Accessories: Aspiga Stylish Leather Sandals Handcrafted in Kenya

Aspiga [Kenya]

I’ve just painted my toenails in the most delicious, sizzling hot shade of fuchsia pink. So vibrant and electric it screams summer, and in the sunlight literally hums against my skin tone; apt given that the shade is named ‘Pulsating’. I’m loving the colour just as much as I’m loving the gorgeous and very coquettish looking Cobra sandals by Aspiga. Available in gold, silver, bronze, black and brown they are a perfect match and a very stylishly embellished summer accessory whether peeking out of maxi dresses or coiling seductively around bare ankles. The Cobra sandal with its unique twists in the leather and coiling straps has been one of Aspiga’s best-selling sandals, selling out almost as soon as they get restocked. 

[Image credits: top, Aspiga Cobra sandals in silver – Anusha; 
bottom, Cobra Sandals in gold – Aspiga]

The seed for Aspiga was sown by a holiday to Kenya over six years ago, whereby owner Lucy Macnamara fell in love with the country and the handcrafted products; and sort ways to introduce them to a wider audience. Since then the company has expanded rapidly selling summer must-have essentials from sandals, flip-flops and bags to belts, jewellery and kikoys amongst others. Most of the accessories include beaded detailing in glass and diamante beads for shimmering sparkle worked into simple or complex patterns and colour combinations, a skill that can take several weeks to train new recruits to the required standard. Many hours go into making the luxurious leather and beaded products, calling upon the various skills of talented artisans. The leather products are handcrafted using local leather; purchased from a tannery in Nairobi which are then hand cut and hand sewn before the beaded details are then added. The beading can often be a laborious process of sorting and individually threading them onto the thread before being sewn into the patterns. 

[Image credits: Aspiga Elite collection sandals – top, Lulu Nyali; bottom, Mia – Anusha]

Believing in tackling poverty through aid the majority of Aspiga’s products are produced in Kenya by six suppliers; local individuals who have set up their own small workshops employing men and women from the local community. Aspiga stipulates that all their suppliers offer fair wages, good working conditions and generally lookout for the welfare of the workers they employ. You can get to know some of the producers through their biographies on the Aspiga website. In addition, a percentage of Aspiga’s profits go towards The Brydges Centre; an orphanage situated just outside Nairobi, Kenya that looks after 150 children who include orphans, the destitute, the abandoned, the abused and street children. Providing support through much-needed meals, education and spiritual guidance The Brydges Centre has a variety of projects that interested parties can get involved in. 

[Image credit: Sheesa Sandals – Aspiga]

With a range of collections to choose from, Aspiga’s Cobra sandals belong to the glamorous Elite Collection.

…unique twists and turns on the uppers and straps give these sandals that extra special touch.

Additional details:
The full range is priced between: £32-£99
For further information, to find international stockists and to purchase visit: www.aspiga.com
Aspiga sandals also available from online boutique Anusha: www.anusha.co.uk