Gemma’s Wedding Story
When Penelope’s daughter Gemma got engaged she could picture the shoes she wanted to wear for the big day: ‘I’ve always liked a chunky platform style heel, and I’m so inspired by vintage pieces and colourful prints from the 70’s, so I knew I wanted to bring these two elements together and make something that felt very me. And would be comfortable all night long!’ So Mum, Penelope and sister, Africa, came together with Gemma to design the Gemma platform and Chelsea Espadrille - featuring a beautiful, 70’s inspired, PC print ‘I fell in love with the print as soon as I saw it! And the fact that we’d created it together, made it even more special. It was also a moment that then really inspired the rest of the wedding, and my tip for anyone planning their own, would be find a colour palette or design you love and let that inspire you - because it meant the day felt so cohesive and made decisions so much easier!’ This print flowed through all the colours of the weekend; the flowers, the table design and all the extra touches. Gemma’s wedding shoes were a beautiful pair of cotton platforms made in this custom print, and designed on a super comfy cushion sole, so they could be worn all day and night. And her 13 bridesmaids picked their own dresses, but in shades of pink, yellow, orange and green, to match the colours of their own printed wedge espadrilles. Even the tiny flower boys and girls, who were babes in arms, had bloomers made to match, and a pram lining for Gemma’s nephew, Noah. And any leftover material was, in true PC fashion not wasted, but draped over the chairs and sofas that were dotted around the wedding. To ensure the guests didn't feel left out, Gemma and Jake gifted flat espadrilles to everyone as a welcome gift. With pairs made in their wedding print for the girls and a khaki for the boys. ‘It was so lovely to see our guests wearing the espadrilles across the weekend. It meant the print really became a special part of the celebration itself.’  The pair married in Mas Sendra, Spain - a place close to the Chilvers’ family heart, as it is near to where Gemma’s parents met, and also where she and Jake got engaged, at their family holiday home. Penelope looked beautiful in her High Horsebit Leather Clogs, and our groom Jake wore a pair of the PC Flintwood Chukka Boots, which went perfectly with his dapper green suit. Guests were treated to a whole host of amazing local delicacies including jamon Iberico, fresh seafood and a traditional Bisbalenc cake to keep everyone fueled on the dancefloor. And of course the locally made shoes - hand delivered by the makers themselves, who were based a few miles up the road! Customers can now shop the whole edit over on the site. It’s a great place for brides, grooms and guests looking for stylish, well made pieces that will ensure style and comfort for the big day.  Shop Gemma's Wedding Edit Please note this collection is limited edition, so we recommend shopping quickly as they won’t hang around for long!
Read more
When PC met Yolke Launch Party!
Yolke and Penelope Chilvers were drawn together over a mutual love of print and admiration for each other’s work, so it was an absolute pleasure to collaborate with YOLKE on this season’s Penelope Chilvers x YOLKE capsule collection of Blossom print. On May 18th we opened up our Mayfair store doors to welcome in the summer and to celebrate the launch of this collaboration. We were lucky to host this party on one of the hottest days of the year and so YOLKE’s Blossom print radiated all the way down Duke Street. With music by DJs Mary Charteris and Ben Bridgewater, and guests dressed head to toe in Penelope Chilvers and YOLKE, the store was alive with chatter and laughter. Fresh strawberries and cream were served on the pavement with everyone taking full advantage of the warm, late afternoon sunshine. Delicious drinks were provided by Della Vite Prosecco, Maison Mirabeau and Forest Road Brewing Company Ltd. The guest list included the likes of Lady Amelia Windsor, Saffron Hocking, Hermione Corfield, Anna Brewster, Kesewa Aboah, Maria Kastani, & Zeena Shah. We were also delighted to be joined by Noella Coursaris Musunka, founder of the Malaika Foundation, a non-profit organisation with a mission to empower young girls and their communities in sub-Saharan Africa with both brands donating 10% of children’s sales to the Foundation in support of their brilliant work. The full YOLKE X Penelope Chilvers collection, including the ready-to-wear pieces, is available to buy in our Duke Street Store until Sunday 19th June, and our Yolke collaboration espadrilles can be bought online here.
Read more
Heritage Collection
Come and look behind the scenes on our Heritage Collection women's fashion shoot which saw us take the pieces on a ramble through the early autumn countryside at a farm near Penelope’s Cotswold home. Behind The Scenes on Our Heritage Collection Shoot. Our Heritage Collection photoshoot took us up the road, to a farm near Penelope’s home in the Cotswolds. A fitting backdrop for these women's boot styles, as each piece has been designed and inspired by wilderness and adventure and is crafted to look perfectly at home in a country setting. We had such fun styling core collectables like the Tassel and the Inclement as we scrambled through hedgerows and across farmyards in search of the perfect shots; embodying the go anywhere, do anything ethos of our products. Shop Heritage Collection The shoot was also our first with new brand ambassador and model Vanessa Breuer, an incredible chef, model, and mother. Vanessa is a poster girl for the PC Pioneers aesthetic of easy elegance, and was so naturally at home in our products. All of Vanessa’s looks were styled by Penelope’s daughter Gemma Sort-Chilvers, and in partnership with beautiful British heritage pieces from our friends Hunt and Hall, Anna Lascata and Troy. Their stylish heritage pieces sat so perfectly alongside our own handcrafted styles, featuring our best-selling Tassel Boot, both long and short, our Inclement boot for the wetter days ahead, and some of our signature shorter boot styles like the Oscar. All made by hand in the softest sustainably sourced leather and suede, and built to last for many seasons to come..   Shop Heritage Collection
Read more
Summer Souvenirs
Summer 2022 Collection Penelope’s Personal Memories of Summer Summer takes me to the Mediterranean coastline, where memories of holiday trips down a little cobbled lane to the local shoe shop remain golden. Bunches of jute, that I can still smell today, would hang from the ceiling and shoe boxes were stacked high. It was a holiday treat to choose a pair of rustic espadrilles each summer, in a new favourite colour. Perhaps this holiday memento led to a life-long love of the Catalan espardeña.* When I spend time on the coast now, one of my greatest pleasures is to watch the local Catalans dance the Sardana, a folk-dance dating back to the 16th century. Typically danced in soft soled espadrilles, this dance is symbolic of people coming together, in a circle to become stronger and united. For this summer’s campaign, we honoured this ancient tradition by gathering locals to dance the Sardana wearing our new collection of Dali espadrilles. These velvet-ribboned espadrilles are our summer classics and the most versatile style for the warmer months. They can be worn informally and for an occasion as they are quiet-footed and firm on any garden party lawn. I am passionate about the traditions and craftsmanship of my beloved Spain and it’s a constant source of design inspiration. Our summer sandals and accessories are made authentically, by skilled artisans who bring this ancient knowledge to work with them. It’s in their blood and it’s also in mine and it’s that passion and pride that drives me and reaffirms our ethos as a back to slow brand, making things well with no corners cut. I hope you enjoy!
Read more
Equestrian Inspirations
Our equestrian roots are at the heart of Penelope Chilvers, from our Spanish riding boots to our Horsebit Clog, we find creative inspiration in the art and leatherwork of saddlery itself and the artisans that work so beautifully in this space. It also takes us right back to the very beginning of our story. A time when our founder and creative director, Penelope, lived in the city of Barcelona—working as a painter and designer on amazing projects such as the restoration of the Picasso Museum— and spending her lunch breaks riding in the Collserola national park, in the hills above the city. To do this, she always wore her bespoke Spanish riding boots; snug-fitting, handmade, butter-soft leather boots, layered with intricate detailing and handmade by inspirational artisans. These were boots designed for kicking up dust and living life, and they fuelled an idea in Penelope. Working alongside the local makers she knew so well, she designed and bought back, a small collection of these riding boots to sell in the U.K, and from here Penelope Chilvers began... A piece of Penelope Chilvers footwear is an investment, which if cared for will last well over a decade, ask Penelope’s husband who’s worn the same pair for 18 years! Classic designs are important to us and our equestrian style is the heart of this; pieces that never feel dated, or age-appropriated, but timeless—with an easy, always-in-style aesthetic. Across the years, our horsebit details, intricate studwork and folk-inspired weaves have held their own; slow fashion in lieu of fast, always elegant, always relevant. And, they’re utilitarian too, like the very boots they were inspired by. Un-fussy, un-precious and made for adventure. This means that their materials are as thoughtful as their designs. The local artisans we work with, use time-honoured, traditional methods and select 100% natural products; including oiled suedes and naturally dyed leathers, all chosen to wear beautifully. This means Penelope Chilvers products are designed to show their history, taking on an easy lived in look and ageing with nobility, like the Spanish riding boots from which they were first imagined. And we’re not the only brand to take equestrian inspiration, the horsebit has been a part of big fashion house collections across the years; Gucci, Chloe and Todds, have all found beauty in its romantic shape and adventurous connotations. Our most popular piece last season, the Horsebit Clog joins this narrative; thoughtfully designed to capture the beautiful slip on/slip off nature of a nomadic gaucho-style existence, but in the most stylish of ways. This shoe has stolen the hearts of so many customers because it’s one of the most versatile pieces in our collection. Gemma Sort Chilvers, our treasured stylist, and part of the PC family described the appeal perfectly ‘I think it’s so loved because it’s chic and elegant but keeps a bit of edge via the stud-work. The timeless shape goes with everything, and depending on how you style it, can feel playful, formal, relaxed, practical—it’s the ultimate all-rounder. Plus it’s on a turned wooden sole with a rubber base, so it’s supportive, a pair of shoes, that once you wear. you can’t help but hold your head up high in!' And to us, that’s our North Star, pieces that no matter the season, outfit or occasion, will help you look and feel great, and never go out of style...
Read more
Afternoon Tea with Beeble
Beeble is an artisanal, honey-based whiskey brand, founded by amateur beekeeper Nicola Arkell and her family. Originally started as a waste saving solution, Beeble has gone from strength to strength, creating a real buzz in the whiskey industry! Nicola and her team are now responsible for over 8 million bees throughout Wiltshire, an amazing number at a time when the honeybee is in decline. For more on Nicola’s story, check out our interview below and if you fancy sampling some for yourself head over to the Beeble website to shop the range. What attracted you to beekeeping in the first place? My husband was given a beehive by his friend Tanya, as a surprise. He was a little overwhelmed by the prospect, but I was intrigued! So, I went on a course and trained to become a beekeeper. I totally loved the experience and haven’t looked back since, Tanya still remains a great friend and of course one of Beeble’s first customers! How did this grow into Beeble? I noticed that so much honey was wasted whilst harvesting - bearing in mind that a bee only makes half a teaspoon of honey in it’s lifetime, I thought there must be a better way! I put the sticky honey frames into a cauldron of whisky, left them for a month, filtered out all of the bad bits and it tasted great! From there Beeble was born. Taba, my daughter, designed the label – so it was a family affair, all dreamed up from my kitchen in Wiltshire… What have you found the best part of starting a brand? I have loved being part of a team. I was an art lecturer/teacher, and artist before and it has been a great new experience to work with other creative folk. We work really well together and the Beeble team still makes all of our decisions unanimously — which I’m really proud of! What has been more challenging? I think as you work in part of a bigger team, and you’re building a brand, you have to learn to be patient about how long ideas and plans take to materialise! I am quite impatient and this pandemic has meant one has to be super patient as all imports and processes have been so delayed, so that’s been a challenge. What advice would you give to others? I think there is so much truth in the fact that if you have a dream, you shouldn’t just sit there, we are all so much more capable than we realise. Have courage and seize the adventure! Success often comes from believing that you can succeed and doing everything possible to make it a reality, and Beeble is proof of that! What can we expect to see from Beeble in the next few years? I’m really excited about some new products that we have in the pipeline. Over the next few months we will be launching a Honey Vodka, and a Honey Rum. We are also launching our first non-alcoholic liquor, which I am really proud of - Beeble Garden. It has a soft gingery punch to it, and is completely delicious! Our shoes are designed for adventure - where would you go if you could go anywhere or do anything? I think my adventure would, of course, be beekeeping focused! Beeble are hoping to build a beekeeping school in Wiltshire and so I would love to launch that and get it up and running! The mission is to give more people the chance to learn more about bees and how to keep them in a sustainable way. The bee population in the U.K is under threat and this would have a serious impact on our wildlife and our ecosystem as a whole. 90% of wild plants and 75% of leading global crops depend on animal pollination, so we need the bees as much as they need us… Please find out more about Beeble at www.beeble.buzz Check out Nicola’s top Penelope Chilvers picks above!
Read more
Penelope Chilvers US Road Trip
4 December – Penelope Chilvers New York Dog Walk For the first time ever, we took our annual Penelope Chilvers Dog Walk all the way to New York City, as part of our US Road Trip.  Guests and their pups met at McCarren Park, on what turned out to be a crisp, sunny winter's morning - the perfect weather for a dog walk! People came dressed in their favourite Penelope Chilvers women's boots, and their dogs in their most stylish Penelope Chilvers accessories. Anh Duong andPenelope Chilvers Natalia Hill Gemma Sort Chilvers Monica Aksamit  Katherine Zahorak Ella Rose The most popular styles were our winter boots, including the Incredible Boots and Cosmos Boots. As well as the two styles from our third capsule collection with the fabulous India Hicks; The Grove Cowboy Boot and the Riding Tassel Boot in Slate. India herself attended, styling the Riding Boot with a causal yet chic jeans and blazer look. This year we partnered with Bideawee, an animal shelter in the United States who have been providing shelter, care, and compassion to homeless animals helping them to find their forever homes for more than 100 years. Their team brought along three of their adorable adoptable puppies; Leland, Evie, and Sienna, to join us on the walk. The sweetest, most well-behaved dogs stole the hearts of all our guests, including Gemma who herself said she wanted to take one home! India Hicks Gemma Sort Chilvers After the walk, guests joined Penelope for breakfast, tea, and coffee at the Arlo Williamsburg Water Tower. The stunning view from the tower had 360-degree views of New York, seeing all the way to Manhattan and Brooklyn. Guests stayed and chatted amongst each other, admiring the stunning views of the city. Gemma Sort Chilvers and Penelope Chilvers   Penelope Chilvers, Sophie Sumner, and Gemma Sort Chilvers Eny Lee Parker  We want to thank our photographer from the event, Raf Fellner, Bideawee, the Arlo Williamsburg Water Tower, our PR team at RK Communications, and all our lovely guests and their dogs for making the event such a success and one we will always remember. This was just one event from our US Road Trip. 
Read more
Welcome Back
One of our favourite moments of this year was re-opening the door of our Ledbury Road store. As the brightly painted facades shook off their shutters for good, the cherry trees came out to bloom and the street finally looked itself again - a colourful homage to our renewed lease of life... Notting Hill is a eccentric village of its own nestled within the city of London — it's filled with lots of smaller, independent retailers, beautiful antique shops and wonderful restaurants and bars. So to celebrate the people who make our neighbourhood and the businesses they've built, we’ve put together a little guide for an ideal day in the area. The imagery for this piece comes from our favourite Spring collection looks - offering tips and ideas for styling your PCs whatever the occasion, and inspiring us all to feel excited about getting dressed to go out once again. Start the Day well It’s nice to begin the day with a bit of luxury. We recommend a facial from Ledbury Road's FaceGym. Consciously created to be 100% natural, this facial is a workout for your face and neck. The masseuse simply kneads the muscles that are so often left forgotten, leaving you feeling bright, energised and rejuvenated. Coffee Spot A firm favourite amongst locals, Westbourne Grove's Daylesford was a pioneer of all things organic before it became de rigueur. Their passion for seasonal produce, great flavours, and stylish interiors means dropping in here for coffee is always a pleasure. If the weather is good, grab one of the tables out the front and watch the world go by — it’s a magical spot to spend a sunlit morning. Wanderlust Golborne Road is one of the few pockets of Notting Hill that remains quietly under the radar and a bit of a haven for those in the know. The ideal street for a mid-morning stroll, we recommend Aesop for its stylish beauty essentials and Folk for well-made signature staples with clean lines and lots of linen. Finish your stroll with a visit to Trove, a great spot filled with beautiful homewares and antique pieces, perfect for easy mid-morning browsing. Lunch Spot With our neighbour Ottolenghi, this Ledbury Road restaurant is an ideal place to pause and relax, with an incredible selection of well-made dishes and amazing local produce, all brought together with that signature Middle Eastern style. What’s more, you’re then perfectly placed to come and drop in, as our Penelope Chilvers store is on the opposite side of the road – the perfect digestif… Treasure Hunting No trip to Notting Hill is complete without a visit to Portobello Market, one of the most famous markets in the world and a veritable trove of vintage treasure. The market has a special place in our heart. As big believers in sustainable shopping, we feature pieces that are sourced and borrowed from the stalls here in lots of our campaign shoots, and many of the businesses know us all by name! We recommend heading for the stalls under the canopy and working your way back from there. Golden Hour Perfectly placed for a post Portobello browse is our dinner and drinks recommendation, Gold. The food has a European feel, but all served with a modern, exciting twist and incredible flavours. Whilst the stylish plant-filled interiors feel elegant and easy, and the cocktail menu is filled with fresh, original signatures to keep it interesting well into the night…
Read more
The Making of Our Embroidered Espadrilles
"Each year, we work with a family-run espadrille factory in the arid sierras of Murcia that has generations of experience working with woven jute. Though we introduce new designs, colourways and embellishments to our espadrille collection every summer, there are three rather special satin additions this year, each of which features intricate floral embroidery." - Penelope Chilvers Both comfortable and breathable enough to wear all day long, thanks to their natural jute sole, espadrilles remain a summer staple year after year. This year, we have added three new styles to our espadrille collection which are perhaps our most elegant to date. The Alegra, High Gala and Mary Jane Embroidered Satin Espadrilles feature a soft satin upper and bespoke floral embroidery, bringing an elevated feel to a traditionally informal shoe. Penelope drew the inspiration for the floral designs on our embroidered satin espadrilles from a shawl she found and fell in love with. She commissioned Maria José – who is a part of a talented community of women who've been hand embroidering and restoring Spanish shawls known as 'mantones de Manila' for generations – to develop the bespoke floral design for us. Maria began by pencil-drawing the design on to paper and tracing it onto the satin fabric, before embroidering the satin by hand with cotton thread. This artisanal process took her a total of six weeks to complete, and Penelope loved visiting her regularly to watch the design come to life. We then worked with a family-run espadrille factory to replicate the hand-embroidered designs onto our shoe satins to ensure optimum durability. "Preserving heritage craft is – and has always been - very important to me, and blending the age-old tradition of espadrille-making with hand-embroidery to create a twist on the traditional Spanish espadrille might just be my favourite marriage of artisanal methods to date." - Penelope Chilvers Designed for dancing long into the night, our new satin styles are available in varying heel heights and four colourways – navy, black, white and rose - so there's a style to suit every summer soireé, wedding and celebration you attend. Shop New Arrivals 
Read more
In love with my Chicos!
Our best-selling style is back in stock for a special limited edition drop, now with three new colourways available - khaki, pink, and saffron. Your favourite summer shoe, The Chico, is a closed toe velvet espadrille that comes in a slip on, easy to wear style. With now five colours to choose from, they will be sure to add a pop of colour to your summer wardrobe. We love seeing how our friends have styled their new Chicos for summer! Shop Chico Collection  We love to see Louise Thompson, former Made in Chelsea star and No1 Sunday Times Bestselling author, styling her Chicos in two different ways. One with jeans and a plain white top for a chic everyday look, and the other with a floral summer dress. We love seeing all the different holiday looks, styling our easy Chicos with anything from denim shorts to floaty dresses. Wear these to the beach, around town or out for a special evening occasion. Shop Chico Collection   
Read more
What to Wear This Summer Social Season
A Guide to Dressing for London's Summer Socials London's summer social calendar is a tapestry of tradition and elegance. From the refined courts of Queen's Club to the grandeur of Royal Ascot, each event offers a unique sartorial challenge. With this in mind, we've collected our top tips for how to dress to impress for each occasion. Queen's Club Championships - 9th to 22nd June, 2025 A prelude to Wimbledon, The Queen's Club Tennis Champiosnhip exudes understated elegance. Opt for crisp linen or cotton dresses paired with espadrilles for a look that's both chic and comfortable. The Low Valenciana Dali Espadrille in Sky/Blue is a pretty yet sensible option, with ballerina style laces that look stunning peeking out of midi or long flowy dresses. Royal Ascot - 17th to 21st June, 2025 Ascot sets the standard for refined occasion dressing. Dresses should be knee-length or longer, complemented by heeled sandals or pumps.  If you're looking for a shoe that turns heads while keeping you comfortable from morning mimosas to evening farewells, the Hibiscus Platform Sandal in Emerald is a winner. The lush emerald velvet is a surprisingly versatile choice — subtle enough to pair with neutral tones, yet bold enough to complement vibrant prints. And thanks to its chunky heel, your feet will thank you by the end of the day. Prefer a lower heel without compromising on style? Our Infinity Velvet Sandal is the perfect mid-heigh heel, offering allday comfort and our Low Mary Jane in Emerald are the prettiest of summer shoes, with a timeless low heel. Henley Regatta - 1st to 6th July, 2025 Henley celebrates a relaxed yet polished aesthetic. While the atmosphere is slightly more relaxed than Ascot, standards remain high — think elegant day dresses or skirts that fall below the knee, paired with polished accessories. Bright espadrilles are a charming way to inject personality into your look; opt for a vibrant pair to add a playful pop of colour beneath a crisp linen dress or a flowing floral midi. Their casual elegance strikes just the right balance for a day by the river. Wimbledon - 30th June to 13th July, 2025 Wimbledon blends classic British tradition with a relaxed summertime spirit, making it the perfect setting for smart-casual dressing. Think breezy dresses, summer suits and timeless accessories. The Heeled Shepherdess Sandal in Gold is a standout choice for the day: its refined silhouette and soft metallic finish add a touch of understated glamour, while the comfortable block heel makes it ideal for strolling from Henman Hill to Centre Court. Pair it with our Puffball Clutch in Gold for a perfectly coordinated look that adds a touch of sophistication without feeling overdone. Step confidently into the summer social season with footwear and accessories that perfectly complement every occasion. Shop Occasion Wear 
Read more
The Flora Broderie Espadrille
As seen on our community #WalkingInPC For over 20 years, we have worked with family-run factories in Spain to handcraft artisanal espadrilles, blending tradition with timeless design. This season, inspired by bucolic Cotswold summers, we’ve added delicate Broderie embroidery for a fresh take on a classic.  Colourful, comfortable, and effortlessly elegant, perfect for everyday wear or use them as summer espadrilles for special moments. See how our PC community is styling them around the world. @daisysuttton wears our Ivory/Red Espadrilles in London, and @savannasmall wears our Blue/Green Broderie Espadrilles in Brighton. @esmebertelsen and@marla.ellis soak up the sun outside our Elizabeth Street and Duke Street stores. Esme (left) wears the Flora Broderie Espadrille in Black/Ivory, and Marla (right) wears Brown/Ecru. From park picnics to sandy escapes and candid spring moments, @hannahmmossmanmoore, @songminusone, and @romyagapehewson show us how they wear the Broderie Espadrille their way. @estherbello_ and @orcamother both looking gorgeous in Blue/Green. @bellhutley, @blanchehoward, and @conwaychiara wear Ivory/Red, Brown/Ecru, and Blue/Green, left to right. Shop All Espadrilles 
Read more