them during 5 years.

The natural jute sole is made in a small workshop in the Basque Country.

How long will I be able to wear them?

It is hard to answer this question since a lot things impact the wear of your espadrilles.

It depends of the frequency you wear them, how you walk, your feet morphology...

But one thing that is sure is that we broke down every parts to select the best materials and making processes.

An espadrille well made with high quality materials can be worn several seasons without any doubts!

And if the soles wear out, don't throw them away! I'll be able to resole them.

What if they don't fit, can I ship them back?

As we want you to be completely satisfied with your espadrilles, we will accept your return of product in new and unused condition within 14 days for a refund in the original form of payment.

To ship your item(s) back to Atelier Aliénor, please follow the steps:

- Send us an email at contact@atelieralienor.com and let us know why you’d like to return your order.

- Put the shoes in new and unused condition into their original box.

All steps are detailed here.

And if you have any additional questions, just send me an email at contact@atelieralienor.com

Will I have to wait in line to ship them back?

You don't need to go anywhere to return your order. Just contact DHL to schedule a pick up... And simply give your parcel to the delivery man or leave it in your mailbox.

That's it!

Do you offer a warranty?

Absolutely!

I've learned everything by myselves since the beginning. I know I'm not perfect but I work hard to create beautiful and durable espadrilles. And here is how I'd like to prove it:

The seams of all of our espadrilles are covered by a 30 day warranty.

You'll be able to ship us back the shoes and choose whether you prefer a repair, an exchange or a repair.

Moreover, it's important to me to take care of our espadrilles all their life. After 30 days of guarantee, I'll offer you free repairs of the seams for life. You'll just need to pay for shipping.

Warranty & Free Repairs

OUR ESPADRILLES ARE MADE TO LAST

The seams of all of our espadrilles are covered by a 30 day warranty. After 30 days, we offer free repairs of the seams for life.

That’s how much we take care of our customers and our creations.

SHIPPING & EASY RETURNS

SHIPPING

Domestic and UE orders are shipped via Colissimo. Shipping for one pair will cost €8 for France and €12 for EU countries.

International orders are shipped via DHL and shipping takes about 3 to 5 business days.

Shipping for one pair is $55.

If you live in the US, no customs will apply for orders below $800 🙂