Espardenyes
Ibiza
Espardenyes are one of the essential, though perhaps less striking, elements of traditional Ibizan dress.
They are simple sandals that have been worn by Ibiza’s people since ancient times and are still used today, especially in the ball pagès, Ibiza’s traditional dance. They are made with a sole of esparto grass covered with pita. Women wear espardenyes de morret or capelleta, which, unlike the men’s version, have a closed toe. When the upper is made of canvas, they are called sabatilles.
Despite their simple appearance, the manufacture of the covering is complex and meticulous, beginning with the extraction of the fibre in fine threads from the pita or agave plant, which are washed and dried without exposure to the sun, and then woven to form the cord called cordellí. This is used to make the two parts: the capella, which is the front upper, and the heel. Finally, both parts are joined to the esparto soles. Currently, new versions of espardenyes often use semi-industrialised jute or hemp soles, finished with rubber for greater durability.
After years in which their use was almost restricted to traditional dress, espardenyes are now enjoying renewed recognition and appreciation from the fashion industry.
Ibiza
Olga Alsina
Olga Alsina, born in Ibiza, discovered her vocation for craftsmanship in 2020, when this trade became a creative refuge and a deep connection to the island. After her initial training, she embarked on a continuous learning journey that led her to master the entire craft process of traditional espardenyes: from extracting the pita fibre to making the esparto soles and the final assembly, based on models linked to the ball pagès.
In 2023, she obtained her artisan’s certificate as an espardenyera and, since 2024, she has been teaching classes at the Colla de l’Horta de Jesús. Her work puts tradition in dialogue with a contemporary language, reinterpreting Ibizan craftsmanship through a modern lens, experimenting with natural dyes and fibres, creating exclusive pieces designed to connect local culture with new audiences and creative contexts. These espardenyes are more than just footwear; they are handcrafted pieces made with meaning and time, a contemporary cultural expression of Ibiza.
Estrivancus
Estrivancus was founded in 2016 in response to an initiative to revive techniques typical of the culture of the island of Ibiza, to continue the tradition of handmade Ibizan footwear.
María Morcillo, from Ibiza, is the brand’s artisan and designer. She experiments with natural fibres and dyes to create limited edition, made-to-measure pieces, using the same traditional methods as in the past.
All Estrivancus designs are made in her workshop in Santa Eulalia and are inspired by antique models, giving them great cultural value. Each piece represents a dialogue between the wisdom of island culture and contemporary design, without losing the essence of the true Ibizan espardenya. Estrivancus is craftsmanship with history, weaving ties from the past to the present.
Editors of Vogue America, Dubai, as well as other renowned magazines, have echoed her craftsmanship.
