Rooted in Tradition - The Revival of Esparto in Ibiza
On the sun-bleached island of Ibiza, tradition is woven into every step. Espardenyes – the classic handmade footwear crafted from esparto grass – have long been emblematic of the island’s soul. “They were once essential for fieldwork and are still worn for the island’s traditional dance, ball pagès,” explains María Fajarnés, councillor for Economic Promotion at the Consell Insular d’Eivissa (Island Council of Ibiza). Deeply tied to the rhythms of land and life, espardenyes speak of a slower era, when craft and community were interwoven with survival.
Making Estrivancus esparto footwear by hand.
Today, Ibiza attracts over 17 million visitors annually, and concerns about the environmental impact on this small Balearic island have never been greater. In response, a new generation of designers and artisans is looking to the past for sustainable solutions – and finding inspiration in the enduring qualities of esparto grass.
At the forefront of this revival is Adlib Ibiza, a collective brand curated by the Consell Insular d’Eivissa. Dedicated to preserving traditional methods, Adlib designers Espardenyes Torres and Estrivancus reimagine the humble espardenya for contemporary audiences. Patricia Monjo of Espardenyes Torres transformed a family workshop into a thriving enterprise, gaining international recognition after showcasing at Paris’s Who’s Next fashion fair in 2016.
Espardenyes Torres handmade shoes
Woven by hand using fibres harvested from Ibiza’s hillsides, these shoes are more than nostalgic relics; they are quiet acts of resistance against fast fashion’s disposable culture. “Accessories with soul,” the Adlib movement calls them – objects shaped slowly by skilled hands, rooted in place and purpose. Sustainability threads through every aspect of Ibiza’s cultural revival. Karen Windle, founder of the Ibiza Fashion Festival, is vocal about the urgency of mindful design. “Ibiza can receive as many as 80 flights a day – that’s a huge strain on a small island,” she says. Her festival highlights eco-conscious designers who celebrate handcraft and natural materials, casting a spotlight on a slower, more reverent approach to fashion.
Espardenyes Torres x Virginia Vald handmade esparto grass shoes
Esparto’s versatility extends beyond clothing. Regenerative farms such as Juntos now use the grass to tie crops, reducing reliance on plastic. For artisans like Rebecca-Lee of Pacifico Designs, esparto offers an endless source of inspiration. “The grass” – as she affectionately calls it – was why she moved to Ibiza. At the 2023 Ibiza Fashion Festival, her collaborative collection with Original One showcased entirely handmade designs, shaped from esparto alone. “It’s so flexible, yet strong” she explains. “When heated with fire, it hardens into a golden hue, giving a beautiful vintage effect. Every piece I make is unique – intuitive, reclaimed, and rooted in the land.” Harvested in the summer months around the rugged cliffs of Es Vedrà – a place steeped in myth and magnetic energy – esparto continues to permeate island life. Found in market stalls, hotels, and homes, it is woven into baskets, blinds, and artworks: quiet markers of an enduring craft.
Preparing the esparto fibres at Espardenyes Torres
Spain’s bond with esparto runs deep. A pair of ancient espadrilles discovered in 2023 confirms the fibre’s legacy as the oldest-known footwear in Europe. In the 19th century, British engineer Thomas Routledge championed esparto as a material for paper-making, even earning a medal for his efforts; by the 1950s, Churchill was said to favour books printed on esparto paper.
Today, as conversations around sustainability intensify, Esparto’s innate strength, beauty, and regenerative qualities offer a gentle counterpoint to modern life’s high-impact consumerism. Initiatives like El Romeral’s Esparto Cultural Museum and Ibiza’s artisanal workshops preserve this fragile inheritance, nurturing a future built not on exploitation but on resilience.
“It’s a traditional method, but the younger generations are breathing new life into it,” Windle says. “It’s a living heritage – not a relic, but a tribute to the land, the people, and their enduring culture.” The humble esparto grass on Ibiza reminds us that true beauty grows from deep roots.
Written by Ruthie Collins
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Image Credits:
LEAD: Adlib Ibiza handmade shoes.
All images as credited in photo captions, and courtesy of Adlib Ibiza, Espardenyes Torres, and Estrivancus.