The summer shoe collab we didn't know we needed is a lovechild of Caitlin Crisp & La Tribe

Espadrilles - the quintessential summer shoe - just got a divine collaborative makeover. Meet the love child of Caitlin Crisp and La Tribe (Emma Winter)...

A high wedge Espadrille, it comes in a chic crudo or black with two sets of interchangeable ties. One matching set, and one set of broderie lace straps-provides for a customisable option depending on your occasion.Handcrafted in Portugal from Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified canvas, the La Tribe x Caitlin Crisp espadrilles are sand-and lawn-friendly.

We chatted to the two strong women behind both brands to uncover why they made this European-chic heel, who should be wearing it, and which shoe style would they wipe off the face of the earth...

How long have you two known each other?

Emma Winter: We've been working with Caitlin Crisp for the past few years supporting her events, fashion shows and shoots with La Tribe footwear. We love working with her, Laura and the team!

Caitlin Crisp: We have known of each other for years as the brands have been working together for around two years (fab alignment!), but the personal relationship began around a year ago when we started designing these beauties!

As two very successful designers, do you think you align creatively and was the process of this collab challenging at all?

EW: The design process was so streamlined and the design came so effortlessly - working on a design which we both loved helped. I loved the addition of the broderie lace strap and double stacked platform sole for a more unique design twist on a classic Espadrille design. 

CC: It was seamless ;) *punny*... We are both very aligned in our design aesthetic and values from form to function and affordability. Not only that but Emma and her team share the same relaxed nature with their attitude toward work and the industry.

What kind of outfit works with these cute espadrilles?

EW: I think the beauty about this design is in its European chic, its versatility and that it’s timeless in style (the Espadrille design has been around since the 13th century).  It can be dressed up for a special occasion or down with a pair of jeans and white tee. The two different straps, lace and plain, offer another unique styling element to outfits. 

CC: EVERYTHING! They work for every outfit and occasion. They can dress up an outfit without feeling over the top, yet still work perfectly with your dressiest of dresses. I personally have them lined up to wear to every wedding this season (grass friendly)!

What would you say to a gal who feels like an espadrilles ‘isn’t their vibe’ but is curious about them… 

EW: I would say there's no harm in trying them on, fashion is meant to be fun and playful so I don't think you should put rules on things as it might limit your styling possibilities. 

CC: Comfort is key! Try them on, you won't want to take them off.

How essential are the materials used when forming this kind of shoe and what was the research process of this like? 

EW: The very first Espadrille was from France back in the 13th century and later popularised by French fashion designer YSL who was looking for a new design of wedge and his vision became an instant hit even today. Since then it's been an iconic style across Europe. Our production team sourced a renowned factory in Portugal which specialises in handmade Espadrilles using traditional techniques. It was important to us that the production reflected its authentic nature and origins.  

CC: We went through so many different ideas and concepts for this, some of which I hope we revisit in the future. But ultimately, the canvas in natural and black was the perfect starting point. It was a good price point, durable, and was going to work with the broadest range of outfits. The interchangeable strap brings a little CC flare and we chose from many different broderies to find the perfect one, before dying it all to match the shoe itself.

Which celebrity or inspiring individual would you love to see these shoes on this summer?

EW: I would love to be walking down the street and see a stranger walking past looking chic in them with a smile on their face. This would make me so happy. My Insta-crushes would be Leia Sfez, Matila Djerf, Olive Cooke & Pernille Teisbaek.

CC: There's nothing that brings me more joy than seeing CC in the wild! If I show up to an event this summer and spot someone wearing our La Tribe x CC Espadrilles it will make me just as excited as seeing it on any celeb.

When designing them did you have a girl in mind? 

EW: The girl who comes to mind loves a wedge, and is free spirited with a European style about her. 

CC: Me! I wanted to design my ultimate shoe, I can't expect anyone else to love them if I'm not obsessed with them myself.

CC, what did you learn during this process? Are shoes quite a challenging pivot from clothing?

CC: I loved it! It has similarities to the process we go through in clothing design so I felt quite at home, definitely something I'd love to do more of in the future.

Emma, is the first of more footwear collabs to come?

EW: I love collabs - I love working alongside hardworking like minded brands. 

How do you both feel about kitten heels?

EW: I personally like them as I can still run after my toddlers in them!

CC: As a 5'4 girly, I need more height. If I'm going to wear heels it is going to be those epic super high comfortable ones by La Tribe x CC!

If you could both wipe one style of shoe from the face of the earth, what would it be and why?

EW: For me it would be Croc's!

CC: CAMEL TOE HEELS!

Most importantly, can you defy the critics and wear an espadrille in winter...

EW: Definitely! Although maybe not NZ’s South Island in winter, but there's always a European escape to be planned!

CC: [Laughs] I'm from down south, so Auckland winter feels like our summer. So it's a yes from me!

Shop the chic shoes here