Sun Salutation
An Ode to Spanish Evocations
A deep love of Spain is intrinsic to the origins of the Penelope Chilvers story. As a child, she spent every school holiday in the province of Girona where she first came across rustic, handmade alpargatas. She has been trying to make the perfect raw edged, bull hide moccasin that only exists in her childhood memories ever since... Until this season's collection.
The inspiration behind this collection comes from a different pocket of Spanish heritage – a Sevillian summer, of sorts – The Spanish Manton Shawl* is steeped in legend and holds so many stories – it arrived in Spain via the trade routes of the 16th Century, originally a piece of Chinese craftsmanship. Over the years it has become an icon of Spanish elegance.
Penelope is a huge admirer of the intricate designs and so decided to go in search of the ladies who still sew and repair these shawls to this day, in Villamanrique, Andalusia, and from spending a pleasant afternoon going through archives and piles of work on the shelves, a summer collection of embroidered espadrilles emerged – quite unlike any others, with all sorts of magic within, perfect for adding a beautiful spirit to any outfit and taking you from day to night with blissful joy.
This sense of adventurous wisdom continues throughout the rainbow of the collection – sandals, slides and our beloved Chicos are woven throughout the season. And our Sun Salutation Cowboy Boots are made for kicking up the dust on all sorts of summer escapades.
To top off the joy of the season, our high glamour satin collection will launch, quite perfectly, during the week in May of Chelsea Flower Show, where the floral embroideries, geraniums hanging off the walls and roses in our hair will ignite the proud female Flamenco spirit in London!
*The Spanish Manton or Manila shawl is a Spanish emblem, but this beautiful shawl actually originated in Canton, China and in the 16th century was introduced through Spanish trade to the Phillipine capital of Manila, a Spanish colony at that time. In 1521, The Phillipine Islands were claimed for Spain and remained part of the Spanish empire for more than 300 years. Spanish trading ships, known as Manila gallions, sailed a commercial route between China and the Phillipines, on to Acapulco, Mexico and eventually docking in Seville, Spain. The Spanish traded gold and silver coins from Mexico for Chinese silks, porcelain, furniture and spices from Canton. This trade route remained active until the 1815 Mexican war of Independence.