20 Years of Kenyan Sandals at Aspiga
As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we are looking back at the heart of Aspiga. Before the breezy linens and the organic cotton dresses, there was the Kenyan Sandal. It is the piece that launched our brand, defined our ethical DNA, and remains the cornerstone of our B Corp journey today.
Shop now: Kenyan Sandals, and Beaded Belts
20 Years of the Kenyan Sandal: The Heartbeat of Aspiga
In 2005, our founder Lucy Macnamara was on holiday in Kenya when she was captivated by a pair of hand-beaded sandals. They weren’t just footwear; they were pieces of wearable art, intricately adorned with glass beads and crafted with a level of dedication rarely seen in the world of modern fashion.
That single pair of sandals sparked a vision. Lucy returned to London, left her job in the charity sector, and launched Aspiga in 2006. Today, as we celebrate 20 years of our Kenyan collection, those sandals remain the heartbeat of everything we do.
More Than a Sandal: A Story of Partnership
From day one, Aspiga has been about more than just aesthetics. We didn’t want to just "source" products; we wanted to build a family.
For two decades, we have worked alongside our lead supplier, Eunice, who started her business at just 23 years old. In the early years, Aspiga provided Eunice with a loan to purchase a specialised machine for cutting leather soles - a task that was previously done painstakingly by hand. This didn't just speed up her process; it empowered her to take on larger orders and grow her own business independently.
Today, our "Kenyan Family" consists of five family-run workshops, providing sustainable livelihoods for talented artisans from tribes including the Maasai, Kikuyu, and Giriama.
The Art of the Craft
Every pair of Aspiga Kenyan sandals is a labor of love. If you’ve ever wondered why they feel so special, it’s in the details:
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The Beadwork: It takes a skilled artisan up to three hours to hand-bead a single pair. Each glass bead is meticulously sorted, threaded, and sewn directly onto the leather.
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The Materials: We use high-quality leather from a tannery in Nairobi, which is dyed with natural pigments and dried in the Kenyan sun.
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The Soles: Our signature soles are made from recycled rubber, ensuring that your footprint is as light on the planet as it is stylish on the street.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Our 20-year relationship with Kenya has grown into much more than a supply chain. It has become a mission. Through the support of our customers, we’ve been able to:
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Empower Women: Many of our artisans are mothers who perform "piecemeal" beadwork from their homes, allowing them to earn a fair wage while caring for their children.
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Protect the Coastline: For every pair of Kenyan sandals sold, we pledge to collect a basket of plastic waste through our monthly Beach Clean-Up in Malindi.
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Educate the Next Generation: We currently sponsor 12 child volunteers in Kenya, paying their school fees to ensure they have access to the education they deserve.
Looking Forward
As a Certified B Corp, our commitment to "People and Planet" is now legally woven into our business. While we have expanded into organic cotton dresses, sustainable linens, and contemporary knitwear, the Kenyan sandal will always be where it all began.
Whether you’re wearing your sandals on a sun-drenched beach or pairing them with jeans for a London lunch, you aren’t just wearing a shoe. You’re wearing 20 years of heritage, craftsmanship, and a promise of a fairer fashion future.
Shop now: Starfish sandals
Explore the Iconic Kenyan Collection
“I fell in love with the artistry of Kenya twenty years ago, and today, that love is stronger than ever. Thank you for being part of our journey.” — Lucy Macnamara, Founder.
