I love a good pair of espadrilles. Practical and always stylish, they keep my feet cool and comfy even when walking around boiling Singapore! But not all espadrilles are created equal. And if you’re looking for high quality women’s shoes in Singapore like espadrilles and wedges handmade in natural, sustainable materials, you’ll want to make a beeline for Bastide Colombe, founded by French expat and entrepreneur EMMA HEBRARD.
Espadrilles and wedges handcrafted in Spain
This concept store, which has two boutiques – at Cluny Court and Wheelock Place, offers a curated selection of women’s fashion and footwear all oozing Mediterranean vibes. But it’s especially known for its handcrafted espadrilles. Coming in a variety of timeless yet trendy designs, they’re inspired by Emma’s own summers spent in the French Riviera. “They’re perfect for the endless summer in Singapore,” she says.
Emma has been based in Asia for 12 years and partners with family-run artisan shoe atelier Gaimo in northern Spain to create Bastide Colombe’s espadrille designs. Gaimo’s espadrille-making tradition dates back to 1978 and employs entire families who have mastered the craft. Its manufacturing process is a mix of traditional and modern. Each pair is lovingly handcrafted, only with semi-automation (like leather-cutting) to ensure precision.
Artisanal women’s shoes in Singapore
For us here in Singapore, the espadrilles and wedges are customised with materials and colours tailored to our wants and needs. For example, all the shoes are made-to-order with goat’s skin for the insole and lining (no pigskin is used). These shoes also come in a variety of vibrant patterns and silhouettes. From flats and sandals to wedges and sneakers, they offer a modern twist to your look while not sacrificing comfort.
Additionally, these espadrilles and wedges are made from 100 percent natural materials. Think luxurious leathers sourced from Italy, soft organic cottons, organic jute for the wedge and natural rubber for the outsole. That makes these shoes in Singapore a great sustainable option too.
French-chic accessories and fashion
Beyond stylish espadrilles, the two Bastide Colombe boutiques (and online!) also offer a unique selection of women’s apparel, accessories and cosmetics that will keep you browsing for ages. These pieces are curated in collaboration with Singapore-based designers as well as emerging French brands.
Emma tells us that she handpicks each piece with two key aspects in mind: a sustainable production approach and an effortlessly chic style that evokes summers on the French Riviera. “One example is On The Wild Side, with organic cosmetics all made in France from wildcrafted plants,” she highlights.
Indeed, “Mediterranean summer vibes” are at the heart of everything at Bastide Colombe. The two words in the brand translate to “a traditional house in the south of France” (bastide) and “dove” (colombe). Emma says: “Together, the name reflects the brand’s values – both casual and sophisticated, celebrating a love for tradition and handcrafted techniques, along with the freedom and creativity of an artist inspired by endless summers.”
#02-27 Cluny Court & #03-17A Wheelock Place
IG: @bastidecolombe | bastidecolombe.com
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