Duke Street is reopening on the 8th of July! Our flagship store has always felt like the beating heart of Penelope Chilvers, so we’re really excited to be welcoming you all back through the doors again. When we launched Duke Street we wanted to create a space that could deliver a luxury experience that felt accessible and welcoming, so it’s been strange not having that interaction with our customers over the last year. We can’t wait to have you all back and re-open just in time for the launch of our Autumn collection. And for those of you who've been patiently waiting for the chance to use our in-store bespoke slipper service, a ritual unique to Duke Street, the wait is over! To celebrate this month's reunion we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite spots in the neighbourhood. Mayfair is one of those places that has an air of magic about it; bordering leafy Hyde Park and filled with Georgian houses, luxury stores and some of the city’s most famous restaurants and hotels — it is a place that’s all about pleasure. So this little black book is a guide to some of its most fabulous spots to eat, drink and visit! A chance to really celebrate this neighbourhood and its long-awaited return... The Places You’ll Go… Selfridges is such a big part of Mayfair’s story. The trailblazer for retail as we know it — started by Harry Gordon Selfridge, the store was designed to make shopping feel like a luxury rather than a chore, and years later, it still does just that! Perfectly placed opposite our Duke Street store, we’d always recommend dropping by visiting the two together! This month don’t miss their Hurr Collective Pop Up on the 3rd floor, giving customers a chance to rent pieces handpicked by Selfridges buying team starting from £20.00 for a four day rental, a marriage of style and sustainability! Marchesi 1824 is one of Milan's oldest cafés, so-called after the year it opened, and it came to Mount Street a couple of years ago. The brand, now owned by Prada, is the epitome of style; filled with antique-inspired vitrines, mosaic tiles, marble-topped tables and delicious green velvet chairs. Handcrafted treats include fluffy, chantilly cream-filled cakes, truly fluffy meringues, which happen to be enormous, and their infamous Italian panettone. Alongside all these delicacies they happen to do the fanciest flat whites in London making them the perfect spot for a morning coffee break. Post coffee don't miss a wander down Mount Street, which has some of the biggest names in luxury fashion gracing beautiful listed shop fronts on either side. The Royal Academy is one of our favourite places to visit, and as galleries go, it’s pretty breathtaking! Framed by a grand entrance, high ceilings and a beautiful courtyard, it’s the perfect balance of grandeur, without being stuffy. A true working academy, the space is an oasis of creativity tucked behind all the hustle and bustle of Piccadilly. And this Summer the academy is exhibiting one of our favourite painters — David Hockney. The Arrival of Spring is a series of pieces painted by Hockney on his Ipad whilst he was locked down in Normandy, featuring his signature paint flicks and colours exuding all the hopefulness of Spring. Berkeley Square, one of London’s most beautiful garden Squares and a treasured haven of green for those in the know. Surrounded by beautiful buildings, London institutions such as Annabels and just a stones throw from all the bustle of Shepherd's Market. But, its best feature are its benches, each one is dedicated to the memory of people who have enjoyed the space over the years. Known as the Benches for Berkeley Square project, the memorials make it a great spot to spend fifteen minutes walking through, reading the plaques and getting lost in all the bygone glamour of Mayfair. Claridge's, the Fumoir bar at Claridge's is one of those must-visit London spots, a great place to sneak off to for a pre-show cocktail or to celebrate life’s little triumphs. Hidden behind a discreet glass door at the hotel’s famous entrance there is something quite voyeuristic about the Fumoir — it feels like a place in which you can really get lost in. With dark cosy corners and plush interiors, all framed by aubergine gilded walls and vintage flecked mirrors, it’s opulence at it’s finest and a great spot to sip on a truly fancy cocktail. Cecconi's always manages to make us feel like we’re actually in Italy, their striped awnings, sumptuous green bar stools, beautiful lighting and bustling service team transport you to Milan, all from a little corner spot of Burlington Gardens. Our recommended spot for lunch or dinner — for lunch dine outside on their pavement style al fresco seats, for dinner get the full experience indoors nestled between marble, leather and dark wood. All of the pasta dishes are a masterpiece and you don’t want to miss their signature burrata either.

While designing this summer’s collection, I watched the seasons change from my studio window without interruption. In early spring a pheasant knocked on my window with its beak every evening at dusk while I drew. As I walked the surrounding hills and enjoyed warm evenings in our rose garden accompanied by the soporific sounds of doves cooing, I sensed that this collection was destined to reflect the countryside around me. From the delicate hues of roses, periwinkles, and hydrangeas to the natural tones of the landscape, all have inspired the season and are depicted throughout this collection by the artist and wallpaper designer Floral Roberts. We hope this summer collection will instil a sense of optimism for the months ahead and awaken a bucolic state of mind and love for the natural world that is all around us. It’s an emotional collection that is not about the extraordinary. It’s simply about the pleasure of the ordinary. Please email customerservices@penelopechilvers.com to receive a digital version of our catalogue.

Our flagship store in Mayfair has had a refresh! Newly washed walls in the calmest of Pre-Raphaelite greens, upholstered panels of studded green suede, and a gallery wall showcasing personal memories of growing the brand over the years, and some inspiration from the archives. Moroccan lampshades fill the high ceilings, and a vintage leather sofa awaits you - designed to create a welcoming and calming retreat from the busy world outside. Duke Street sits amongst the most iconic and classical landmarks in Mayfair; leading from Selfridges to Grosvenor Square, with prestigious hotels like Claridges and The Connaught on our doorstep. It has always been my desire to create beautiful spaces to showcase our designs, inspired from all around the world. A specialist environment for our footwear, with each and every store designed as an escape from the urban planet around us. 'Back to slow'.

Inspired by the natural roots and English country garden aesthetic of our Summer collection, we gave ourselves a challenge — to source every look for the shoot from small, sustainable, brands. Our goal was to work with British designers, or brands with pieces available in the U.K, meaning we had more control over things like air miles and wastage. Our photoshoot stylist, Gemma Sort Chilvers (@gemma.sortchilvers), created an artistic midsummer-garden look and under her direction the campaign took on a narrative of its own. Becoming, not just as a moment for PC, but a moment for sustainable British design - celebrating the natural world and, via conscious and responsible styling, protecting it too. Her approach was to try and find people doing things that were slightly off the beaten track. Hunting down independent, up-and-coming names whose looks fed into her overall aesthetic: ‘I scoured Instagram, looking for brands turning waste products into materials and working with local people. I also reached out to brands I’d admired in the past and encouraged the team and friends to pass on any names they’d discovered along the way, so I ended up with a really eclectic, organic, group of people and ideas to work with’ We uncovered some amazing stories. Pairing our PCs with designers like Doone London, whose female-led focus really struck a chord with Gemma: ‘All their pieces are handmade in London; by women for women, and crucially, every style is breastfeeding friendly too, something I feel is so often overlooked...’ ELV Denim was another great find. They take unwanted jeans destined for landfill and turn them back into denim. Adhering to an ethos of zero waste and zero impact from start to finish. Their stylish designs look and feel brand new, without requiring any of the intensive farming techniques needed to generate cotton. To discover so many brands finding better routes to design felt inspiring. These companies are really paving the way for a more transparent future, which is something we as a team believe is possible. Fashion can often be painted as a competitive space, but we’re proud to work with brands who share our values and proud to be able to celebrate and credit them too. We’ve put together a directory so you can check out the list of brands we featured and for customers that have the catalogue we’ve included a page reference, so you can see how Gemma styled each piece — making it easier for you to recreate the looks from home! Thank you to all the brands who collaborated with us and shared their stories. It was amazing to style so much talent and to bring so many British designers into our quintessential, summer campaign. Our directory is below and if you have any more questions about the looks or styles then just get in touch at customerservices@penelopechilvers.com. @amlul (P.16) @heidimiddletonartclub (P.26) @beaumontorganic (P.22 & 30) @calledelmar (P.12) @chaosandcolour (P.13 &14) @doonelondon (P.9 & 24) @elvdenim (P.7,15 & 29) @flaxlondon (P.29) @marazul.clothing (P.5,20,22 & 30) @o_pioneersuk (FP) @solerlondon (P.3,17,18 &27) @ssonecircle (P10) @cosette_kp

You will probably be familiar with Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dali, but it's unlikely that you’ll be as familiar with his espadrille collection...or be aware that his summer shoe of choice was, almost exclusively, a lace up espadrille with a jute sole. Our aptly named Dali espadrilles are the PC tribute to this footnote in fashion — a genuine celebration of the Catalan heritage and pride these espadrilles represent. Each region still has their own specific style, defined by the shape, colour, or application of their ribbons! Our Dali is a piece of this history, a story of Spanish culture, made exclusively by Spanish artisans, using the same time-honoured traditions as they would have in Salvador's day. Designed for comfort, elegance and versatility, our Dalis look great alongside floaty florals and dressier summer looks, making them a staple for weddings, garden parties and - the moment we’re back on them - holidays! We carry more relaxed styles too, the collection features 3 heel heights and a range of colourways meaning they can fit perfectly into life's more casual moments. Ribbon styling is an important part of ‘the look’ - a great way to dress the Dali up or down. We recommend the single front cross tie for lower wedge styles, it’s just one bow, wrapped at the front and looks great with cropped jeans or shorts, or for more daytime casual moments, like the beach use this style, but tied at the back. Whilst, the double lace wrap around is great for a dramatic look - wrap up the leg twice, elongating the calf and tie the front in a bow - an effortless party style. All our espadrilles are manufactured in Spain by master weavers and leather workers, using traditional production techniques and artisanal materials. 100% biodegradable they’re crafted from local materials, such as Mediterranean jute, which grows throughout the region. The jute is braided and handcrafted on a turntable, before being reinforced with a layer of natural rubber to make our signature comfy soles. The uppers are then attached using the same technique, hand-cut and hand-sewn from local linens, Raffia and butter-soft leathers. Before adding the final touch, in the form of our signature velvet ribbons, woven through each shoe to bring a style that is totally unique to the PC Dalis. They’re a credit to the many hands that make them and are well and truly built to last.

Shop Women's Espadrilles  Our espadrilles are instantly recognisable and one of our most popular designs. But what you may not know, is that every pair you see in our stores has been made especially for us In the arid sierras of Murcia where a community of espadrille makers have been using traditional production techniques for generations. The hand stitched uppers are delivered to people’s homes providing work to women with young families, and we visit our partners regularly to watch the process of the elemental ‘alpargata’ evolve. The soles are made from braided jute, which originally grew throughout the Mediterranean, while the wedge is made of cork, and the colourful uppers are cut from local organic cotton. Shop Women's Espadrilles  The final touch is our signature velvet ribbon, threaded through the upper echoing a traditional design. The result is a truly authentic shoe collection that we have been making for over 20 years, that is uniquely Penelope Chilvers, and a credit to the many skilled hands that make them. Our brand ethos is anchored in products that are well made - no corners cut - and our espadrilles are a symbol of this mantra; handcrafted using artisanal expertise, by family businesses who are passionate about their trade. Shop Women's Espadrilles  Every pair is designed for comfort and versatility. The espadrille looks great with bare legs and dressier summer looks, making them a staple shoes for weddings and garden parties. The collection features multiple heel heights and a range of colourways, meaning they can fit perfectly into life's many moments. Their breathable, natural materials and comfortable soles mean they are the perfect shoe for the summer months, whether it's for those garden parties on a soft green lawn, or a last minute dash to catch the bus - the ultimate go anywhere, do anything summer staple.  

Choosing the Perfect Pair of Wedding Guest Shoes We love a wedding! From the anticipation of the day, finding the perfect outfit, and the happiness of the couple and their life ahead, each wedding is unique and there’s nothing better than dressing to impress and feeling a million dollars on your loved one’s big day. Whoever the bride and groom are to you – a close relative, friend, or colleague – we’re here to help you find the perfect pair of shoes for their big day. Finding shoes that are stylish, while comfortable enough to dance the night away is no mean feat, and with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the ideal pair. We’re here to help guide you through the ‘must-haves’ to consider when selecting the perfect pair of wedding guest shoes, ensuring you step into the event with confidence and style. 1. Consider the venue and theme. The venue and theme of the wedding play a significant role in determining the appropriate wedding guest shoe style. For outdoor weddings or beachside ceremonies, opt for wedges, espadrille wedges, block heels, or pumps that provide stability and won't sink into the ground. The material here is also key. Satins and cottons will stain easily in wet weather and mud, so consider more durable yet elegant materials such as soft leathers. Formal indoor weddings offer the option for elegant heels or dressy flats that complement your outfit and style. Consider the overall tone of the event, whether it's traditional, modern, or casual, and choose shoes to match setting. 2. Balance style and comfort  While we all want to make a fashion statement, compromising comfort could make for a long day! Remember, you will be on your feet for long periods, so choose shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning. Look for features like padded insoles, arch support, and adjustable straps for a customized fit. High quality fabrics and well-crafted shoes will ensure that your feet are feeling fresh well into the evening, enabling you to dance the night away and truly show off your best wedding dance moves! Be sure to consider heel height as well. If you're not accustomed to wearing high heels, opt for a lower or kitten heel, or explore stylish flats or sandals for a more comfortable option. Wearing a style that you are comfortable in will give you a more relaxed stance, enhancing your overall look and style, as well as ensuring your comfort. 3. Contrast is king! Your shoes should complement your wedding guest outfit, but that doesn’t mean they need to disappear within your overall look! Consider the colour palette and style of your outfit when selecting your shoes. If you're wearing a vibrant or patterned dress, opting for neutral-coloured shoes will ensure your shoes won't overpower your outfit, while also giving your shoes the space to shine for themselves. For a monochromatic or understated dress, you could experiment with bold or metallic shoes to add a pop of personality to your look. 4. Pay Attention to Material and Durability: Choosing shoes made from high-quality materials will offer both style and durability. We recommend opting for materials like leather or suede, as they are timeless and tend to be more resistant to wear and tear. If you anticipate a lot of dancing or outdoor activities, consider shoes with sturdy construction and non-slip soles for added stability. Investing in well-made shoes ensures they will last beyond the wedding and become a versatile addition to your wardrobe. We love re-wearing shoes that have been purchased for a special event and the memories they re-ignite from the special day. 5. Trial Run and Break-In Period: It goes without saying that once you've found your ideal pair, it's essential to give them a trial run before the big day. Wear them around the house or to a shorter event to ensure they are comfortable and don't cause discomfort or blisters. A well-fitted and comfortable pair of shoes will ensure you fully enjoy the wedding, and your shoes for many years to come. Choosing the perfect pair of wedding guest shoes can showcase your personal style and comfort for the big day. Consider the venue and theme, strike a balance between style and comfort, prioritise material quality and durability, and give your shoes a trial run to ensure they are a perfect fit. By following these tips, you'll be stepping into the wedding with confidence, ready to celebrate and make lasting memories in style. To Shop Wedding Shoes, Click Below. Shop Shoes

There are certain pieces in a wardrobe that aren't just seasonal – but timeless. Shoes that carry with them not only beauty and craftsmanship, but also a story. Our Dali Espadrilles are one such piece: a celebration of Spanish heritage, artisanal skill, and the vibrant eccentricity of one of the 20th century's most iconic artists, Salvador Dalí. Rooted in history yet unmistakably modern in sensibility, our Dali espadrilles are a style that invites the wearer into a world of colour and creativity. A Legacy of Craft Espadrilles have long been cherished for their comfort, breathability, and effortless versatility. Originally worn by farmers and fishermen across the Pyrenees, these traditional shoes have evolved over centuries to become a summer staple among the style-conscious across Europe and beyond. Still today, the true espadrille is hand-crafted, stitched, shaped and bound with care. Our Dali espadrilles are no exception. Each pair is made in Murcia, Spain, where skilled artisans employ time-honoured techniques to ensure every shoe is imbued with the authenticity and quality of its heritage. An Artist's Signature The Dali Espadrille is named in homage to Salvador Dalí, the Spanish surrealist painter whose influence continues to shape the vision of our founder, Penelope. Known for his vivid imagination, dramatic personal style, and unapologetic eccentricity, Dalí was also a man of deeply rooted tradition. Throughout the warmer months, Dalí was almost never seen without his lace-up espadrilles, favouring their unpretentious elegance and natural ease. They were, to him, not just practical footwear, but an extension of his identity – relaxed yet deliberate, bold yet grounded. It is this spirit that inspired the creation of our Dali espadrilles. A Contemporary Interpretation In our interpretation of this beloved silhouette, we have honoured both craft and colour. Our Dali espadrilles feature a single piece of velvet ribbon, threaded delicately through a breathable cotton upper – creating a striking contrast in tone and texture. The ribbon nods to Dalí's own flair for the romantic, while the restrained form keeps the style timeless and wearable. Each pair is vibrant, sculptural, and undeniably refined – an expression of individuality that remains rooted in artisanal tradition and designed with comfort in every step. Effortless Versatility While bold in appearance, our Dali espadrilles maintain the ease and practicality that have long made this style a summer staple. Lightweight, breathable, and effortlessly comfortable, they're made for warm-weather days that call for grace without the fuss. Our Dali espadrilles are more than just a shoe; they're a love letter to Spanish culture, to the hands that craft with patience and pride, and to the creative spirits who dare to live boldly. Discover the collection online or in-store today and step into a legacy that's as expressive as it is timeless. Shop Now

My father’s enormous interest in the history of architecture was always the primary inspiration in his work so it is not surprising that there is an entire pantheon of worthy spirits that hover over the extraordinary Villa Verde, the house he built in Portugal, for close family friends. He became the architect, interior designer, and landscaper. He commissioned the paintings and drawings and designed much of the furniture. Holidaying here as a child I hardly noticed the dramatic classical palladium exterior or lovely moody interiors my father created I just knew there was a very large swimming pool, a wild empty beach and ripe juicy figs just waiting to be picked. I have returned often with my own children, pickling figs, fighting in the pool, riding on those deserted sun-baked beaches. It seemed the ideal place to inspire three new shoes for Penelope Chilvers, who herself always appreciates rich evocative design, history and storytelling. Palladio Pump (Buckle Pump) This classic pump in buttery-soft luxurious leather was created to walk across the terracotta, stone and wood floors of the Palladium Villa Verde, as stylish and season-less as the house itself. Faro Pool Slide (Bahamas Moc-Croc Pool Slide) Bold and solid looking – just as my father designed Villa Verde – ‘The Faro is my own particular design of a classic double strap slide’. Created in deep tobacco brown moc-croc leather, edged with leather piping and built on an anatomic moulded cork sole with adjustable gold buckles for walks on sun baked beaches, or lounging against classical columns waiting for the perfect sunset. Madame G Sandal (Bahamas Sandal) Inspired by the elegant Madame Ghani and her splendid stately home, this is a sandal with smooth edges, and a sleek silhouette. The curved gold ring adornment was added for decorative impact like so many moments found inside Madame G’s home, Villa Verde.

One of the first stops for most brides when planning their wedding, is the dress shop! The search for the ‘perfect dress’ is an exciting process, with many brides finding themselves surprised by the styles and materials they fall in love with, versus those they were expecting to choose. While you may have found the perfect dress for you, have you considered your wedding shoes yet? Not only will your wedding shoes finish your bridal look, but they’ll play a bigger part in your big day then you may think. The perfect wedding shoes will influence your stance, style and comfort, as well as ensuring that your dress hangs perfectly. Ensuring your wedding shoes and wedding dress work together is an important factor to consider when planning your wedding look, so what should you consider when buying your bridal shoes? The top 10 things to consider when choosing your wedding shoes: 1. High heels, mid heels, wedges or flats? This is a decision that only you can make. Some brides love their heels and a high heel, a mid-heel or a wedged wedding shoe is a must for their big day. For others, the idea of wearing heels all day will fill them with dread. Whatever your choice, we recommend buying for the long-haul. Ideally, the shoes you wear in the morning, will be the shoes you wear as you dance into the night! Most wedding dress shops will recommend that you take your shoes with you to your wedding dress fitting, to ensure that the hem of the dress is perfectly fitted with your shoes in situ. Wearing heels for the day, before switching into flats for the evening will change the length of your hem and the hang of your dress. For longer dresses this can make a big difference, making the dress too long in the evening when you want to dance and socialise. 2. Quality. For comfort, we recommend buying for quality. Quality wedding shoes are designed for the occasion, knowing brides will be on their feet all day before dancing away the night. They will have additional cushioning and padding under the ball of your foot to avoid aching feet. One poll for the Telegraph stated that brides spend around 15% of the price of their wedding dress on their wedding shoes, so it’s worth investing your time into choosing the perfect pair of shoes for your big day. Be sure to invest in quality, ensuring your wedding shoes are easy to walk in and allow you to glide down the aisle. 3. It’s all about the toe! If you are planning on wearing a long dress for your wedding, then the hem of the dress is usually positioned to lie flush with the floor. As such, the only area of your shoe that will be visible below your dress is the toe of your shoe, as you walk. When choosing the style for your perfect shoe, bear this in mind – it’s not all about the heel, the toe of your wedding shoes is the area that will be most visible! 4. Request a dress swatch. Most brides will buy their shoes and accessories having already chosen their wedding dress. If so, be sure to ask your chosen bridal shop for a swatch from your wedding dress material to take with you when you shop for your wedding shoes! Taking a swatch will ensure you can match your wedding shoes perfectly to your dress, without limiting you to buying your shoes from the same store as your dress. 5. Turn up the heat. One of the key challenges when buying your wedding shoes is ensuring you are buying for the right season. Brides typically buy well in advance of their big day, but unless you are buying a year in advance, this can mean that the season that you are buying in differs from the season your big day will fall in. If you are buying shoes in colder months, be sure to consider the impact that a hotter season may have on your comfort and sizing particularly if you are in the shoes all day. Similarly, if you are buying in hotter weather, be sure to consider that your feet may be smaller in colder months. 6. Consider the terrain. If you are marrying in a country house then you can consider most shoe styles and fabrics, but if you are hoping to stand on grass, or are in a marquee or outdoor setting, then it’s worth giving this some consideration when choosing your wedding shoes. If you want to wear heels but still have photos on the grass, then we’d highly recommend investing in some heel protectors to ensure you don’t sink into the grass. Equally, if you are expecting to encounter mud, then it’s important to consider the fabric of the shoe, as satin fabrics can stain very easily in wet, muddy weather. Although it’s unlikely to upset your big day, it will make your wedding shoes a one-time wear. 7. Buy early This seems like an obvious one! Not only is it important to ensure you have your shoes available for your dress fitting, but this will also give you plenty of time to break them in without your other half seeing! 8. Love them longer! Although your shoes have been specifically purchased for your big day, we love the idea of buying shoes that you can wear again and again! If you are buying wedding shoes you love, don’t resign them to the back of your closet after your big day – focus your search on shoes that you would happily wear again. We love the look and feel of an espadrille shoe that will give you quality and comfort on your big day, but can be worn again, extending the life of your style while also bringing back happy memories from your big day each time you wear them! 9. Colour? I do! Are you keen to add a splash or colour or go classic with white? As with the style of wedding shoe you chose, there’s no right or wrong answer. For some brides, adding a splash of colour to their shoe offers an opportunity to add their character to their wedding style, while for others a traditional white satin shoe helps to hero and compliment their dress. Although we’ve mentioned the importance of keeping the height of your heel the same throughout your wedding day and night, we love the idea of buying multiple colours across a single shoe range to help you mix up your colour and look heading into the evening. Finding bridal shoes that come in a range of colours will offer you an option to change your shoes, while ensuring your heel height and shoe design remain the same. 10. Don’t forget the morning after. Brides commonly feedback that the wedding day itself is a blur of activity and people. The time travelling and preparing for your wedding and the morning after your wedding are often key times for every bride to spend with her loved ones outside of the business of main day. Although they can get lost in the preparations for the big day, these periods can provide lovely and personal moments with your loved ones that will stay with you forever. These moments are calm and personal moment where you can truly focus on your family and your other half. Treat yourself to the perfect pair of shoes for travelling to and from your wedding, as well as for your honeymoon and ensure you feel just as special as you do during the ‘main event’. Most importantly, we wish you every happiness for your big day, and hope that you enjoy shopping for your perfect pair of wedding shoes. For summer styles we love the look and support given by a classic wedged bridal espadrille and this has underpinned the development of our new range of bridal atelier shoes. We’ve designed a whole range, with varying colours to meet every bride’s style. We hope they make you feel a million dollars on your big day and for the many exciting adventures your marriage will bring. To Shop Our Full Bridal Collection, Click below Shop Bridal

Gioconda Scott, who grew up in the hills of Andalusia learned to cook while studying in Florence and apprenticing in London at produce-focused restaurants like Clarke’s and Green’s. She brought home ideas from her travels to India, Mexico, and Africa. Spanish food was learned from the local women who worked at her mother’s finca, Trasierra and everything she makes today has her own style made with locally sourced ingredients. She hosted us for our Pre AW22 photoshoot in her beautiful little home in the beautiful village of Carmona just 20 minutes outside Seville. Here is where Gioconda has her catering business and has now opened up her home to be available for short term holiday stays. Here, in her own words, she welcomes us into her world and shares her personal recipe for Tortilla, the perfect summer lunch with our Penelope Chilvers rose table linens, accompanied by a fresh seasonal salad. ` Summer has begun and the garden is an explosion of green and flowers. Earlier this year we planted a kitchen garden and there is now an abundance of radishes & broad beans in season. While Penelope and her team were close by, on location, shooting the new summer campaign in Carmona, we had lunch together with the table laid in her new Penelope Rose table linen, discussing our love of Spain and her long history of working with leather artisans. Warm broad beans with garlic & goats curd, radishes with labneh, anchovies, a baby tomato and herb salad and of course, the ubiquitous tortilla provided the perfect lunch, served with handfuls of fresh mint. There is something extraordinarily special about summer in this part of Andalusia. It feels more intense and overwhelmingly beautiful than the other seasons. We have just had our last bout of rain before the scorching summer months arrive. The orange blossom on the trees surrounding Carmona and Seville is in full bloom and the air is impregnated with this intoxicating scent. One cannot help but to walk around captivated by its delicious spell and drinking it in through your nostrils, like an intense love affair. For further information give @giocondascott a follow!

In a year where we have sat rooted in one place for so long, we wanted to momentarily slip back to a freer time — one where travel and adventure weren’t such alien concepts. So, this piece is a reflection on the trip Penelope took with Cazenove and Lloyd in September 2019 to Argentina, more specifically to Las Pampas. The Pampas is an equestrian heartland at the centre of the country, dotted with rugged estancias and wild horses. It’s a place of authentic, raw beauty and one of the last enclaves for the country’s cowboy boot aficionados - the gauchos. This visit was a chance to uncover inspiration and to drink in the essence of Argentina’s equestrian style, hopefully bringing some of it back into our new collections. Penelope visited workshops dedicated to ancient leather crafts, ‘filled with trenzados (woven leathers), finer and stronger than I’d ever seen before, with bound edges and plaited intrinsic designs. I watched silversmiths carve organic, flowing grooves into solid-silver studs - from curling ostrich feathers and butterfly wings to wild plant formations, all symbols of their love for the natural world.' This love for the natural world is at the heart of gaucho culture. Traditionally nomadic people, gauchos would have spent days and weeks under the stars, something that feels particularly romantic after the last 18 months! This closeness to nature is a mantra we’ve long been inspired to continue in our designs too. Penelope Chilvers has always designed footwear for travel and adventure — our very first boot, the Spanish riding boot, was made to be just that; something you could wear to kick up dust in for years to come. And all our boots thereafter; our cowboy boots, suede boots and ankle boots have all been built for outdoor living. To be, in true gaucho spirit, kept by the back door for when the moment takes you. We use strong natural materials like oiled suede and leather, that wear beautifully and really last. So you can invest wholeheartedly in whatever is ahead, knowing that like an Argentinian boot, your PCs won’t let you down. We’ve never subscribed to the belief that style and utility are mutually exclusive, Penelope says she found moments of real beauty in the places she visited and the craftsmanship she saw: ‘Whether it was wild daisies placed into a jar on the table or the detailed leatherwork of a rein, there were design touches in even the most simple spaces.’ And this attention to detail inspires our approach too — that desire to decorate life with beauty and colour. We craft stylish details into all our designs; studwork, buckles, pockets of embroidery, playful colourways for boots like the Oscar, alongside traditional stitching for styles like the Tassel boot. Our Sol Pampas slides and Pampas strap, inspired by this trip, are exclusively woven for us, following traditional Argentinian pampas weaves — a tribute to the gaucho weaves that Penelope saw riders wearing over their bombachos. These designs are the essence of style and utility combined; celebrating the natural world, whilst also enabling people to get out into it. They’re our tribute to the true gaucho spirit, and we hope they will empower generations of women to find adventures of their own, (even if we can’t do it from Las Pampas just yet…)