Summer soles

For many, the humble espadrilles – the rope-soled canvas shoes that originated as the hardy summer footwear of 14th-century peasants in the Spanish Pyrenees – embody the spirit of the French Riviera, somewhere between Antibes and the Côte d'Azur where stripes and a certain blasé nonchalance reign. Time to put those Mediterranean images aside though: as of late, in fact, this ultra-comfy flat has been experiencing a revival right here in Zhongguo too. Amins is a wholly ‘Made in China’ espadrille brand that whips out pretty slip-ons in an array of different colours for both men and women – with each pair of shoes sourced and handmade locally. One year in Majorca had Amins’ designer Dana Eldi falling for these flats’ chic and easy style, leading her to switch stilettos for her own version of the laidback classic. From floral and neon to pastels and oriental motifs, Amins counts 25 different designs ranging from size 35 to 44 and affordably priced at RMB149-349.

// www.amins.taobao.com